This Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad is fresh and tasty! It mixes juicy chicken, creamy avocado, crunchy veggies, and a zingy dressing for a perfect meal or snack.
Seriously, it’s like a party on your plate! I love making it for lunch; it keeps me feeling full and happy without much fuss.
On hot days, I serve it cold with some crisp lettuce leaves. It’s a quick, light meal that’s so good you’ll want to make it all the time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Cooked chicken breast is a great lean protein source. For extra convenience, you can use rotisserie chicken. Shredded or leftover chicken works too!
Avocados: Ripe avocados give creaminess to the salad. If avocados are not available, try using Greek yogurt or silken tofu for a similar texture, but the taste will differ.
Corn: Fresh corn off the cob is sweet and juicy, but canned corn is a good substitute. If you want to avoid canned goods, frozen corn works well too; just thaw it first.
Red Onion: Red onion adds a bite. If you’re sensitive to raw onion, you can swap it for green onions or sweet onions, which have a milder flavor.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives a nice herbal note. If you’re not a fan, parsley or basil can be used instead, keeping in mind they’ll give a different taste.
How Can You Make Sure to Keep Avocados Looking Fresh?
Avocados brown quickly after cutting, which can be a concern for salads. To prevent this, squeeze lime juice over the diced avocados as soon as you cut them. The acidity helps slow down oxidation.
- Make sure your avocados are ripe but not overly soft.
- Gently toss the salad; avoid mashing the avocados to keep them intact.
- If you’re making the salad in advance, store it in an airtight container. You can also add an extra squeeze of lime juice right before serving for freshness.
How to Make Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup corn (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color for added crunch)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing avocado chicken salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 15-30 minutes to chill in the fridge. In total, you can expect about 25-40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the diced chicken breast, diced avocados, corn, finely chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro. These fresh ingredients will blend nicely together for a delicious salad.
2. Add Lime Juice:
Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture. The lime juice not only adds flavor but also helps keep the avocado from browning. Make sure everything gets a nice coat of juice!
3. Season It Up:
Sprinkle salt and pepper over your mixture to taste. If you want a little extra crunch, now is the time to add in your diced bell peppers. They will bring a nice pop of color and texture to your salad.
4. Toss Gently:
Using a spatula or large spoon, carefully toss all the ingredients together. Be gentle so you don’t mash the avocados; you want to maintain their nice, creamy texture.
5. Chill the Salad:
Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let the salad chill for about 15-30 minutes. This resting time lets all the delicious flavors mix together beautifully.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, serve your avocado chicken salad as a refreshing lunch or dinner. It’s light, tasty, and perfect for a warm day. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Canned Chicken Instead of Cooked Chicken Breast?
Yes, you can definitely use canned chicken for convenience! Just make sure to drain and rinse it well to remove any excess sodium. Gently shred it before mixing with the other ingredients to maintain a nice texture.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply replace the chicken with a plant-based protein such as chickpeas or tofu. You can also use a vegan mayonnaise or a dressing made from blended avocado to add creaminess without using chicken.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Chicken Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the avocados from browning too quickly, consider storing the avocado separately and mixing it in just before serving!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies such as cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or even grated carrots for more nutrition and crunch. Just chop them finely so they blend well with the other ingredients.
