Creamy Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe

Creamy Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe for Refreshing Meals

Fresh, zesty, and packed with nutrition, this avocado chicken salad delivers a mouthwatering twist on classic lunch fare.

Creamy ripe avocados blend seamlessly with tender, juicy chicken for a protein-rich meal that sings with flavor.

The combination of crisp vegetables and smooth avocado creates a delightful texture in every single bite.

Herbs and a light dressing bring brightness and depth to this versatile dish that works perfectly for quick lunches or casual gatherings.

Lean protein meets healthy fats in a recipe that feels indulgent yet nourishing.

Each forkful promises a symphony of fresh ingredients that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.

You won’t believe how simple it is to whip up this delectable salad that transforms an ordinary meal into something truly extraordinary.

Ingredients That Make Avocado Chicken Shine

For Protein Base:
  • Cooked Chicken: Succulent shredded meat creates the hearty foundation, with rotisserie chicken offering the most convenient and flavorful option.
  • Avocado: Creamy, nutrient-packed fruit adds richness and healthy fats to boost protein's appeal.
For Binding and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Greek Yogurt: Tangy, protein-rich ingredient provides smooth texture and creamy consistency.
  • Mayonnaise: Silky base that helps ingredients blend seamlessly and adds subtle richness.
  • Lemon Juice: Bright, zesty element that cuts through richness and prevents avocado browning.
  • Onions: Sharp, aromatic vegetable that introduces depth and mild pungent undertones.
  • Salt: Essential mineral that elevates and balances all other flavor profiles.
  • Black Pepper: Warm, slightly spicy seasoning that adds complexity and subtle heat.
For Serving Base:
  • Romaine Hearts: Crisp, refreshing green that provides a cool, crunchy foundation for the salad.
  • Bib Lettuce: Tender, delicate leaves offering an elegant and softer alternative serving option.

Tools That Help You Chop and Mix Fast

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining and mixing ingredients smoothly.
  • Cutting board: Perfect for chopping onions and dicing avocados safely.
  • Sharp knife: Helps shred chicken and chop ingredients precisely.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for gently folding ingredients without mashing avocados.
  • Measuring spoons: Useful for accurately adding salt and pepper.
  • Colander or strainer: Optional for draining chicken if needed.

Easy Assembly for Chicken Avocado Salad

  • Fresh Chicken Base

Shred tender, cooked chicken into soft, delicate pieces in a spacious mixing bowl.

  • Creamy Binding

Blend smooth Greek yogurt and tangy mayonnaise to create a rich, silky foundation for the salad.

  • Zesty Flavor Enhancers

Incorporate finely diced onions and a splash of bright lemon juice to awaken the chicken’s natural taste.

  • Seasoning Harmony

Sprinkle a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper to elevate the overall flavor profile.

  • Avocado Magic

Gently nestle soft, ripe avocado chunks into the chicken mixture, allowing them to intermingle without losing their delightful texture.

  • Crisp Presentation

Cradle the vibrant salad within cool, crisp lettuce leaves, creating a light and refreshing dining experience that delights both eyes and palate.

Avocado Add-Ins and Twists Worth Trying

  • Creamy Avocado Hack: Prevent browning by adding extra lemon juice to your diced avocado, which helps maintain its bright green color and prevents oxidation.
  • Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with canned tuna, shredded turkey, or cooked chickpeas for a quick protein alternative that keeps the salad's delicious creamy texture.
  • Spice It Up: Enhance flavor by adding chopped fresh herbs like cilantro, dill, or chives, or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat.
  • Low-Carb Serving Ideas: Enjoy this salad stuffed in bell pepper halves, wrapped in cucumber slices, or served over mixed greens for a lighter, diet-friendly meal option.

How to Plate Chicken Salad for Any Meal

  • Fresh Wrap Sensation: Roll the avocado chicken salad into soft tortillas or large lettuce leaves for a portable, handheld meal perfect for lunch or picnics.
  • Gourmet Sandwich Delight: Spread the creamy mixture between toasted artisan bread, adding crispy bacon or sliced cucumber for extra texture and flavor.
  • Elegant Appetizer Bites: Scoop small portions onto cucumber rounds or endive leaves, creating bite-sized party appetizers that look sophisticated and taste incredible.
  • Protein-Packed Bowl Base: Serve the salad over quinoa or mixed greens, topped with cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of seeds for a nutrition-packed meal that feels both light and satisfying.

Smart Storage for Avocado-Based Dishes

  • Quick Refrigeration Plan: Store this chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fresh ingredients stay crisp and delicious when chilled promptly after preparation.
  • Smart Ingredient Protection: Keep avocado mixture away from direct air exposure by pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface, preventing browning and maintaining vibrant green color.
  • Portable Lunch Strategy: Pack individual portions in sealed containers with a separate compartment for lettuce wraps to maintain crispness and prevent soggy textures during transportation.
  • Freezing Warning: Avoid freezing this salad because yogurt and avocado break down, creating unappetizing separation and compromising the smooth, creamy texture when thawed.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 5

Print
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Creamy Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe

Creamy Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Creamy avocado chicken salad brings Mediterranean flavors to lunch tables with zesty ingredients. Crisp vegetables and tender chicken combine perfectly, offering you a refreshing midday meal packed with nutrition.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups / 480 ml cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie preferred)
  • 1 avocado, seeded, peeled, and diced
  • ¼ cup / 60 ml plain Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup / 60 ml mayonnaise
  • 3 tbsps / 45 ml onions, finely chopped
  • 2 tsps / 10 ml lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
  • Romaine hearts or bib lettuce, about 16 leaves

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Meticulously shred the cooked chicken into uniform, delicate strands within a generous mixing bowl, ensuring no substantial fragments remain.
  2. Dressing Creation: Whisk Greek yogurt and mayonnaise into a silky, harmonious blend, then integrate finely diced onions and fresh lemon juice, stirring until the mixture achieves a vibrant, zesty consistency.
  3. Flavor Infusion: Gently fold the shredded chicken into the creamy dressing, thoroughly coating each strand while seasoning with kosher salt and cracked black pepper, adjusting to taste.
  4. Avocado Integration: Delicately cube ripe avocados and tenderly incorporate them into the chicken mixture, using a gentle technique to preserve their structural elegance.
  5. Plating Technique: Select crisp, verdant lettuce leaves as an exquisite serving foundation, artfully nestling the avocado chicken salad within the pristine green cradle to create a visually stunning and appetizing presentation.

Notes

  • Shred with Precision: Break down cooked chicken into uniform, fine pieces to ensure consistent texture and even dressing distribution.
  • Create Smooth Base: Whisk yogurt and mayonnaise thoroughly to develop a creamy, well-blended foundation that coats ingredients perfectly.
  • Balance Flavor Carefully: Add minced onions and lemon juice strategically to enhance taste without overwhelming the delicate chicken and avocado.
  • Handle Avocados Gently: Cube avocados delicately and fold softly into the mixture to preserve their shape and prevent bruising, maintaining a beautiful texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 31 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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