This Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad is creamy, tasty, and packed with goodness! Made with tender chicken, ripe avocados, and crisp veggies, it’s a refreshing meal any time.
Honestly, it feels like a party in a bowl! I love how easy it is to whip up for lunch and sometimes enjoy it on toast for a fun twist. Who knew healthy could taste this good?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced cooked chicken is essential for protein. You can use rotisserie chicken for ease or leftover chicken. If you’re veggie, try chickpeas or tofu as a substitute instead.
Avocados: Ripe avocados add creaminess. When choosing avocados, look for one that yields slightly when you press it. If you don’t have avocados, mashed beans can create a similar texture.
Corn: Corn adds sweetness and texture. Both canned and frozen corn work perfectly. If you’re looking for a different flavor, try diced bell peppers or even black beans.
Fresh Herbs: Cilantro is my personal favorite here for its fresh taste, but dill offers a nice twist too! If you dislike either, consider using parsley or even a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
Bacon: The crumbled bacon is an optional touch for added flavor and crunch. For a healthier option, try crispy chickpeas or sunflower seeds for an extra crunch without meat.
How Do I Prepare the Perfect Dressing for My Salad?
The dressing in this salad brings all the ingredients together and enhances their flavors. To make it perfectly, follow these steps:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice and olive oil.
- Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Start with a little, then adjust to your preference.
- Make sure to whisk until the mixture is well blended; this ensures an even flavor throughout the salad!
Remember, the lime juice not only adds flavor but also keeps the avocados from browning too quickly. Enjoy mixing it all together!
How to Make Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen, thawed)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or dill, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 4 strips of cooked bacon, crumbled (for added flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You can serve it right away or chill it in the fridge for up to an hour to let the flavors mix together. Perfect for a quick meal or a refreshing side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Main Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, start by adding the cooked chicken, diced avocados, corn, chopped red onion, and your choice of fresh herbs (cilantro or dill). This colorful combination will make your salad vibrant and delicious.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined. This simple dressing will add wonderful flavor to your salad!
3. Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing over the chicken salad mixture. Gently toss everything together, being careful not to mash the avocado pieces. You want it to stay creamy and chunky!
4. Add Bacon (Optional):
If you’re using bacon, sprinkle the crumbled pieces on top of the salad and mix lightly to distribute the flavor. This adds an extra crunch and savory taste.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is combined, you can serve the salad immediately. If you prefer, you can refrigerate it for up to an hour to let the flavors meld. Enjoy your healthy avocado chicken salad cold or at room temperature!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any pre-cooked chicken works perfectly. Just make sure it’s shredded or diced and cold before mixing it with the other ingredients for a refreshing salad.
What Can I Substitute for Avocado?
If you’re not a fan of avocado or looking for a lower-calorie alternative, you can use Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for creaminess. Just keep in mind that this will alter the flavor slightly, but it will still taste delicious!
How to Store Leftover Chicken Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The avocado may brown a bit, but you can squeeze a little lime juice on top to help preserve the color and freshness!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
You certainly can, but I recommend keeping the avocado separate until it’s time to serve. You can mix the chicken, corn, onion, herbs, and dressing ahead of time, then fold in the avocado right before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant!
