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| Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad |
Healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland or boring, and this Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad proves exactly that. Creamy, refreshing, and naturally nutritious, this salad replaces mayonnaise with ripe avocado and Greek yogurt, creating a lighter, protein-packed meal that still delivers full, satisfying flavor. It’s perfect for lunch, meal prep, summer gatherings, or a quick no-fuss dinner. With lean chicken, vibrant herbs, crunchy vegetables, and heart-healthy avocado, this is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Salad
- 2 large cooked chicken breasts, shredded or diced
- 2 ripe avocados
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon or lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- ½ cup cucumber, diced (optional but refreshing)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Optional: ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Optional: ¼ cup diced green apple or grapes for sweetness
- Whole-grain bread or toast
- Lettuce leaves for low-carb wraps
- Tortillas for chicken salad tacos
- Crackers, pita chips, or sliced veggies
- Fresh lemon wedges
1. Prepare the Chicken
You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or freshly cooked chicken breasts. If cooking from scratch, season lightly with salt and pepper and bake or boil until tender. Allow it to cool before shredding or chopping into small chunks. Bite-sized pieces work best for blending well with the creamy avocado base.
2. Mash the Avocado Base
Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a large mixing bowl. Add Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon or lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mash everything together using a fork until smooth and creamy. The yogurt lightens the mixture while keeping it protein-rich, and the citrus helps prevent the avocado from browning too quickly.
If you prefer a slightly chunkier dressing, leave a few avocado pieces whole.
3. Add the Vegetables and Herbs
Stir in the diced red onion, celery, cucumber, and chopped cilantro or parsley. These add freshness, crunch, and color to the salad. If you want a touch of sweetness, mix in a handful of diced apples or grapes—this contrasts beautifully with the creamy avocado and savory chicken.
4. Combine with Chicken
Add your shredded or chopped chicken into the bowl with the avocado mixture. Gently fold everything together until the chicken is fully coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning—add more lemon juice for brightness, salt for balance, or a pinch more paprika for warmth.
Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve
- This versatile chicken salad can be served in countless delicious ways:
- On toasted whole-grain bread for a heart-healthy sandwich
- Inside lettuce cups for a low-carb lunch
- Wrapped in tortillas for a quick, nourishing wrap
- Scooped onto crackers or pita chips for a light snack
- Served over a bed of mixed greens for a high-protein salad bowl
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
This Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad is more than just a nutritious dish—it’s a flavorful, creamy, wholesome meal you can enjoy anytime without guilt. It’s refreshing yet filling, simple yet impressive, and incredibly customizable to your preferences. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or looking for a quick lunch, this recipe hits the sweet spot between convenience and nourishment. One bite of the rich avocado coating the tender chicken, combined with the crisp veggies, will make it a permanent addition to your kitchen rotation.
Tips
- Use ripe avocados: Slightly soft avocados mash best and create a silky dressing.
- Keep leftovers fresh: Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad before refrigerating to prevent browning.
- Add crunch: Chopped almonds, pecans, or pumpkin seeds add amazing texture.
- Boost protein: Add extra Greek yogurt or chickpeas for even more protein.
- Make it spicy: Add jalapeño, crushed red pepper, or a dash of hot sauce.
- Low-fat option: Replace some avocado with extra yogurt.
Serve with:
- Mixed greens
- Multigrain toast
- Avocado slices
- Fresh herbs on top
- Lemon wedges
- Cherry tomatoes or sliced cucumbers
- This salad pairs wonderfully with iced tea, sparkling water with lime, or a fresh fruit side.
Enjoy your delicious, healthy creation. Bon appétit! 🥑✨
