Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe

If you’re craving something fresh yet hearty, the Avocado Chicken Salad is a vibrant, creamy delight that checks all the boxes. Combining tender chicken breast with rich, buttery avocado and a punch of zesty lime, this salad bursts with flavor and texture in every bite. It’s a perfect harmony of wholesome ingredients that come together effortlessly, making it a go-to dish for a quick lunch, satisfying dinner, or even a picnic treat you’ll keep coming back to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Avocado Chicken Salad relies on simple but essential ingredients that each play a vital role in creating its uniquely fresh and flavorful profile. From the creamy avocados to the crisp cucumbers and the tangy dressing, every component adds texture, brightness, or richness.

• Olive oil: A smooth base for the dressing that brings healthy fats and silkiness.
• Lime juice: Fresh acidity that lifts all the flavors and keeps the avocado vibrant.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle, tangy depth to the dressing’s flavor.
• Garlic clove (minced): Provides a fragrant punch without overpowering.
• Honey: A touch of natural sweetness for balance.
• Dried oregano: Earthy herb notes that complement the chicken beautifully.
• Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors while seasoning perfectly.
• Black pepper: Mild heat and complexity.
• Cooked chicken breast (cubed): The hearty protein foundation of this salad.
• Celery stalks (thinly sliced): Adds refreshing crunch.
• Persian cucumbers (halved into moons): Crisp and hydrating with a mild flavor.
• Green onions (chopped): A sharp, oniony bite to brighten the mix.
• Jalapeño (seeded and finely diced): Gentle heat for a subtle kick.
• Pitted green olives (sliced): Salty bursts that contrast perfectly with creamy avocado.
• Avocados (peeled and sliced): The luscious star ingredient that combines creaminess with earthiness.
• Cilantro: A fresh herb that brings a citrusy, aromatic note.

How to Make Avocado Chicken Salad

Step 1: Whisk the Dressing

Start by combining olive oil, lime juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey, oregano, sea salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk these ingredients until the dressing is smooth and well blended. This vibrant dressing is what infuses the salad with its lively, tangy flavor, so give it a good whisk to bring everything together.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Veggies

Make sure your chicken breast is cooked and cubed into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice celery for that essential crunch, halve Persian cucumbers into delicate moons for a refreshing note, and chop green onions to provide a mild, fresh zest. Finely dice the seeded jalapeño, so it adds a subtle heat without overwhelming the salad.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in a Large Bowl

In a spacious bowl, toss together the chicken, celery, cucumbers, green onions, jalapeño, and sliced green olives. This mix offers a wonderful range of textures from crunchy to tender, setting the stage for that luscious avocado to come.

Step 4: Add Avocado and Cilantro

Gently fold in the peeled and sliced avocados along with the fresh cilantro. The avocado adds a creamy softness that perfectly contrasts the crisp veggies, while the cilantro lifts everything with a bright herbal note.

Step 5: Toss with Dressing and Serve

Pour the dressing over your salad mix and toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure each bite has that deliciously balanced flavor. You can serve immediately for a fresh experience or chill it briefly to let the flavors mingle more fully.

How to Serve Avocado Chicken Salad

Garnishes

For an extra pop of color and freshness, sprinkle a few extra cilantro leaves or a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper before serving. A wedge of lime on the side invites squeezing for added zest. Thinly sliced radishes or extra jalapeño rings make excellent garnishes too, adding visual appeal and an extra flavor dimension.

Side Dishes

This Avocado Chicken Salad pairs splendidly with crisp crackers or toasted baguette slices for some crunch. For a low-carb approach, serve it atop a bed of mixed greens or alongside grilled corn on the cob. A simple quinoa salad or roasted sweet potatoes also provide hearty complements that round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Change things up by stuffing the salad inside whole wheat pita pockets or wrapping it in large lettuce leaves for a fresh handheld option. It also makes an ideal topping on avocado toast or baked sweet potato halves. Presentation is a fun way to make this versatile salad perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual family dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Avocado is notorious for browning, so store any leftover Avocado Chicken Salad in an airtight container with a squeeze of lime juice on top to slow oxidation. Keep it refrigerated and consume within 1 to 2 days for the freshest taste and best texture.

Freezing

Freezing Avocado Chicken Salad is generally not recommended because the avocados and fresh vegetables lose their texture and flavor when thawed. For best results, prepare only the amount you plan to enjoy within a couple of days.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. If you do prefer it slightly warmer, remove the avocado before warming, heat the rest gently, then mix the avocado back in just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option that works wonderfully in the Avocado Chicken Salad, saving you time without sacrificing taste.

What’s a good substitute for Persian cucumbers?

If you can’t find Persian cucumbers, English cucumbers or regular cucumbers peeled and deseeded work just fine and maintain that refreshing crunch.

How spicy does the jalapeño make the salad?

The jalapeño adds a mild, gentle heat that complements the creamy avocado without overwhelming the dish. Removing the seeds reduces the spiciness for those sensitive to heat.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the dressing can be whisked together a day ahead and refrigerated. Just give it a good stir before pouring over the salad to re-emulsify the ingredients.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! Just keep the avocado slices separate or add lime juice to slow browning, then toss everything together when you’re ready to eat for a fresh, delicious meal prep option.

Final Thoughts

This Avocado Chicken Salad is one of those dishes that feels like a big, warm hug on a plate. It’s fresh, satisfying, and packed with layers of flavor that will brighten your mealtime. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you just might find your new favorite salad! Enjoy every creamy, zesty, crunchy bite.

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