Looking for a fresh and tasty dish that’s easy to make? This creamy avocado chicken salad is just what you need! With simple ingredients like chicken, avocado, and a zesty mix of seasonings, you’ll experience mouthwatering flavors in every bite. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this salad is not only healthy but also customizable to fit your tastes. Let’s get started on making your new favorite meal!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Healthy Ingredients: This salad is packed with nutritious ingredients like avocado and Greek yogurt, making it a wholesome meal option.
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute lunches.
- Flavorful Twist: The combination of lime juice, Dijon mustard, and fresh cilantro adds a zesty and refreshing flavor to the dish.
- Versatile Serving Options: This salad can be served on a bed of greens or in lettuce wraps, making it a flexible meal choice.
Ingredients
Complete list of ingredients
To make this creamy avocado chicken salad, you will need the following fresh ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced (rotisserie works great)
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients come together to create a fresh and tasty meal. The chicken adds protein, while the avocado gives a creamy texture. Greek yogurt and mayonnaise blend well, enhancing flavor and richness. Lime juice brings a zesty kick, balancing the creaminess. Cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro add color and crunch, making each bite enjoyable.
Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. For example, you can add more lime juice for extra zest or use less mayo for a lighter option.
Step-by-Step Instructions
To make this creamy avocado chicken salad, follow these easy steps.
1. Combine avocado, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, mustard, and lime juice
Start by taking a large mixing bowl. Add the ripe, mashed avocado. Then, scoop in the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise. Next, add the Dijon mustard and lime juice. Stir until the mix is smooth and creamy.
2. Mix in diced chicken and incorporate flavors
Now, take 2 cups of cooked chicken. You can use rotisserie chicken to save time. Dice the chicken into small pieces. Add the chicken to the avocado mixture. Gently mix until every piece of chicken is coated well.
3. Fold in tomatoes, onion, and cilantro
Next, get 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion. Add these to your bowl along with 1/4 cup of fresh chopped cilantro. Carefully fold the ingredients into the salad. This keeps the tomatoes whole and adds nice crunch.
4. Season and chill before serving
Finally, add salt and pepper to taste. Mix it in well. Once seasoned, cover the bowl and chill the salad in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend nicely.
Now you have a fresh and flavorful creamy avocado chicken salad ready to enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Best practices for mastering the salad
- Using rotisserie chicken for ease and flavor: Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great taste. You can find it in most grocery stores. The chicken is juicy and seasoned, making your salad richer. Just shred or dice the chicken before adding it to your mix.
- Adjusting seasoning for personal taste: Taste as you go! Add more salt or pepper if you like stronger flavors. You can also add more lime juice for a zesty kick. Each person has a different palate, so make it yours.
- Keeping avocado fresh and vibrant in the salad: To keep your avocado bright, use lime juice right after mashing it. The acid helps prevent browning. If you have leftover salad, store it in an airtight container. This way, you can enjoy it longer without losing color or taste. If you want to serve it later, add fresh avocado just before eating for the best look and flavor.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh chicken and ripe avocados. The quality of your ingredients greatly impacts the final taste of the salad.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier salad, add more Greek yogurt or avocado. This will enhance the texture and make it even more delightful.
- Flavor Enhancements: Experiment with adding spices like cumin or a pinch of cayenne for extra flavor. This can elevate the dish to a new level.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad keeps well in the fridge for a few days. Make a large batch for easy lunches throughout the week!
Variations
Customizing your creamy avocado chicken salad
You can make your creamy avocado chicken salad unique by adding different ingredients. Here are some fun ideas:
- Adding fruits: Chopping apples or grapes adds sweetness. This contrast makes the salad more exciting. The crunch of apples or the burst of grapes enhances each bite.
- Incorporating nuts: Adding nuts like almonds or walnuts gives a nice crunch. They also add a rich flavor that pairs well with the creamy avocado. Try toasting them for an extra layer of taste.
- Experimenting with herbs: Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can change the flavor. Dill gives a fresh, tangy taste. Parsley adds a bright note that lifts the dish. You can mix and match these herbs to find your favorite combo.
These variations help you create a salad that fits your taste. Feel free to experiment and discover what you love!
Storage Info
How to properly store leftover salad
To keep your creamy avocado chicken salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent air from spoiling the salad. It’s best to refrigerate the salad right after serving. Ensure it is cooled down to room temperature before sealing it.
You can keep the salad for up to three days in the fridge. After that, the avocado may start to brown, and the salad can lose its appeal. If you see any browning, you can gently mix it to hide the color.
Reheating is not recommended for this salad. The avocado will lose its creaminess, and the salad may become watery. Instead, enjoy it cold. You can serve it over fresh greens or in lettuce wraps for a crisp bite. Add more fresh cilantro or lime juice if you want a burst of flavor after storage.
FAQs
Common questions about creamy avocado chicken salad
Can I substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream? Yes, you can use sour cream instead of Greek yogurt. The taste will change slightly, but it will still be creamy. Greek yogurt adds a tangy flavor, while sour cream is richer. Both will work well in this salad.
How long does the salad last in the fridge? The salad stays good for about 3 days in the fridge. After that, the avocado can turn brown and change texture. It’s best to eat it fresh for the best taste.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Yes, this salad is great for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just keep in mind that the avocado may brown a bit over time.
Can I use canned chicken instead of cooked chicken? Absolutely! Canned chicken is a quick option. Just drain it well before adding it to the salad. It saves time and still tastes good in the creamy avocado chicken salad.
This creamy avocado chicken salad is simple and tasty. We covered the key ingredients, from chicken to lime juice. You learned how to prepare the salad step-by-step. I shared tips for using rotisserie chicken and keeping avocados fresh. You can also customize the recipe with fruits or nuts.
Store leftovers properly to enjoy them later. This salad is perfect for meal prep and quick meals. Enjoy making this dish and sharing it with others!
