This Avocado Chicken Salad is creamy, fresh, and packed with protein. Ripe avocado replaces most or all of the mayonnaise, creating a healthier salad that’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or enjoying on its own.
⏱️ Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes (if cooking chicken)
- Total Time: 15–35 minutes
🍽️ Servings
- 4 servings
🧾 Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp lime juice (or lemon juice)
Seasonings
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp paprika (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
- ¼ cup corn kernels
- 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt (for extra creaminess)
- 1 tbsp sunflower or pumpkin seeds
🍳 Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Fork or potato masher
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
👩🍳 Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Option 1: Use Leftover Chicken
- Dice or shred 2 cups cooked chicken.
Option 2: Cook Fresh Chicken
- Season 2 chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cook in a skillet over medium heat for 6–8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
- Let rest for 5 minutes.
- Dice or shred.
Tip: Rotisserie chicken works well and saves time.
👩🍳 Step 2: Prepare the Avocados
- Cut avocados in half.
- Remove the pits.
- Scoop the flesh into a large bowl.
Add lime juice immediately to help prevent browning.
👩🍳 Step 3: Make the Creamy Base
Using a fork, mash the avocado until mostly smooth.
For a chunkier salad:
- Leave some small avocado pieces intact.
For a smoother dressing:
- Mash completely.
👩🍳 Step 4: Add Vegetables and Seasonings
Add:
- Celery
- Red onion
- Cilantro or parsley
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika (if using)
Mix until evenly combined.
👩🍳 Step 5: Add the Chicken
Fold the chicken into the avocado mixture.
Mix gently until every piece is coated.
If using optional ingredients such as cucumber, jalapeño, corn, seeds, or yogurt, fold them in now.
👩🍳 Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Taste the salad and adjust:
- More salt for flavor
- More lime juice for brightness
- More pepper for mild heat
🍽️ Serving Ideas
Sandwich
Serve on:
- Whole-grain bread
- Sourdough bread
- Toasted sandwich rolls
Wrap
Roll into:
- Tortillas
- Spinach wraps
- Low-carb wraps
Low-Carb Option
Serve in:
- Lettuce cups
- Cucumber boats
- Bell pepper halves
Salad Bowl
Serve over:
- Mixed greens
- Spinach
- Arugula
💡 Tips for the Best Avocado Chicken Salad
Use Ripe Avocados
The avocado should yield slightly when gently pressed.
Don’t Overmix
Overmixing can turn the salad into a paste.
Chill Before Serving
For the best flavor, refrigerate for 15–30 minutes before serving.
Prevent Browning
Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before refrigerating.
🥗 Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
Without optional add-ins:
- Calories: 300–350
- Protein: 24–28 g
- Carbohydrates: 6–8 g
- Fat: 18–22 g
- Fiber: 5–7 g
