Description
This Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad is a creamy, flavorful twist on the classic chicken salad, swapping out heavy mayo for ripe avocado to keep it light and nutrient-dense. Packed with tender shredded chicken, fresh veggies, and zesty lemon, this salad is perfect on its own, in sandwiches, wraps, or atop leafy greens.
Rich in protein, heart-healthy fats, and fiber, this salad is a wholesome option for anyone looking to eat clean without sacrificing taste. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and great for meal prep or quick weekday lunches.
Ingredients
(Serves 3–4)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled and mashed
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup celery, diced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
If not already cooked, boil, bake, or grill chicken breasts until fully cooked. Let cool and shred or dice.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a medium bowl, mash the avocado with lemon juice and Dijon mustard until creamy.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Add shredded chicken, red onion, celery, cherry tomatoes, and herbs to the avocado mixture. Stir gently to combine.
4. Season:
Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust lemon juice or herbs as needed for brightness and flavor.
5. Serve:
Enjoy the salad chilled or at room temperature. Perfect on its own, in a sandwich, wrap, or over a bed of greens.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx.)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
Tips & Tricks
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño for heat.
- Add crunch: Toss in toasted nuts or seeds like almonds, sunflower, or pumpkin seeds.
- Swap herbs: Try basil, dill, or tarragon for different flavor profiles.
- Meal prep: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days—best eaten fresh to avoid avocado browning.
- No avocado? Substitute with plain Greek yogurt for a creamy texture.
From Me to Your Readers
I love this Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad because it’s an easy way to get clean protein and healthy fats all in one dish. The creamy avocado replaces mayonnaise, making it lighter and packed with good-for-you nutrients. It’s versatile enough to serve at lunch, dinner, or as a snack, and always feels fresh and satisfying.
Add this to your “Healthy Lunches,” “Meal Prep Recipes,” or “Low-Carb Meals” collection for a quick, wholesome option.
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