Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad

If you’re on the lookout for a simple yet flavorful and nutritious meal, you’ve found the perfect recipe!

My Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad combines wholesome ingredients and bold flavors for a dish that’s perfect as a quick lunch, light dinner, or even a picnic favorite.

How To Make Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad?

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Course: Salad
• Cuisine: American
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped (optional, for extra crunch)

For the Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by cooking your chicken if it’s not already done. You can grill, bake, or boil it. Let it cool, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces. Dice the avocados, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the red onion, and chop the cilantro.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste.

Step 3: Toss the Salad

In a large salad bowl, combine the chicken, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently toss to combine, being careful not to mash the avocados.

Step 4: Serve

Serve immediately as is or over a bed of romaine lettuce for added crunch. This salad pairs well with toasted whole-grain bread or as a filling for wraps.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 320

Protein: 25g

Carbohydrates: 9g

Fiber: 6g

Total Fat: 21g

Saturated Fat: 3g

Sodium: 320mg

Sugars: 2g

Serving Suggestions

✤ Whole-grain bread or crackers: Create an open-faced sandwich or serve as a dip.

✤ Fresh fruits: A side of orange slices or berries balances the creamy flavors.

✤ Soup: Pair with a light vegetable or chicken broth soup for a comforting meal.

Tips and Variations

Tips

✱ Use ripe but firm avocados to avoid a mushy texture.

✱ Fresh lime juice is a must for the best flavor; avoid bottled alternatives.

✱ If meal prepping, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain the salad’s freshness.

Variations

➤ Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the dressing.

➤ Dairy Addition: Sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese for extra creaminess.

➤ Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken with chickpeas or grilled tofu.

Health Benefits

✔️ High in Protein: The chicken provides lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.

✔️ Healthy Fats: Avocados and olive oil offer heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

✔️ Rich in Fiber: Vegetables and avocados contribute to a healthy digestive system.

✔️ Packed with Vitamins: Tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice are loaded with vitamins A, C, and antioxidants.

Notes

This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.

To prevent browning, sprinkle extra lime juice over the avocado before storing.

FAQs

Conclusion

This Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s creamy, tangy, and satisfying—ideal for any occasion.

Give it a try, and let me know how it turned out in the comments below.

Happy cooking!