Description
A nutrient-packed, creamy Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad that replaces mayo with ripe avocados. Perfect for a quick, gluten-free lunch or light dinner, featuring shredded chicken, fresh veggies, and zesty lime juice.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 2 ripe avocados (mashed)
- ½ cup red onion (diced)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup cucumber (chopped)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- If using leftover or rotisserie chicken, shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
- If starting with raw chicken, grill, boil, or bake until fully cooked, then let cool before shredding.
- Mash the Avocados:
- Scoop the avocado flesh into a large mixing bowl and mash with a fork until smooth but slightly chunky.
- Add the Vegetables:
- Dice the red onion, halve the cherry tomatoes, and chop the cucumber. Add to the mashed avocado.
- Mix in the Chicken:
- Add the shredded or diced chicken to the bowl, mixing it thoroughly with the avocado and vegetables.
- Season and Dress:
- Drizzle olive oil and lime juice over the mixture. Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Toss until well combined.
- Finish with Cilantro:
- Stir in the chopped cilantro for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Serve:
- Enjoy immediately as a main dish, in a sandwich, or on a bed of fresh greens.
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Press plastic wrap against the salad’s surface to minimize browning.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with whole-grain bread, quinoa, or roasted sweet potatoes for a more filling meal.
- Customizations: Add diced jalapeños for heat, substitute parsley for cilantro, or mix in chopped nuts for crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: salad
- Method: mixing
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Healthy avocado chicken salad, low-carb chicken salad, creamy avocado salad, gluten-free chicken salad, keto avocado salad