Description
This healthy avocado chicken salad recipe is the perfect blend of creamy avocados, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables. It’s ready in just 20 minutes, packed with protein and healthy fats, and requires no mayo! Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a quick lunch option, this nutritious dish delivers on both taste and health benefits.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
- 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.
- Allow the chicken to cool, then shred using two forks or dice into small, bite-sized pieces.
- For extra flavor, you can season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime while it’s still warm.
- Prepare the Vegetables
- Dice the red onion, celery, and bell pepper into small pieces.
- Chop the fresh cilantro or parsley.
- Mince the garlic clove.
- Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and dice the flesh.
- Immediately sprinkle the diced avocado with lime juice to prevent browning.
- Combine and Mix
- In a large bowl, add the cooled shredded chicken.
- Add the diced avocado, red onion, celery, bell pepper, and cilantro.
- Add the minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- If using, add the optional tablespoon of Greek yogurt.
- 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!
- Adjust Seasoning
- Taste your healthy avocado chicken salad recipe and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Add more lime juice for tanginess, salt for flavor, or Greek yogurt for creaminess.
- For a spicy kick, add a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce.
Notes
Pro Tips:
- Choose perfectly ripe avocados: They should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not be mushy.
- 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!
- Storage: Store in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface for up to 2 days.
Serving Suggestions:
- 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
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 5
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 330
- Fat: 17
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 9
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 70
Keywords: healthy avocado chicken salad recipe, no mayo chicken salad, avocado chicken recipe, meal prep chicken salad, low carb chicken salad