If you’re looking for a deliciously nutritious meal, let me introduce you to my favorite healthy avocado chicken salad! This vibrant dish is not only packed with flavor but also loaded with wholesome ingredients that will make your taste buds dance. The creamy avocado pairs perfectly with tender shredded chicken, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lime dressing, bringing a burst of freshness to each bite. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a protein-rich meal while keeping things light and healthy. Plus, this salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it the perfect quick lunch or dinner option when you’re short on time. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy!
Ingredients for Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this healthy avocado chicken salad a hit! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Use rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken for convenience and extra flavor.
- 1 ripe avocado, diced: Choose a perfectly ripe avocado for that creamy texture—just give it a gentle squeeze!
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: These add a sweet burst; feel free to use any color variety you like!
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced: This adds a nice crunch and a mild bite to the salad.
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped: Fresh cilantro brings a pop of freshness; you can adjust the amount to your taste.
- 2 tablespoons lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens everything up—don’t skip this!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that elevate the flavors perfectly.
How to Prepare Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad
Preparing this healthy avocado chicken salad is a breeze! Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl where all the magic happens. First, take your shredded chicken and toss it in the bowl—this is the protein powerhouse of your salad! Next, add in your diced avocado with care; you want those creamy cubes to stay intact, so be gentle. Then, throw in the halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Wow, the colors are already so vibrant!
Now, it’s time to add the zing! Drizzle your fresh lime juice over the top, and don’t forget to sprinkle some salt and pepper to taste. This is where you can be a little playful—if you love lime, squeeze in a bit more! Give everything a gentle toss, making sure all the ingredients are well-coated but not mushy. If you’re feeling fancy, serve it right away for a fresh crunch or pop it in the refrigerator for about 15 to 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Either way, you’re in for a treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Enjoy the beautiful mix of colors!
- Drizzle the lime juice over the salad. This not only adds flavor but also keeps the avocado from browning.
- Add salt and pepper to taste. Start with a little, then adjust according to your preference—tasting as you go is key!
- Gently toss all the ingredients together, being careful not to mash the avocado. You want everything to be mixed but still distinct.
- Serve immediately for the freshest taste or cover and chill in the fridge for up to 30 minutes to enhance the flavors before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This healthy avocado chicken salad is a delightful addition to your meal rotation, and here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Quick Preparation: Whip it up in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy days!
- Nutrient-Packed: With protein from chicken and healthy fats from avocado, it’s a nourishing choice.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a salad, sandwich filling, or on a bed of greens—your choice!
- Fresh Flavors: The combination of lime and cilantro gives it a zesty kick you won’t forget.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap ingredients to suit your taste!
Tips for Success
To make sure your healthy avocado chicken salad turns out perfectly every time, here are some pro tips! First, use freshly cooked or high-quality rotisserie chicken for the best flavor. When selecting your avocado, look for one that’s firm but gives slightly when pressed—this means it’s ripe and ready to go!
Make sure to cut the avocado just before mixing to keep it from browning too quickly. If you’re prepping ahead, store the lime juice separately and add it right before serving to maintain that fresh zing. Lastly, don’t hesitate to experiment with additional ingredients like bell peppers or even a handful of nuts for added crunch!
Nutritional Information for Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad
When it comes to healthy eating, this avocado chicken salad packs a nutritious punch! Each serving contains approximately 320 calories, making it a satisfying yet light meal option. You’ll get a lovely balance of macronutrients, including about 30g of protein, which is fantastic for fueling your day. Plus, it boasts 18g of healthy fats—thanks to the avocado—while keeping carbs at around 10g. And don’t forget the fiber, around 6g per serving, which is great for digestion. Keep in mind, these values are estimates, but they help you see just how wholesome this dish truly is!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your healthy avocado chicken salad properly is key to enjoying it later! If you have leftovers, transfer any uneaten salad to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, but do keep in mind that the avocado may brown a bit. To keep it looking vibrant, squeeze a little extra lime juice on top before sealing the container.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, there’s no need to reheat—this salad is best served cold! Just give it a gentle toss to redistribute any flavors that might have settled, and you’re good to go!
FAQ About Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad
Got questions about my healthy avocado chicken salad? No problem, I’ve got you covered!
Can I use canned chicken? Absolutely! Canned chicken works in a pinch, just make sure to drain it well before using.
How long does the salad last in the fridge? It’s best enjoyed within 2 days, but the avocado may brown a bit over time.
Can I make it ahead of time? Sure! Just wait to add the avocado and lime juice until you’re ready to serve to keep it fresh.
What can I substitute for cilantro? If cilantro isn’t your thing, try fresh parsley or even some basil for a different flavor twist!
Is this salad gluten-free? Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for everyone!
For more information on the health benefits of avocados, check out this Healthline article.
To learn more about the nutritional benefits of chicken, visit this NCBI study.
Print
Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad in 15 Minutes for Beginners
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A nutritious avocado chicken salad packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
- Drizzle with lime juice.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss gently to mix all ingredients.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator before serving.
Notes
- Use grilled chicken for added flavor.
- Can be served on lettuce or as a sandwich filling.
- Adjust lime juice according to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: healthy avocado chicken salad
