Creamy Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad (No Mayo!)
Too hot to turn on the oven today? This Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad is exactly what you need.
It is the ultimate fresh meal for a bright summer day. You get all the creaminess you love without any heavy mayo. It is light, bright, and completely satisfying.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This dish is a total game-changer for your lunch routine. It is packed with healthy fats and lean protein to keep you full.
It is perfect for a healthy reset when you want to feel light. You can have this ready in 30 minutes with very little effort. Your body will thank you for this nutrient-dense meal.
Simple Method
Making this salad is incredibly simple and satisfying. You just mash, chop, and stir everything together in one bowl. Even if you are a beginner, you can do this with ease.
Using a mix of mashed and cubed avocado creates the perfect texture. It feels fancy but takes almost no time to prepare.
Ingredients for Your Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad
Most of these items are likely already in your kitchen. We use fresh seasonal produce to make the flavors really pop.
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 2 ripe avocados, pitted and cubed
- 0.5 cup red onion, finely diced
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Directions
- Combine the shredded chicken and diced red onion in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, mash half of the avocado cubes with the lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until relatively smooth.
- Transfer the avocado mash into the large bowl with the chicken and onion.
- Add the remaining cubed avocado and chopped cilantro to the bowl.
- Gently fold all ingredients together using a rubber spatula until the chicken is evenly coated, taking care not to completely mash the remaining avocado chunks.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 hours.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This salad is so versatile for your summer meals. Scoop it into large lettuce cups for a light, crunchy bite. You can also serve it with seed crackers for a quick snack.
Set the table and enjoy this fresh meal on your patio. It pairs beautifully with a glass of iced herbal tea. Pack this for your summer picnic in the park for an easy lunch.
Keep It Fresh
Avocado can be a little temperamental once sliced. This salad is best enjoyed immediately for the brightest green color.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad. This helps prevent the avocado from browning too quickly.
Recipe Tips for Best Results
- Use avocados that give slightly when pressed for the best creaminess.
- Don’t skip the lime juice as it prevents the avocado from browning.
- Avoid over-mixing the salad to keep those lovely avocado chunks intact.
- Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time on busy weeknights.
- For a summer BBQ, double the batch for a crowd-pleasing side dish.
- Add an extra pinch of sea salt right before serving to brighten the flavors.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little spicy kick.
- Swap the cilantro for fresh parsley if you prefer a milder herb flavor.
- Stir in some halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of summer sweetness.
- In summer, swap a portion of chicken for fresh grilled corn kernels.
Common Questions
Can I make this salad a day ahead?
It is best to make this close to serving time. The avocado will eventually brown even with the lime juice. You can shred the chicken a day early to save time.
How do I know if my avocado is ripe?
A ripe avocado should feel soft but not mushy. If the stem nub peels away easily to reveal green, it is perfect. If it is brown underneath, it might be overripe.
I hope this fresh salad becomes your new favorite summer lunch. It is so simple and makes you feel truly nourished. Happy cooking!
— Clara
Ingredients
Method
- Combine the shredded chicken and diced red onion in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, mash half of the avocado cubes with the lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until relatively smooth.
- Transfer the avocado mash into the large bowl with the chicken and onion.
- Add the remaining cubed avocado and chopped cilantro to the bowl.
- Gently fold all ingredients together using a rubber spatula until the chicken is evenly coated, taking care not to completely mash the remaining avocado chunks.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 hours.
