This Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad mixes tender chicken with creamy avocado, crunchy veggies, and zesty lime. It’s a light meal that’s full of flavor and goodness!
I love how fresh this salad tastes! Plus, it’s perfect on its own or in a sandwich. Just grab a fork and dig in—no fancy tricks needed!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: I love using shredded rotisserie chicken because it’s fast and flavorful. If you have leftover chicken, feel free to use that too. For a lighter option, try poaching or grilling chicken breast.
Avocado: A ripe avocado adds creamy texture. If you don’t have one, mashed banana can work in a pinch, but the flavor will change. Just make sure your avocado is soft enough to mix well!
Celery: This adds crunch! If celery isn’t your thing, diced bell peppers or cucumbers can be great substitutes. They also bring a refreshing crunch.
Green Onions: These provide a nice sharp taste. If you don’t have them, finely chopped red onion works too, but use less since it can be stronger.
Greek Yogurt: This is a healthy, creamy base for the dressing. If you’re dairy-free, try using cashew cream or a vegan yogurt alternative!
How Do I Combine Ingredients to Make a Flavorful Salad?
The key to a delightful avocado chicken salad is mixing everything gently. Here’s a simple guide:
- Start with the chicken, avocado, celery, and green onions in a large bowl.
- For the dressing, blend the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl until smooth. This helps avoid clumps.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and use a spatula to carefully fold everything together. This keeps the avocado intact and creamy!
- Always taste before serving! You might want a pinch more salt or lemon juice depending on your taste.
How to Make Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 4 cups arugula or mixed greens
How Much Time Will You Need?
This quick and easy salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, with no cooking needed (aside from shredding pre-cooked chicken). It’s a perfect healthy meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Main Ingredients:
In a large bowl, place your cooked and shredded chicken, diced avocado, finely chopped celery, and sliced green onions. Give it a gentle mix to combine the ingredients. This mix is going to be the heart of your salad, so make sure everything is nicely incorporated.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, mix together the plain Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is nice and smooth. This dressing is what will bring all your salad ingredients together with a creamy, tangy flavor!
3. Combine Dressing and Salad:
Pour your dressing over the chicken and avocado mixture. Now, gently stir the ingredients together until everything is well coated in that delicious dressing. Be careful not to mash the avocado too much—it’s nice to keep some chunks in there!
4. Taste and Adjust:
Give your salad a taste! If you think it needs a bit more flavor, feel free to add a pinch more salt or pepper as desired. This is your salad, so make it reflect what you like!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Place a generous handful of arugula or mixed greens on each plate, and then top it off with your avocado chicken salad. Serve immediately for the freshest taste and enjoy this healthy meal!
Can I Use Canned Chicken Instead of Cooked Chicken?
Absolutely! Canned chicken is a convenient substitute. Just be sure to drain and rinse it well to remove excess sodium before shredding. This will help maintain the flavor and texture of your salad.
How Can I Customize the Vegetables in This Salad?
You can easily customize this salad by incorporating other vegetables you enjoy. Consider adding diced bell peppers, corn, or shredded carrots for extra color and crunch. Just be sure to chop them finely to match the texture of the other ingredients.
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, you can substitute it with regular yogurt, cottage cheese, or even mashed avocado for a creamier texture. Just keep in mind that using regular yogurt may result in a slightly thinner dressing.
How to Store Leftover Avocado Chicken Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To help prevent browning, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad before sealing the container. Just give it a good stir before serving again!
