Avocado Chicken Salad is the ultimate answer to a crave-worthy, healthy lunch that comes together in a flash and never compromises on flavor. Creamy, ripe avocado pairs beautifully with tender chicken and a pop of lime, while crunchy celery and zesty red onion keep every bite lively. This dish is an absolute favorite around my table, whether it’s served on toast, tucked into a sandwich, or spooned generously over a bed of greens. If you love a quick, nourishing meal with a satisfying mix of textures, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Avocado Chicken Salad.

Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Avocado Chicken Salad relies on simple but essential ingredients—each adding a layer of taste, texture, or a burst of color. Don’t skip any of them if you can help it; together, they create a salad that feels far greater than the sum of its parts.

Cooked chicken breast: Shredded or chopped chicken gives this salad its hearty base and keeps it satisfying for hours.
Ripe avocado: The star of the show—creamy, rich, and packed with healthy fats, it transforms the salad’s texture and flavor.
Plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise: Adds that essential touch of creaminess; Greek yogurt keeps it lighter while still deliciously tangy.
Fresh lime juice: Just a splash brightens everything up and prevents the avocado from browning too quickly.
Chopped fresh cilantro: Provides a fresh, herbaceous flavor that lifts the whole dish (or swap with parsley for a milder note).
Finely chopped red onion: For a spicy crunch and a bit of color—red onion keeps every forkful exciting!
Diced celery: This secret weapon adds crunch and an extra layer of freshness.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors—season generously and taste as you go.
Optional pinch of garlic powder: For anyone craving a subtle savory kick, a pinch goes a long way.

How to Make Avocado Chicken Salad

Step 1: Mash the Avocado

Grab your largest mixing bowl and add the ripe avocado along with the lime juice. Use a fork to gently mash them together—you’re aiming for a mix that’s creamy, but with a few small chunks remaining for texture. The lime juice not only adds a fresh zing but also keeps the avocado vibrant and green.

Step 2: Stir in Creamy Base

Add your Greek yogurt or mayonnaise to the mashed avocado and stir to blend it all together. This creates the ultra-creamy foundation that will coat every piece of chicken and veggie, ensuring every bite of your Avocado Chicken Salad is luscious and rich.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Veggies

Time to toss in the shredded or chopped chicken, chopped red onion, diced celery, and cilantro. These ingredients provide that hearty bite and a mix of crunch and color. If you love a little heat, now’s when you could also add some finely diced jalapeño.

Step 4: Season to Perfection

Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder if you’re using it. Stir everything together until every piece is evenly coated in the creamy avocado dressing. Taste and adjust the salt or lime juice to your liking—this is your chance to make it exactly how you love it.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Enjoy your Avocado Chicken Salad immediately, before the avocado can lose its vibrant color. Spoon it onto toast, pile it high in a sandwich, scoop it up with crackers, or serve it over your favorite greens for a refreshing meal.

How to Serve Avocado Chicken Salad

Garnishes

Top your Avocado Chicken Salad with a fresh sprinkle of extra cilantro, a dusting of cracked black pepper, or even a few slivers of jalapeño if you’re after a little extra heat. Sometimes a sprinkle of chili flakes or a few thinly sliced radishes make for a stunning and flavorful finish.

Side Dishes

This salad is wonderfully versatile, so you can pair it with almost anything! Try serving it alongside crisp crudités, a bowl of your favorite soup, or with some roasted sweet potato wedges for a filling, balanced lunch. A slice of crusty sourdough is always a good idea, too.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful—spoon the salad into lettuce cups for a refreshing, low-carb option or stuff it into pita bread for a lunch-to-go. It’s also a star as a topping for baked potatoes or avocado halves, showcasing just how flexible Avocado Chicken Salad can be!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Avocado Chicken Salad, pop it into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. The lime juice helps slow browning, but the salad is definitely best enjoyed fresh for peak creaminess and color.

Freezing

While the chicken itself freezes beautifully, avocado does not hold up well in the freezer—it tends to turn watery and brown. For best results, it’s not recommended to freeze Avocado Chicken Salad. If you want to get ahead, prep your cooked chicken and keep it in the freezer, then whip up the rest fresh when you’re ready.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat—this salad is made for serving chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer a slightly warmer bite, let it sit on the counter for ten minutes before serving, but keep in mind that it’s most enjoyable fresh and cool.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Avocado Chicken Salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a major time-saver and adds an extra depth of flavor. Just remove the skin and shred or chop the meat before mixing in—your salad will still be deliciously satisfying.

What’s the best way to keep my avocado green?

Adding lime juice (or lemon juice) directly to the avocado as soon as you mash it is key! The acidity slows down the browning and keeps your Avocado Chicken Salad looking and tasting fresh.

Can I make Avocado Chicken Salad dairy-free?

Of course! Simply swap the Greek yogurt for your favorite dairy-free mayonnaise or a plant-based yogurt for the same creamy result. The flavors will shine just as brightly.

What protein can I use instead of chicken?

This salad adapts easily—try it with cooked turkey, canned tuna, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian spin. Each one offers a new twist, so experiment with your favorites!

How spicy can I make Avocado Chicken Salad?

You can absolutely adjust the heat to suit your taste. Diced jalapeño, a pinch of cayenne, or a bit of hot sauce stirred in with the dressing can take things up a notch (or three). Start small, taste, and build from there!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a new lunchtime favorite, give this Avocado Chicken Salad a try—it’s fresh, creamy, and packed with flavor you’ll want to enjoy again and again. Grab those simple ingredients, mix up a big bowl, and see just how versatile and satisfying this easy salad can be!

Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Avocado Chicken Salad is a creamy, flavorful twist on classic chicken salad. With the richness of avocado and the tang of lime juice, it’s perfect for a light and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Salad:

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
1 ripe avocado, diced
¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
¼ cup finely chopped red onion
¼ cup diced celery
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional pinch of garlic powder

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Instructions

Mash the Avocado: In a large mixing bowl, mash the avocado lightly with the lime juice.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in the Greek yogurt or mayonnaise until smooth. Add the chicken, red onion, celery, cilantro, salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using. Mix until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Taste and Adjust: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately on toast, in a sandwich, with crackers, or over greens.

Notes

Best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Add diced jalapeño for a spicy kick or swap cilantro for parsley if preferred.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American