This Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad combines tender chicken, creamy avocado, and crunchy veggies for a fresh treat. It’s tasty and makes a great lunch or light dinner!
You can enjoy it on a bed of greens or in a sandwich. I love how it’s filling without being heavy—perfect for those days when you want a little something good for you! 🥑🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced chicken is essential for protein. You can use leftover roast chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken. If you’re looking for a meat-free option, try chickpeas or tofu for a similar texture.
Avocado: A ripe avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats. If you can’t find ripe avocados, mashed banana can be a fun, though different, creamy alternative. You can also skip avocado for a lighter salad.
Greek Yogurt: I love using Greek yogurt for its protein boost and tangy flavor. If you’re not a fan, mayonnaise works well. For a dairy-free version, consider using a plant-based yogurt or even tahini for a nutty taste.
Corn: Fresh corn is wonderful when in season, but frozen or canned corn is just as good! If corn isn’t your thing, diced bell peppers or shredded carrots can add a nice crunch and sweetness.
Fresh Herbs: Dill is my go-to for freshness, but parsley is a great substitute if you want a milder taste. Try mixing in cilantro for a zesty twist, or use dried herbs if you don’t have fresh on hand.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Texture in My Chicken Salad?
The key to a great avocado chicken salad is balancing the textures. Start by gently mixing the chicken and avocado together; this prevents the avocado from turning mushy. The goal is to keep some chunky pieces for a satisfying bite.
- Mix cooked chicken and diced avocado gently in a large bowl.
- Add in the corn, onion, and dill with care; you want them to maintain their shape.
- When incorporating the yogurt mixture, fold instead of stirring to keep things light and fluffy.
By paying attention to how you handle the ingredients, you’ll create a delicious salad that’s not only tasty but visually appealing too!
How to Make Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise, if preferred)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped (or parsley, if you prefer)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or bacon bits for added flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This deliciously healthy avocado chicken salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. Whether you serve it right away or let it chill for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors, it’s a quick and easy option for a refreshing meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Chicken and Avocado:
In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded or diced chicken and the diced avocado. Gently mix them together to combine. Be careful not to mash the avocado too much—you want nice chunks in your salad!
2. Add the Veggies:
Next, add the corn, finely chopped red onion, and fresh dill (or parsley, if you chose that). These add a burst of flavor and texture to your salad, making it colorful and tasty!
3. Prepare the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, juice of one lime, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the dressing is smooth. This will bring everything together perfectly!
4. Mix Everything Together:
Pour the yogurt dressing over the chicken and avocado mixture. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. This ensures every bite is delicious!
5. Optional Add-ins:
If you’d like, fold in some crumbled feta cheese or bacon bits for added flavor. This step is perfect if you want to make your salad even more special!
6. Taste and Adjust:
Now it’s time to taste your salad! Adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed to suit your taste.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad is ready to go! You can serve it immediately or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to let all those lovely flavors meld together. Enjoy it as a refreshing meal or a nutritious snack!
Can I Use Canned Chicken Instead of Fresh Cooked Chicken?
Absolutely! Canned chicken is a great time-saver. Just drain it well to remove excess liquid, then shred or dice it as needed. Keep in mind that canned chicken can be saltier than freshly cooked chicken, so adjust the seasoning accordingly.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
For a vegan version, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or a plant-based shredded chicken alternative. Replace Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt or mashed avocado for creaminess. You can also enhance the flavors with more spices and herbs!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Chicken Salad?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, but the avocado may brown slightly. To prevent this, add a little extra lime juice before sealing the container, or press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your salad with veggies like diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or chopped celery for added crunch. Just make sure to keep the overall ratios balanced to maintain the salad’s creamy texture!
