Creamy Avocado Chicken Salad

Creamy Avocado Chicken Salad: Ditch the Mayo, Keep the Flavor!

Fancy a chicken salad that doesn't leave you feeling bleugh ? This avocado chicken salad recipe is my answer! It is super tasty. Plus, it's packed with goodness.

Why Avocado Chicken Salad?

Honestly, I got tired of the same old mayo laden chicken salad. This healthy avocado chicken salad recipe is here to save the day.

We are using creamy avocado instead. Ditching the mayo for a lighter, fresher taste. It's like giving the classic chicken salad a Californian glow-up.

The best salad recipes healthy clean eating are easy to prepare.

A Quick Taste of Sunshine

Originating from the quest for a healthier lunch option, this recipe blends the comforting familiarity of chicken salad with the vibrant flavors of California.

Ready in about 40 minutes. Yielding four delicious servings, it’s a breeze to whip up. Perfect for a quick lunch or picnic treat.

Avocado = Awesome!

Avocados are a healthy fat powerhouse. They help keep you feeling full and satisfied. I love how they make this salad so creamy without any of the guilt.

This creamy avocado chicken salad is a guilt free pleasure. Plus, it's perfect for meal prep. Make a batch on Sunday.

Then you can enjoy it all week! Seriously, meal ideas with avocado are some of the best!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Salad Started!

Right, so you want to make the best avocado chicken salad ever? Good choice! It's way better than the usual mayo drenched stuff.

This recipe is light, fresh, and perfect for a sunny day. We are doing here a version for Best Salad Recipes Healthy Clean Eating .

Let's dive into what you'll need.

Main Players: The Ingredient Rundown

Okay, here's the lowdown on what you'll need to make this creamy avocado chicken salad magic happen. Creamy avocado chicken salad is perfect for the summer.

• Chicken:
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts OR 3 cups shredded cooked chicken. Honestly, sometimes I just grab a rotisserie chicken. Makes life so much easier! Especially if I don't have Meal Ideas With Avocado in mind.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (good quality stuff!).
  • 1 teaspoon salt.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
• The Salad Stuff:
  • 2 ripe avocados, pitted and diced. Make sure they're ripe but not mushy, okay?
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced (about 1/2 small onion).
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped. Fresh is always better here.
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed. Bottled stuff just isn't the same.
  • 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt (optional, but adds a nice tang!). This is a great tip for the No mayo chicken salad option.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste).
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste).
  • 1/4 cup chopped celery (optional, for crunch).

Seasoning is Key: Flavor Bombs Away!

The right seasoning can make or break any dish. It gives some zest to the avocado chicken salad sandwich . For this healthy avocado chicken salad recipe , we're keeping it simple but impactful.

• Essential Combo: Salt, pepper, and lime juice are your base.
• Flavor Boosters: Cilantro and red onion add a lovely freshness and bite. Feel free to sub in parsley or chives if you're not a cilantro fan.
• Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes will give it a sneaky kick!

Equipment: Keep It Simple

You don't need a fancy kitchen to make this happen.

• Essentials: Large mixing bowl, cutting board, sharp knife, fork.
• Chicken Cooking: Skillet or oven (if you're cooking the chicken yourself). A meat thermometer is always a good idea to make sure the chicken is cooked through aim for 165° F ( 74° C) .
• Alternatives: If you don't have a potato masher, a fork will do just fine to mash the avocado.

This keto avocado salad is truly simple. Seriously, that's it! Now you know what you need. Time to get cooking! This is one of the avocado dishes easy to make, so you are going to enjoy it.

Let's get to making some delish chicken salad with avocado dressing .

Creamy Avocado Chicken Salad: Ditch the Mayo, Keep the Flavor!

This ain't your grandma's chicken salad. We are swapping out the heavy mayo for creamy, healthy avocado. The result is a light, refreshing, and utterly delicious twist on a classic.

My own version of best salad recipes healthy clean eating will blow you away. Seriously, it's that good.

This Avocado chicken salad is perfect for sandwiches. Or lettuce wraps. Maybe straight from the bowl is more your vibe? Its subtle herbaceous notes and creamy texture make it a true crowd pleaser.

This salad is picnic ready, BBQ-approved, and "what's the recipe?" worthy.

Prep Steps: Get Your Act Together

Essential mise en place is crucial. Basically, have everything chopped and ready to go. I learnt this the hard way after one disaster involving raw chicken, a blunt knife, and a rapidly wilting avocado.

Talk about a stress fest! Time saving tip: Use a rotisserie chicken. Safety wise, always wash your hands. Chicken can be a bit dodge.

step-by-step: Salad Magic

1. Cook the chicken if needed. You have 2 options. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) . Or, preheat oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Bake the chicken until 165° F ( 74° C) . Let cool and shred or dice.
2. Halve, pit, and dice the avocados. Place in a large mixing bowl.
3. Add red onion, cilantro, lime juice, greek yogurt (if you want the extra creaminess), salt, and pepper to the bowl.
4. Gently mash the avocado mixture with a fork. Keep it a little chunky!
5. Add the shredded chicken to the avocado mix.
6. Gently fold until well combined. Be gentle!
7. Cover and chill for at least 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
8. Taste and adjust. Need more lime juice? Go for it!

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Salad Game

Don’t use overripe avocados or you'll get mush. You want the avocados to be ripe and firm. Lime juice is key.

It brightens the flavor and stops the avocado from browning so fast. A make-ahead option is to prep all the ingredients but mix just before serving.

This keeps everything fresh. It's that one secret that will turn your meal ideas with avocado into something unforgettable.

Honestly, this is the healthy avocado chicken salad recipe you've been looking for. Ditch the mayo. Embrace the avocado. You won't regret it!

Recipe Notes for Your Best Avocado Chicken Salad

Alright, let's talk about making this avocado chicken salad your own . honestly It's all about the little tweaks. You know? Let's dive in.

Plating Like a Pro: Serving Suggestions

Think beyond just slapping it on bread. This creamy avocado chicken salad deserves some flair. For presentation, mound it high on toasted sourdough or in crisp lettuce cups.

A sprinkle of smoked paprika? Adds a certain je ne sais quoi .

On the side, try some sweet potato fries or a light citrus salad. And for a bevvie? I'm thinking an iced green tea or a crisp white wine. Just saying.

Storage Secrets: Keeping it Fresh

This stuff is good, but it is avocado -based. It will brown. Here's the drill:

• Fridge: Keep it airtight for up to 2 days . A squeeze of extra lime juice helps prevent browning.
• Freezer: Not recommended. The texture gets weird. Honestly.
• Reheating: Best served cold, but you can revive it a little by stirring in a tablespoon of fresh lime juice if it's been in the fridge a while.

Remix Time: Variations on a Theme

Want to mix things up? I've got you:

• Keto avocado salad : Ditch the bread and load it into bell pepper halves!
• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Seasonal Swaps: In the summer, grilled corn kernels are amazing. Autumn? Diced apple for a touch of sweetness.

Nutrition Nuggets: Health Boost

This healthy avocado chicken salad recipe is more than just tasty. It's packed with goodness! Avocados give healthy fats and fiber.

Chicken? All about the protein. It's also one of the Best Salad Recipes Healthy Clean Eating . Per serving (roughly):

• Calories: Around 350
• Protein: Loads!

It's the perfect meal ideas with avocado and a much healthier option than those mayo laden versions. The avocado replaces mayo, so you can call it " no mayo chicken salad ".

So there you have it! All the tips and tricks to make this avocado chicken salad amazing! Get creative, have fun, and make it your own. You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Help! My avocado chicken salad turned brown. What did I do wrong?

Avocados are notorious for browning, so don't worry, you haven't necessarily done anything wrong! The key is lime juice. The acid in the lime juice slows down the oxidation process. Make sure to coat the avocado well with the lime juice as soon as you dice it.

Storing the avocado chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge will also help minimize browning. Think of it like giving your avocado a little spa day to keep it fresh!

Can I make this avocado chicken salad ahead of time?

Absolutely, you can make this avocado chicken salad ahead of time! In fact, letting it sit for at least 15 minutes (or even a few hours) allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, much like a well brewed cuppa. Just be aware that the avocado might brown slightly, so follow the tips above to minimize this.

If you're making it more than a few hours in advance, consider adding the avocado right before serving for the freshest look.

I'm not a fan of cilantro. What can I substitute in this avocado chicken salad recipe?

No worries, not everyone loves cilantro it's a bit like Marmite; you either love it or hate it! A great substitute is fresh parsley or dill. Both have a fresh, herbaceous flavor that complements the other ingredients in the avocado chicken salad.

Start with the same amount as the cilantro called for in the recipe (1/4 cup) and adjust to your liking. You could even try a mix of parsley and chives for a subtle oniony kick!

What are some good variations I can try to spice up my avocado chicken salad?

There are loads of ways to jazz up your avocado chicken salad! For a bit of a spicy kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely diced jalapeño. If you're feeling a Mediterranean vibe, throw in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of feta cheese.

Or, for a bit of sweetness, consider adding some grapes or cranberries. Think of it as giving your classic chicken salad a global tour!

Can I freeze avocado chicken salad?

While technically you can freeze avocado chicken salad, it's not highly recommended. Freezing and thawing can change the texture of the avocado, making it a bit mushy and watery. The other ingredients will generally be okay, but the avocado will suffer.

It's best enjoyed fresh, or made a day or two ahead, and stored in the refrigerator. Just think of it as another reason to whip up a fresh batch!

Is avocado chicken salad healthy? What's the nutritional info?

Compared to traditional mayo laden chicken salad, avocado chicken salad is a healthier alternative! It's packed with healthy fats from the avocado, which are great for your heart. The chicken provides lean protein, and the other ingredients add vitamins and minerals.

As a general guideline, each serving contains roughly 350-400 calories, 30g of protein, 25g of fat, 10g of carbs, 5g of fiber, and 2g of sugar. Keep in mind that these values will vary slightly depending on the precise ingredients you use.