If you’re looking for a salad that is bursting with flavor, packed with nutrition, and satisfies your protein cravings, then you absolutely have to try this High-Protein Avocado Chicken Salad with Egg Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of creamy avocado, tender shredded chicken, and wholesome hard-boiled eggs that come together in a vibrant medley of fresh veggies and zesty lemon dressing. Whether you want a quick lunch or a light dinner, this salad hits all the right notes—refreshing, filling, and incredibly easy to whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet powerful ingredients is key to making this salad truly shine. Each element plays an important role, whether it’s the rich creaminess of avocado, the protein boost from chicken and eggs, or the crisp freshness of vegetables that add delightful texture and color.
- Cooked chicken breast (about 6 oz): Provides a lean, hearty protein base that keeps you energized.
- Hard-boiled eggs (2): Boost the protein content and add a creamy, satisfying bite.
- Avocado (1, diced): Brings a luscious creaminess and healthy fats that make the salad rich.
- Fresh spinach (1 cup): Adds vibrant green color and a nutritious leafy crunch.
- Cherry tomatoes (½ cup, halved): Offer a juicy sweetness that brightens every forkful.
- Cucumber (½, diced): Lends a refreshing crispness to balance the creamy textures.
- Black olives (¼ cup, sliced): Give a briny, savory depth of flavor.
- Extra virgin olive oil (1 tablespoon): Acts as a heart-healthy dressing base with smooth richness.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Injects a zesty tang that wakes up the whole salad.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a subtle spice and aroma to round out the taste.
How to Make High-Protein Avocado Chicken Salad with Egg Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by shredding or chopping your cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. This gives you the perfect base for the salad—protein-rich and easy to mix. Having your chicken ready means you’re halfway there to a nutritious meal that’s quick and satisfying.
Step 2: Chop the Hard-Boiled Eggs
Next, peel your hard-boiled eggs and chop them into chunks. These eggs not only boost the protein but also add a creamy texture that balances beautifully with the crunchy vegetables. Plus, they give your salad an extra dose of goodness that’s hard to beat.
Step 3: Dice Fresh Produce
Dice the avocado, cucumber, and halve the cherry tomatoes. The timing is key here because freshly diced avocado maintains its bright color and creamy texture, while the cucumbers and tomatoes bring juicy bursts of freshness that make every bite exciting.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped eggs, diced avocado, fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and sliced black olives. Seeing all these colorful ingredients come together is one of the best parts—it’s a feast for the eyes before it even tastes amazing.
Step 5: Make the Dressing
Whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This simple dressing is a perfect balance of tang and richness that complements the salad without overpowering it. A little goes a long way to tying all the flavors together.
Step 6: Toss & Serve
Drizzle the dressing over your salad mixture and toss everything gently but thoroughly. You want each ingredient to be lightly coated, ensuring every bite is infused with that zesty, silky dressing. Then it’s ready to serve—freshness guaranteed.
Step 7: Enjoy Immediately
This High-Protein Avocado Chicken Salad with Egg Recipe is best enjoyed right away when the avocado is at its creamiest and the veggies are crisp. Dive in and savor the harmony of textures and flavors—it’s a salad that leaves you feeling nourished and delighted.
How to Serve High-Protein Avocado Chicken Salad with Egg Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to brighten the flavors even more, or sprinkle some toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutrition. A few crumbles of feta cheese or a dash of paprika can also elevate the dish spectacularly.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with crusty whole grain bread or warm pita for a satisfying texture contrast. You can also serve it alongside a light soup or some roasted vegetables for a well-rounded, colorful meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad inside avocado halves or on a bed of lettuce leaves to turn it into a stylish appetizer. For meal prep, portion it into mason jars layering the dressing at the bottom to keep ingredients fresh until you’re ready to toss and eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and aim to eat within 24 hours. Avocado tends to brown quickly, so adding a squeeze of lemon juice before storing helps maintain that fresh look and taste.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended as the texture of avocado and fresh veggies can suffer. For the best experience, prepare only what you plan to eat within a day or two.
Reheating
Since this recipe is designed as a cold salad, reheating isn’t necessary or advisable. Just give it a good toss after refrigeration to refresh the flavors before serving.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option that works perfectly for this High-Protein Avocado Chicken Salad with Egg Recipe. Just shred it and you’re good to go.
What if I don’t like olives?
No problem at all. You can skip the black olives or substitute them with capers or even pickled jalapeños for a different flavor twist that still adds a nice bite.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, but keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. Store the avocado portion with lemon juice to slow browning and add fresh veggies when serving if possible.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in crunchy bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even some steamed broccoli florets to customize the salad to your taste and boost the nutrient content.
How many calories does this salad have?
The High-Protein Avocado Chicken Salad with Egg Recipe is nutrient-dense and moderate in calories, primarily from protein and healthy fats, making it a great choice for maintaining energy and fullness without any heavy feeling.
Final Thoughts
This High-Protein Avocado Chicken Salad with Egg Recipe is a total winner—both nourishing and delicious with minimal effort. Whether you’re new to cooking or simply want a go-to healthy dish, this salad brings freshness, flavor, and satisfaction all in one bowl. Give it a try and you might just discover your new favorite meal!
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High-Protein Avocado Chicken Salad with Egg Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A nutritious and flavorful high-protein avocado chicken salad featuring shredded chicken breast, hard-boiled eggs, and fresh vegetables, dressed lightly with olive oil and lemon juice for a refreshing meal perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 cooked chicken breast, shredded (about 6 oz)
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
Vegetables & Fruits
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup black olives, sliced
Dressing
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Shred or chop the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, ensuring it is evenly shredded for the salad.
- Chop the Eggs: Peel the hard-boiled eggs and chop them into small pieces to integrate well into the salad mix.
- Dice the Vegetables and Avocado: Dice the avocado, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes, taking care to keep the cubes uniform for texture and appearance.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped eggs, diced avocado, fresh spinach leaves, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and sliced black olives.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until emulsified and well blended.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad ingredients and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all components without mashing the avocado.
- Enjoy Immediately: Serve the salad fresh right away for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked chicken breast for best flavor, or leftover cooked chicken works well.
- To hard boil eggs, place eggs in boiling water for about 9-12 minutes, then cool in ice water before peeling.
- For a creamier salad, choose ripe but firm avocados to prevent mushiness.
- You can adjust seasoning to taste by adding more salt or lemon juice if desired.
- This salad is best consumed immediately to enjoy the fresh textures and avoid avocado browning.
