Avocado Chicken Salad

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

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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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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.