Best Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe – Easy 20-Minute Meal | No Mayo

Are you searching for a nutritious meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor? Look no further than this healthy avocado chicken salad recipe! This perfect blend of creamy avocados, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables creates a satisfying dish that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a quick lunch option, this healthy avocado chicken salad recipe delivers on both taste and health benefits. We’ve perfected this healthy avocado chicken salad recipe to ensure it’s both nutritious and absolutely delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe

• Ready in just 20 minutes – perfect for busy weekdays!
• Loaded with protein and healthy fats to keep you full longer
• Completely customizable to your dietary preferences
• Healthy avocado chicken salad is perfect for meal prep
• No mayo option makes it lighter than traditional chicken salads
• Packed with essential nutrients from fresh ingredients
• Kid-friendly and great for the whole family
• Works as a sandwich filling, wrap, or standalone salad

Ingredients for Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (about 2 medium breasts)
• 2 ripe avocados, pitted and diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup celery, finely diced
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (or substitute with parsley)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt for extra creaminess

Dietary Variations:

• For a paleo version, ensure your chicken is pasture-raised
• For keto avocado chicken salad, add extra avocado and skip any sweet additions
• For a dairy-free option, omit the optional Greek yogurt
• For extra protein, add 1-2 chopped hard-boiled eggs

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How to Make Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, poach 2 chicken breasts by placing them in a pot, covering with water, and simmering for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.
2. Allow the chicken to cool, then shred using two forks or dice into small, bite-sized pieces.
3. For extra flavor, you can season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime while it’s still warm.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Dice the red onion, celery, and bell pepper into small pieces.
2. Chop the fresh cilantro or parsley.
3. Mince the garlic clove.
4. Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and dice the flesh.
5. Immediately sprinkle the diced avocado with lime juice to prevent browning.

Step 3: Combine and Mix

1. In a large bowl, add the cooled shredded chicken.
2. Add the diced avocado, red onion, celery, bell pepper, and cilantro.
3. Add the minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. If using, add the optional tablespoon of Greek yogurt.
5. Gently fold all ingredients together, being careful not to mash the avocado completely – you want some chunks for texture in your healthy avocado chicken salad recipe!

Step 4: Adjust Seasoning

1. Taste your healthy avocado chicken salad and adjust seasonings as needed.
2. Add more lime juice for tanginess, salt for flavor, or Greek yogurt for creaminess.
3. For a spicy kick, add a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe

• Choose perfectly ripe avocados: They should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not be mushy. The right avocado makes all the difference in this healthy avocado chicken salad recipe.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving hack – it’s already seasoned and ready to go!
• Make it ahead: Prepare everything except the avocado, then add freshly diced avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
• Extra lime trick: The acid in lime juice helps prevent avocado browning. Don’t skip this ingredient!
• Texture matters: Keep some ingredients more chunky for a satisfying bite.
• Season in layers: Add a bit of salt to the chicken and again to the final mixture for better flavor distribution.

Best Ways to Serve Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad

This versatile healthy avocado chicken salad recipe can be enjoyed in multiple ways:

• Served on a bed of mixed greens for a low-carb lunch
• Stuffed into a whole grain pita pocket with extra lettuce
• Spread on toasted whole grain bread for a satisfying sandwich
• Wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla with spinach for a quick lunch
• Scooped onto cucumber slices or bell pepper halves for a party appetizer
• Stuffed into hollowed tomatoes for an impressive presentation
• Paired with whole grain crackers for a protein-packed snack

For a complete meal, serve your healthy avocado chicken salad recipe with a side of fresh fruit, a light soup, or some baked sweet potato chips for a satisfying crunch!

Nutritional Information for Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe

(Per serving, recipe makes 4 servings)

• Calories: 275 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 17g (mostly healthy unsaturated fats from avocado)
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 330mg

This healthy avocado chicken salad recipe is rich in potassium, vitamin K, vitamin C, and B vitamins, making it not just delicious but also nutritionally dense.

Storage & Leftovers for Your Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe

Healthy avocado chicken salad recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but proper storage can help maintain its quality:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface (this helps prevent avocado browning) for up to 2 days.
• Preventing browning: Add an extra squeeze of lime juice and ensure the container is airtight.
• Not recommended for freezing: The avocado texture will not hold up well when thawed.
• Refresh before serving: Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of cilantro to revive leftover salad.

FAQs for Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe

Can I make healthy avocado chicken salad recipe without cilantro?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of cilantro, substitute with fresh parsley, dill, or even basil for a different flavor profile. Each herb will give your healthy avocado chicken salad recipe a unique taste while maintaining its freshness.

How do I keep avocados from turning brown in my chicken salad?

The key is acidity! Make sure to use enough lime or lemon juice, and if storing, place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the salad to minimize air exposure. You can also reserve some of the avocado to add fresh just before serving your healthy avocado chicken salad.

Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?

Yes, while fresh chicken provides the best flavor, canned chicken works in a pinch for a quick avocado chicken salad. Just drain it well, and you might want to add extra seasonings since canned chicken can be milder in flavor.

What can I substitute for avocado if I’m allergic?

If you can’t use avocado, try using Greek yogurt with a touch of olive oil to create creaminess. Hummus also makes a great substitute base for a modified (though no longer avocado chicken salad) version of this dish.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoy this healthy avocado chicken salad, you’ll also want to try these nutritious recipes:

• Southwestern Quinoa Bowls with Avocado Dressing
• Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts
• Mexican-Inspired Cobb Salad with Avocado Lime Dressing
• Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Avocado
• Avocado Egg Salad Toast

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe!

With this simple guide, you now know how to make the best healthy avocado chicken salad recipe at home! It’s the perfect balance of nutritious ingredients and delicious flavors that will satisfy your hunger and nourish your body. This versatile healthy avocado chicken salad recipe works for lunch, dinner, or even as a hearty snack, proving that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or complicated.

Ready to take your meal prep game to the next level? Give this healthy avocado chicken salad recipe a try today and let us know in the comments how you enjoyed it! Don’t forget to share your own tips or favorite ways to serve this nutritious dish.

Now you have everything you need to create a delicious, healthy avocado chicken salad recipe that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation!

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