Avocado Chicken Salad

Featured in Irresistible Tasty Bites.

20-minute healthy chicken salad using avocado instead of mayo. High protein, naturally creamy, and customizable with add-ins. Perfect for quick lunches.
Clare Greco
Updated on Thu, 30 Jan 2025 10:27:42 GMT
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Avocado Chicken Salad | recipesbyclare.com

Forget everything you know about traditional chicken salad - this version swaps heavy mayo for creamy avocado, creating something that's both luxuriously rich and surprisingly healthy. It's a perfect harmony of tender chicken, buttery avocado, sweet corn, and bright citrus that comes together in just 20 minutes. This is the kind of salad that makes you excited about lunch again.

I started making this when I was looking for healthier lunch options, and now it's become a weekly staple. There's something about the combination of creamy avocado and tender chicken that makes this so much more satisfying than traditional chicken salad.

Essential Ingredients

  • Ripe avocados: look for ones that yield slightly to pressure
  • Cooked chicken: rotisserie makes it extra easy
  • Fresh corn: adds sweet pops of flavor
  • Red onion: provides a zesty kick
  • Fresh lime juice: keeps the avocado green
  • Fresh herbs: cilantro, parsley, or dill all work beautifully
Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad Pin it
Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad | recipesbyclare.com

Detailed Instructions

Step 1:
Start with your chicken - whether you're using rotisserie or cooking your own, make sure it's cooled and shredded into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2:
Choose perfectly ripe avocados - they should feel slightly soft when gently pressed. Dice them into chunks that are big enough to keep their shape when mixed.
Step 3:
Combine your chicken, avocado, and corn in a large bowl. The key is to mix gently - you want the avocado to coat everything while still maintaining some texture.
Step 4:
Add minced red onion and fresh herbs, then drizzle with lime juice and olive oil. The lime juice not only adds flavor but helps keep your avocado from browning.
Step 5:
Season with salt and pepper, then give everything one final gentle toss. Remember, gentle is the key word here - we want to keep those avocado chunks intact.

The first time I served this at a lunch gathering, everyone wanted the recipe. The combination of textures and flavors makes it feel like something from a fancy café.

Making it Ahead

If you're meal prepping, keep the avocado separate until ready to eat, or press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent browning.

Customization Station

This salad loves add-ins! Try adding chopped tomatoes, cucumber, crispy bacon, or black beans for extra flavor and texture.

Perfect Pairings

Serve it over greens, stuffed in a tomato, wrapped in lettuce leaves, or between two slices of toasted bread.

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Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe | recipesbyclare.com

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Toast your corn in a dry skillet for extra flavor
  • Chop ingredients uniformly for the best texture
  • Use rotisserie chicken for extra convenience
  • Keep the avocado pit in leftover salad to help prevent browning

After making this countless times, I've found it's the perfect solution for those days when you want something that feels fresh and healthy but still satisfying. The way the creamy avocado coats every bite makes you forget you're eating something good for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long does this keep?
Best eaten same day due to avocado, but will keep 1-2 days if well wrapped.
→ Can I meal prep this?
Prepare ingredients separately and combine just before eating to prevent browning.
→ How do I keep avocados from browning?
Extra lime juice helps prevent browning. Cover tightly with plastic wrap touching surface.
→ Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, though fresh or rotisserie chicken provides better texture and flavor.
→ What's the best way to serve this?
On bread, in lettuce wraps, or over mixed greens. Also good with crackers.

Avocado Chicken Salad

A healthy chicken salad using creamy avocados instead of mayo, with corn and fresh herbs - ready in just 20 minutes.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
5 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes

Category: Tasty Bites

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Components

01 2 medium cooked chicken breasts, shredded or chopped
02 2 ripe avocados, pitted and diced
03 ½ cup corn (roasted, canned, or frozen)
04 ¼ cup red or green onion, minced

→ Dressing & Seasonings

05 2 tablespoons cilantro, minced
06 2 tablespoons lime or lemon juice
07 2 tablespoons olive oil
08 Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 01

In large bowl, combine shredded chicken, avocado, onion, corn, and cilantro

Step 02

Drizzle with lime juice and olive oil, season with salt and pepper

Step 03

Toss gently until all ingredients are combined

Notes

  1. Can use rotisserie chicken for convenience
  2. Optional add-ins include tomato, cucumber, bacon, or black beans
  3. No mayo or sour cream needed

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 259
  • Total Fat: 17 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 9 g
  • Protein: 20 g