Indulge in a creamy and flavorful Avocado Chicken Salad that’s perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Packed with protein from shredded chicken and the creamy goodness of ripe avocados, this salad is a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Whether served on its own, as a sandwich filling, or atop a bed of greens, this recipe is a refreshing twist on classic chicken salad.

Why Make Avocado Chicken Salad

A healthy and satisfying meal option that’s rich in protein and good fats from avocados.
Quick and easy to prepare, requiring just a handful of simple ingredients.
Versatile enough to enjoy on its own, as a sandwich filling, or as a topping for salads and wraps.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
2 medium avocados
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup diced red onion
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro
2 teaspoons lime juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

How to Make Avocado Chicken Salad

Prepare the ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked, shredded chicken, diced red onion, fresh cilantro, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt.
Add the avocados: Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop out the flesh into the mixing bowl with the other ingredients.
Mix well: Using a fork, mash the avocados and mix all the ingredients together until well combined and the avocados are broken down.
Adjust seasoning: Taste the chicken salad and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, lime juice, or garlic powder to suit your taste preferences.
Serve: Serve the avocado chicken salad immediately as a standalone dish, as a filling for sandwiches or wraps, or atop a bed of greens.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy the avocado chicken salad on its own as a light and satisfying meal.
Serve it as a sandwich filling between slices of your favorite bread or rolls for a delicious lunch option.
Add a scoop of the salad to a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing and nutritious salad.

Storage Info

To store leftovers, press plastic wrap tightly onto the surface of the salad to prevent the avocados from browning.
Store the salad in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, ensuring it remains tightly covered to maintain freshness.

Techniques or Tips

Use ripe avocados for the best flavor and creaminess in the salad.
Adjust the amount of mayonnaise according to your desired level of creaminess.
For added flavor and texture, consider adding diced celery, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries to the salad.

Variation

Customize the avocado chicken salad by incorporating additional ingredients such as diced tomatoes, chopped bell peppers, or sliced black olives for extra flavor and color.

FAQs about Avocado Chicken Salad

Q: Can I use canned chicken instead of cooked, shredded chicken? A: Yes, canned chicken can be used as a convenient alternative to cooked, shredded chicken in this recipe. Simply drain the canned chicken before adding it to the mixing bowl.

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time? A: While avocado chicken salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Just be sure to press plastic wrap tightly onto the surface of the salad to prevent the avocados from browning.

Q: Can I omit the mayonnaise or use a substitute? A: If you prefer, you can omit the mayonnaise or use a substitute such as Greek yogurt or mashed avocado for a lighter version of the salad. Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.

Avocado Chicken Salad

This Avocado Chicken Salad is a creamy and flavorful dish that's perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Made with shredded chicken, ripe avocados, mayonnaise, red onion, fresh cilantro, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt, this salad is packed with protein and healthy fats. It's easy to prepare and can be served as a sandwich filling, on a bed of lettuce, or with crackers for a delicious snack or light lunch. Plus, it's a great way to use up leftover chicken!

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Serving Size servings

Equipment

Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
2 medium avocados
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup diced red onion
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro
2 teaspoons lime juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Add all of the ingredients to a mixing bowl and mix well to break down the avocado.
Serve immediately.
To store, press plastic wrap tightly onto the surface of the salad to keep the avocado from browning. Store in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.

Notes

This Avocado Chicken Salad is versatile and can be customized with additional ingredients such as diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or a squeeze of hot sauce for extra flavor.