If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant meal that’s both nourishing and packed with flavor, this Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe is an absolute winner. Combining creamy ripe avocados, tender shredded chicken, and a zingy lime dressing, it’s the kind of dish that feels like a special treat yet comes together in just minutes. Whether you’re after a light lunch, a quick snack, or something to impress guests, this salad hits all the right notes with its perfect balance of textures and bright, wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
As simple as this Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe is, each ingredient plays a crucial role in building its irresistible taste and texture. From the creamy avocados to the fresh cilantro, every component adds color and character that makes this salad truly shine.
- Cooked chicken breasts (2 cups): Provides tender protein and a hearty base to balance the creamy avocado.
- Ripe avocados (2): Adds luscious creaminess and richness that define the salad’s signature flavor.
- Corn kernels (1/2 cup): Introduces a subtle sweetness and pop of texture to lift the flavors.
- Red onion (1/4 cup): Offers a sharp, slightly spicy bite that cuts through the creaminess.
- Fresh cilantro (2 tablespoons): Brings a burst of herbaceous freshness and vibrant green color.
- Lime juice (2 tablespoons): Injects tangy brightness and helps keep the avocado from browning.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a smooth, silky finish to the dressing and ties all the flavors together.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the tastes.
How to Make Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
Start by placing the shredded or chopped cooked chicken in a large bowl. Then add the diced ripe avocados, corn kernels, finely chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro. These ingredients form the heart of your salad and bring diverse textures and flavors all in one bowl.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the mixture is well combined. This simple dressing brightens the dish with citrusy zing and creates a silky coating that keeps everything immaculate and flavorful.
Step 3: Toss Everything Gently
Pour the dressing over the chicken and avocado mixture. Using a gentle folding motion, toss all the ingredients carefully until everything is evenly coated. Be delicate so the ripe avocados don’t get mashed but still blend nicely with the chicken and complements.
Step 4: Serve Fresh
This salad is best served immediately to enjoy the freshness of the avocado and crispness of the corn. It makes a delightful standalone dish or a versatile filling for wraps and sandwiches.
How to Serve Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Top your Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe with an extra sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a wedge of lime to enhance the presentation and flavor burst. For a little crunch, toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts can add delightful texture.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with crispy whole-grain crackers, a bed of fresh mixed greens, or even a side of quinoa or brown rice for a more substantial meal. The fresh flavors complement simple sides beautifully without overshadowing them.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond bowls—try scooping the salad into halved avocado shells for an eye-catching appetizer, or spread it generously over toasted sourdough bread for an open-faced sandwich. You can also stuff it into whole wheat pita pockets for a portable, hearty lunch option that’s bursting with color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. Due to the natural oxidation of avocados, the salad will start to brown, so try to enjoy it fresh for the best color and flavor.
Freezing
Because of the creamy avocado and fresh vegetables, this salad does not freeze well and is best enjoyed fresh. Freezing will change the texture and color, making it less appetizing once thawed.
Reheating
Reheating avocado chicken salad is not recommended since the avocado will lose its fresh texture and can become mushy. If you want to warm the chicken separately, do so before mixing it with the other ingredients.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time, lending delicious flavor and tenderness to your Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe.
What is the best way to keep the avocado from browning?
The lime juice in the dressing helps slow down oxidation, but to keep the avocado fresh longer, store the salad tightly covered with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Definitely! Diced tomatoes, cucumber, or bell pepper can add more crunch and freshness if you want to customize the salad to your taste.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Because of the avocado, it’s best to prepare this salad fresh or store it refrigerated for only a short time. For meal prep, keep avocado separate and mix just before eating.
What can I use instead of cilantro if I don’t like it?
Fresh parsley or basil are great alternatives that provide herbaceous notes without the distinctive flavor of cilantro.
Final Thoughts
This Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe truly shines as a quick, satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Its harmonious blend of creamy avocado, tender chicken, and bright, fresh flavors makes it a dish I happily turn to again and again. Give it a try—whether for a lunch that energizes your day or a light dinner that delights your taste buds, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!
Print
Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A fresh and creamy Avocado Chicken Salad perfect for a quick, nutritious meal. Combining tender shredded chicken with ripe avocados, crisp corn, and zesty lime dressing, this salad offers vibrant flavors and satisfying textures, ideal for lunches, wraps, or toasted bread toppings.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breasts, shredded or chopped
- 2 ripe avocados, pitted and diced
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, add the shredded chicken, diced avocados, corn kernels, finely chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro. Gently mix to combine the main components of the salad evenly.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the dressing is smooth and thoroughly combined.
- Add dressing to salad: Pour the freshly made dressing over the chicken and avocado mixture ensuring it coats all ingredients.
- Toss the salad: Gently toss all ingredients together with care to avoid mashing the avocado, ensuring even distribution of the dressing and flavors throughout the salad.
- Serve: Serve the avocado chicken salad immediately as a fresh salad on its own, stuffed in a wrap, or spread on whole-grain toast for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Use ripe avocados for maximum creaminess and flavor.
- Fresh, canned, or frozen corn kernels work equally well; if using frozen, thaw before adding.
- Adjust lime juice and seasoning to taste for a brighter or milder dressing.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture; avocado may brown if left too long.
- For a low-carb option, avoid wraps and use leafy greens as a base.
