This Avocado Chicken Salad is a tasty way to enjoy a healthy meal! It’s packed with protein from tender chicken and creamy avocado, plus crunchy veggies to add some fun.
Who needs mayo when you have that creamy avocado to hold everything together? I love serving this on whole grain toast or in a lettuce wrap—so fresh and yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken Breast: This is the star of the salad, providing protein! Use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience, or poach your own. If you’re vegetarian, try chickpeas or canned tuna as alternatives.
Avocado: The creamy base of the salad! Ensure it’s ripe for the best texture. If you’re allergic or don’t like avocados, you can use Greek yogurt, but it will change the flavor.
Red Onion: Adds a nice crunch and sharpness. You can substitute green onions for a milder taste or omit them if you prefer less crunch.
Cilantro: This herb gives a fresh kick! If you aren’t a fan, you could swap it for parsley or basil as good alternatives to keep that fresh flavor.
Lime Juice: This brightens the salad. If you don’t have lime, lemon juice works just fine, adding a tangy zest!
How Do You Keep the Avocado from Turning Brown?
One common concern with using avocado is browning. To keep it fresh, follow these tips:
- Use fresh lime juice to coat the avocado right before mixing. The acidity helps slow down browning.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container to minimize air exposure.
- If you have extra avocado, store the pit in with it; it can help keep it from browning too quickly.
Just remember, this dish is best enjoyed fresh, so dig in right away for the best flavor and texture!
Avocado Chicken Salad (High Protein, No Mayo)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 large ripe avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 6 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Avocado Chicken Salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare. It’s quick to whip up, making it a fantastic option for lunch or a light dinner. You can enjoy it right after making or store it in the fridge for later—just remember to keep an eye on the avocado!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Gather Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter. This makes it easier to mix everything together smoothly.
2. Prepare the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded or chopped cooked chicken breast. If you haven’t cooked the chicken yet, you can bake, boil, or grill it until fully cooked, then let it cool before shredding.
3. Incorporate the Avocado
Next, take your ripe avocado and dice it. Gently add the diced avocado to the chicken in the bowl. This adds a creamy texture to the salad.
4. Add the Veggies
Now, add the finely chopped red onion and fresh cilantro into the bowl. These ingredients bring freshness and a nice crunch to the mix!
5. Fold in the Tomatoes
Carefully fold in the halved cherry tomatoes. Be gentle to avoid smashing the avocado while mixing everything together.
6. Season the Salad
Drizzle the lime juice and sprinkle ground cumin over the mixture. The lime juice will give it a zesty flavor, while the cumin adds warmth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Mix It All Together
Gently toss all the ingredients together using a spatula or large spoon until everything is well combined. The avocado should remain somewhat chunky, giving the salad a nice texture.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
This salad is ready to serve immediately! You can enjoy it on its own, on whole grain bread, or wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing, high-protein meal.
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works perfectly. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces for an easy mix-in.
What Can I Substitute for Avocado?
If you’re not a fan of avocado, you can try using Greek yogurt for creaminess, but it will change the flavor. Alternatively, you can skip the creamy base altogether and add more veggies like diced cucumber or bell peppers for crunch.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best when eaten within 1-2 days, but the avocado might brown a bit. To keep it fresher, try adding a little extra lime juice on top before sealing.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your salad by adding ingredients like diced bell peppers, corn, or even some chopped nuts for extra crunch and nutrition.
