If you’re looking for a lunch that’s luxurious, healthy, and utterly irresistible, this Avocado Chicken Salad is about to become your next obsession. Picture tender chicken tossed with creamy avocado, crisp veggies, a touch of lime, and an herby pop of cilantro — all tied together with a whisper-light, tangy dressing. Whether you’re serving it on a bed of greens, stacking it in sandwiches, or scooping it with crackers, this Avocado Chicken Salad is the perfect blend of fresh flavors and satisfying textures. It’s a breeze to whip up and is guaranteed to earn rave reviews at your table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about using simple, fresh ingredients that shine on their own and create layers of flavor together. Each item plays a deliciously important role, making this Avocado Chicken Salad both vibrant and hearty.
- Cooked chicken breast (2 cups, shredded or chopped): Rotisserie or home-cooked chicken both work here, offering lean protein and heartiness.
- Ripe avocados (2, peeled, pitted, and diced): Avocado brings rich creaminess and beautiful color while packing in healthy fats.
- Plain Greek yogurt (1/4 cup): This ensures a tangy, lighter base that keeps the salad fresh and extra creamy.
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Just enough to add classic chicken salad richness without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Fresh lime juice (1 tablespoon): Brings balance and zest, and helps keep the avocados bright green.
- Red onion (1/4 cup, finely chopped): Adds mild sharpness and a subtle crunch for contrast.
- Fresh cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped): Offers a burst of herby fragrance that makes this dish sing.
- Celery stalk (1, finely chopped): Lends a light, juicy crunch for texture variety.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers gentle savory depth without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Balances all the flavors and brings the salad together harmoniously.
How to Make Avocado Chicken Salad
Step 1: Whisk Up the Dressing
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is super smooth and creamy. This is the flavorful base that will tie all your salad ingredients together, making every forkful extra luscious.
Step 2: Add the Chicken and Avocado
Next, add your cooked chicken and diced avocado into the bowl. The chicken offers substance and soaks up the zesty, creamy dressing, while the avocado starts to gently mash — creating irresistible creaminess with every bite. Don’t over-stir just yet, as you’ll want those avocado chunks to keep some shape.
Step 3: Toss in the Veggies and Herbs
To the same bowl, sprinkle in the chopped red onion, fresh cilantro, and finely diced celery. These fresh additions bring crunch, color, and bursts of flavor, transforming this Avocado Chicken Salad into a truly satisfying meal.
Step 4: Gently Mix Everything Together
Using a spatula or large spoon, gently fold all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated and the avocado is just slightly mashed. Your salad should look creamy but still have plenty of delicious texture. Taste and tweak the seasoning if you want an extra kick of lime or salt — your palate is the boss!
Step 5: Chill, Serve, and Enjoy
You can dig in immediately, but giving the salad 15–30 minutes in the fridge really lets the flavors meld beautifully. Serve chilled for the best Avocado Chicken Salad experience, whether it’s piled on toast, wrapped in lettuce, or spooned right out of the bowl.
How to Serve Avocado Chicken Salad
Garnishes
To elevate your Avocado Chicken Salad, try adding a sprinkle of extra cilantro, a crack of fresh black pepper, or a few thin avocado slices on top. Chopped chives, a dusting of smoked paprika, or even a pinch of crushed red pepper can also add visual flair and flavor punch.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs perfectly with crisp lettuce cups, toasted sourdough, or a hearty whole grain cracker. For a fuller meal, accompany it with a light vegetable soup, a bright citrusy fruit salad, or crunchy raw veggies. The versatility of Avocado Chicken Salad means it slides right into any lunch or light dinner spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Avocado Chicken Salad shines beyond the typical salad bowl. Stuff it into halved avocados for double the creamy goodness, roll it in tortillas for speedy wraps, or heap it onto cucumber rounds as charming party appetizers. Don’t be afraid to try it as a sandwich filling or even as a topping for baked potatoes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store your Avocado Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within a day or two. Pressing a layer of plastic wrap directly over the surface can help prevent browning from the avocado.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for this salad, since avocados tend to brown and become watery when thawed. For the freshest taste and texture, stick to making it fresh or storing it in the fridge for short-term enjoyment.
Reheating
Avocado Chicken Salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If you decide to add it to a hot dish (like a jacket potato), spoon it over just before serving rather than reheating, to keep the creamy, fresh quality of the avocados intact.
FAQs
What’s the best chicken to use for Avocado Chicken Salad?
Rotisserie chicken is a time-saving hero here, but any cooked and cooled chicken breast you have on hand will work beautifully. Just make sure it’s shredded or cut into bite-sized pieces so it mixes easily into the salad.
How do I keep my avocados from turning brown?
The lime juice in the dressing helps protect the avocado from browning, but storing the salad with plastic pressed directly to the surface and serving it soon after making is the best way to keep that deliciously bright color.
Can I make Avocado Chicken Salad dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the Greek yogurt for your favorite non-dairy yogurt or increase the amount of mayonnaise. The salad is still rich and flavorful, even without dairy.
What else can I mix into Avocado Chicken Salad?
You can add cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, jalapeños for heat, or a handful of chopped nuts for crunch. This salad is endlessly adaptable, letting you use up whatever’s in your fridge!
Is this Avocado Chicken Salad gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as written. Just double-check any bread or crackers you serve alongside to ensure your whole meal stays gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this exciting twist on classic chicken salad. Avocado Chicken Salad is the kind of meal that feels special but is effortless enough for any day of the week. Whip it up once and you’ll see why it’s my go-to for lunches, picnics, or a light and refreshing dinner.
Print
Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Avocado Chicken Salad is a creamy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick and healthy meal. The combination of tender chicken, ripe avocados, and fresh herbs creates a satisfying salad that can be enjoyed on its own or as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, prepare the dressing: Mix Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add ingredients: Combine chicken, avocado, red onion, celery, and cilantro, then gently fold everything together until well mixed and slightly mashed for creaminess.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve or chill: Serve immediately or chill for 15–30 minutes for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- You can substitute sour cream for Greek yogurt or omit the mayo for a lighter version.
- Add crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
