Avocado Chicken Salad: A Healthy and Flavorful Meal 🥗
When it comes to quick, nutritious, and crowd-pleasing meals, this Avocado Chicken Salad is a winner. Combining creamy avocado, tender chicken, and fresh veggies, it’s a perfect option for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep. With its vibrant colors and wholesome ingredients, this salad is as satisfying as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love Avocado Chicken Salad
🥑 Creamy and Satisfying
The natural creaminess of ripe avocados paired with juicy chicken makes this salad incredibly filling and flavorful.
🌱 Fresh and Nutritious
Packed with leafy greens, fresh veggies, and protein, this salad is a powerhouse of vitamins and nutrients.
🕒 Quick and Easy
With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip this up in less than 20 minutes!
🍋 Customizable Dressing
A simple homemade dressing elevates the flavors while allowing you to adjust it to your taste preferences.
Ingredients for Avocado Chicken Salad
For the Salad:
- 2 cups of mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, or lettuce) 🥬
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced 🥑
- 1 cup of cooked chicken breast (grilled, shredded, or roasted) 🍗
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced 🥒
- 2 tablespoons of red onion, finely chopped 🧅
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil 🫒
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 🍋
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional for sweetness) 🍯
- Salt and black pepper to taste 🧂
Instructions for Avocado Chicken Salad
1️⃣ Prepare the Ingredients
Wash and dry the mixed greens thoroughly. Slice the avocado, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes. Finely chop the red onion and shred or dice the cooked chicken.
2️⃣ Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
3️⃣ Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, arrange the mixed greens as a base. Layer the grilled chicken, avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion on top.
4️⃣ Add the Dressing
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together to ensure the ingredients are evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the avocado slices while mixing.
5️⃣ Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the salad to a serving dish or individual plates. Garnish with extra black pepper or fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Avocado Chicken Salad
🌟 Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh, high-quality ingredients make all the difference in this simple salad. Opt for ripe avocados and crisp veggies.
🍗 Choose Your Chicken
Grilled chicken adds a smoky flavor, but rotisserie chicken or even poached chicken works just as well for convenience.
🍋 Adjust the Dressing
If you prefer a tangier dressing, add more lemon juice. For a sweeter touch, increase the honey slightly.
🥗 Meal Prep Option
If making ahead, store the ingredients separately and add the avocado and dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh.
Variations to Try
- Add a Crunch: Sprinkle with toasted nuts or seeds like almonds, sunflower seeds, or pecans for added texture.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes or drizzle with sriracha for a kick of heat.
- Cheesy Addition: Crumbled feta or shaved Parmesan can elevate the flavors even further.
Avocado Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 2 cups mixed greens baby spinach, arugula, or lettuce 🥬
- 1 ripe avocado sliced 🥑
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast grilled or shredded 🍗
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved 🍅
- 1 small cucumber thinly sliced 🥒
- 2 tablespoons red onion finely chopped 🧅
- For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil 🫒
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 🍋
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey optional 🍯
- Salt and black pepper to taste 🧂
Instructions
- 1️⃣ Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
- Wash and dry mixed greens. Slice the avocado, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes. Finely chop the red onion and shred or dice the cooked chicken.
- 2️⃣ Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- 3️⃣ Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens. Top with chicken, avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- 4️⃣ Add the Dressing:
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Gently toss to combine without breaking the avocado slices.
- 5️⃣ Serve and Enjoy:
- Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve immediately!
