If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and packed with wholesome goodness, this Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delicious blend of tender chicken, creamy avocado, and a zingy lime dressing that comes together in just 10 minutes. This salad isn’t just tasty; it’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will make your mealtime feel like a little celebration every time you take a bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to nailing this recipe. Each component plays a vital role—the chicken adds protein, the avocado brings creaminess, and the fresh lime juice brightens everything beautifully.
- Cooked chicken breasts, 2 cups shredded or chopped: Use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick option or freshly cooked chicken for extra juiciness.
- Ripe avocados, 2 pitted and diced: Make sure they’re perfectly ripe for that buttery texture that makes this salad irresistible.
- Corn kernels, 1/2 cup (fresh, canned, or frozen): Adds a subtle sweetness and pop of color that pairs so well with the creamy avocado.
- Red onion, 1/4 cup finely chopped: Just enough to give a mild crunch and a hint of sharpness without overpowering the salad.
- Fresh cilantro, 2 tablespoons chopped: Brings a fresh herbal note that lifts the entire dish.
- Lime juice, 2 tablespoons: The star of the dressing, its tang balances richness and brightens the flavors.
- Olive oil, 1 tablespoon: Smooths out the dressing and enriches the salad with healthy fats.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all the ingredients together harmoniously.
How to Make Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
Start by placing the shredded chicken, diced avocados, corn kernels, finely chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro into a large bowl. Mixing these key ingredients first allows you to get a sense of the fresh, colorful foundation of this salad.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This simple dressing is what gives the salad its zesty punch and helps everything blend together beautifully.
Step 3: Dress the Salad
Pour the lime and olive oil dressing over the chicken and avocado mixture. Make sure to pour it evenly for a consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Toss Gently
Carefully toss all the ingredients until they’re well coated with the dressing. Be gentle with the avocado so it doesn’t get mashed, keeping the salad beautiful and chunky.
Step 5: Serve Right Away
This salad is best enjoyed immediately to savor the fresh flavors and creamy texture of the avocado. However, it also holds up well for a little while if you need to prepare it ahead.
How to Serve Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of extra fresh cilantro or a few thin slices of lime on top not only looks lovely but also boosts the fresh, citrusy notes that make this salad so refreshing.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with crunchy whole-grain crackers, warm pita bread, or even a light vegetable soup. The versatility makes it perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the salad in halved avocados or stuffed into large lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. You can also scoop it onto toasted whole-grain bread for a quick open-faced sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because of the avocado, try to enjoy it within 24 hours to avoid browning and loss of freshness.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended due to the creamy texture of the avocado, which can become mushy and watery after thawing.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you do prefer it warm, separate the chicken from the avocado, heat the chicken gently, and then mix everything back together once cooled.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful choice that speeds up prep time without sacrificing taste.
How do I keep the avocado from browning?
The lime juice in the dressing helps slow down browning, but it’s best to prepare and eat the salad shortly after mixing to enjoy its vibrant color and flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
It’s perfect for short-term meal prep, especially if you keep the dressing separate until ready to eat to preserve freshness.
Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Definitely! Cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, or bell peppers can add extra crunch and color, making the salad even more exciting.
What can I substitute for cilantro if I don’t like it?
Fresh parsley or basil work well as alternatives, offering a slightly different but still fresh herbal note.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe that makes it a go-to for busy days or casual get-togethers. It’s fresh, flavorful, and so easy to make that once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Give it a shot and enjoy every creamy, zesty bite!
Print
Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Avocado Chicken Salad is a quick, fresh, and healthy dish combining tender cooked chicken with creamy avocado, sweet corn, and zesty lime dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or snack, it can be served on its own, in a wrap, or atop whole-grain toast.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breasts, shredded or chopped
- 2 ripe avocados, pitted and diced
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, diced avocados, corn kernels, finely chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro until evenly distributed.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the mixture is well blended and emulsified.
- Add dressing to salad: Pour the lime and olive oil dressing over the chicken and avocado mixture, ensuring even coverage.
- Toss gently: Carefully toss all ingredients to coat them with the dressing without mashing the avocado, preserving its texture.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately for the best flavor and texture. It can be enjoyed alone, wrapped in a tortilla, or spread on whole-grain toast.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm avocados to avoid a mushy texture.
- Fresh corn is preferred for best flavor, but canned or frozen corn works well and should be thawed if frozen.
- Adjust salt and lime juice to taste for brightness and seasoning.
- For added crunch, consider adding chopped celery or toasted nuts.
- This salad is best eaten fresh; if stored, keep refrigerated and consume within 1 day to prevent avocado browning.
