Avocado Chicken Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is light, fresh, and loaded with wholesome ingredients. It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and can easily be made low-carb or Whole30 compliant. Using avocado in place of mayonnaise gives it a rich creaminess without any processed ingredients. It’s a quick, nutritious option for lunch, meal prep, or a satisfying snack.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
• Ripe avocados
• Red onion, finely diced
• Celery, diced
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
• Lime or lemon juice
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Optional add-ins: diced tomatoes, jalapeños, cucumber, crumbled bacon, hard-boiled eggs

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mash the avocados to your desired texture—smooth or chunky.
2. Add the lime or lemon juice to prevent browning and enhance flavor.
3. Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Fold in the shredded chicken, red onion, celery, and herbs until well combined.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 1–2 hours before serving.

Servings and timing

Makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Spicy version: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• Southwest style: Mix in corn, black beans, and cumin for a Tex-Mex flavor.
• Mediterranean: Add diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and olives.
• Keto-friendly: Serve in lettuce wraps or with low-carb crackers.
• Paleo/Whole30: Make sure the chicken and seasonings are compliant.

Storage/Reheating

Avocado Chicken Salad is best eaten the day it’s made.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Press plastic wrap directly on the surface to reduce browning.
Do not freeze or reheat—this salad is served cold and the avocado does not freeze well.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, it’s a great time-saver and adds flavor.

How long does avocado chicken salad last in the fridge?

Up to 2 days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh due to avocado oxidation.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can prep all the ingredients ahead and mix in the avocado just before serving.

How do I keep the avocado from browning?

Add citrus juice and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad.

Can I use canned chicken?

Yes, just drain it well and flake it before mixing.

Is this recipe low-carb?

Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs and high in healthy fats.

Can I add mayonnaise?

You can! A little mayo or Greek yogurt can make it even creamier.

What’s the best way to serve this salad?

In sandwiches, lettuce wraps, on toast, with crackers, or on a salad.

Can I add eggs?

Yes, chopped hard-boiled eggs pair well and boost the protein.

What herbs work best?

Fresh cilantro or parsley add brightness, but you can also use dill or basil.

Conclusion

Avocado Chicken Salad is a fresh and nutritious alternative to traditional chicken salad, offering creamy texture, bold flavor, and a wealth of health benefits. It’s easy to whip up in minutes, incredibly versatile, and perfect for lunch, meal prep, or a quick snack. Once you try it, this wholesome dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Avocado Chicken Salad

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Avocado Chicken Salad is a creamy, healthy twist on classic chicken salad, made with ripe avocados instead of mayo. Packed with protein, fresh herbs, crunchy veggies, and citrus, it’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or enjoying straight from the bowl.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

1. 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
2. 2 ripe avocados
3. 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
4. 1/2 cup celery, diced
5. 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
6. 2 tbsp lime or lemon juice
7. 1/2 tsp garlic powder
8. Salt and pepper, to taste
9. Optional add-ins: diced tomatoes, jalapeños, cucumber, crumbled bacon, hard-boiled eggs

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Instructions

Mash avocados in a large bowl to your desired texture.

1. Add lime or lemon juice to prevent browning and enhance flavor.
2. Mix in garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Fold in chicken, red onion, celery, and herbs until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate up to 2 hours before serving.

Notes

1. Best eaten the day it’s made for freshness.
2. Press plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent browning.
3. Rotisserie chicken works well as a quick option.
4. Can be served in sandwiches, wraps, or with crackers.
5. Do not freeze as avocado doesn’t thaw well.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 65mg