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Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe

4.8 from 67 reviews

This Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad is a fresh, nutritious, and flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or snack. Combining creamy ripe avocados with tender chicken breast, crisp vegetables, and zesty lime juice, this salad offers a delightful balance of textures and vibrant flavors. Enhanced with Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and fresh cilantro for a burst of herbal notes, it’s quick to prepare and ideal served chilled.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 2 large ripe avocados
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced (about 2 medium breasts)
  • ½ to 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
  • ¼ cup celery, finely diced
  • ¼ cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt (optional, for extra creaminess)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: If using raw chicken, season with salt and pepper and grill or bake until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). Allow to cool, then dice into small cubes for the salad.
  2. Prepare the Avocados: Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a large mixing bowl. Mash with a fork to your preferred consistency, either smooth or slightly chunky.
  3. Add Vegetables and Chicken: To the mashed avocado, add the diced chicken breast, halved cherry or grape tomatoes, finely diced red onion, celery, and red bell pepper.
  4. Season the Salad: Sprinkle in the chopped cilantro, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
  5. Add Creaminess: If desired, fold in the Greek yogurt to enhance the creaminess of the salad.
  6. Combine and Taste: Gently mix all the ingredients until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more lime juice, salt, or pepper as preferred.
  7. Chill and Serve: Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and deepen before serving.

Notes

  • Using cooked chicken breast helps reduce prep time; leftover or rotisserie chicken works well.
  • Adjust the garlic powder and lime juice quantities to suit your taste preferences.
  • For a dairy-free version, omit the Greek yogurt or substitute with a plant-based yogurt.
  • Serve the salad with whole grain bread, as a filling for wraps, or on a bed of greens for a fuller meal.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.

Keywords: Healthy chicken salad, avocado chicken salad, easy chicken salad, low fat chicken salad, avocado recipe, quick lunch recipe