Avocado Chicken Salad (Printable)

Fresh and creamy salad with tender chicken, ripe avocado, zesty lime, and fragrant herbs for a light, healthy meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced

→ Vegetables & Fruit

02 - 2 ripe avocados, diced
03 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
04 - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 1 small cucumber, diced

→ Herbs & Seasonings

06 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Dressing

10 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
11 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, diced avocados, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
02 - Add the chopped cilantro and parsley to the mixture.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
04 - Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine, being careful not to mash the avocado.
05 - Serve immediately, or chill for up to 1 hour before serving for optimal texture and flavor.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together in less time than it takes to order delivery, and tastes like you actually tried.
  • The creamy avocado replaces mayo, so it feels indulgent without the guilt or heaviness.
  • You can eat it straight from the bowl, stuff it in lettuce cups, or pile it on toast depending on your mood.
  • It uses up leftover chicken beautifully and turns it into something that feels intentional, not improvised.
02 -
  • Don't toss the salad too aggressively or you'll end up with avocado puree instead of distinct creamy cubes.
  • If you're making this ahead, wait to add the avocado and dressing until just before serving so everything stays fresh and the avocado doesn't brown.
  • Taste the dressing before you pour it over, lime intensity varies and sometimes you need an extra squeeze or pinch of salt to make it sing.
03 -
  • Dice the avocado while it's still in the skin, then scoop it out with a spoon so you get perfect cubes without any mashing.
  • If your avocados are too firm, let them sit in a paper bag with a banana overnight to speed up ripening.
  • Always taste your lime before you juice it, some limes are sweeter and some are more tart, and you may need to adjust the amount to get the right balance.
  • For a creamier texture without adding mayo, mash a quarter of one avocado into the dressing before you pour it over the salad.
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