DisclaimerTerms Of UseGDPR PolicyCookie Policy

spoonfulsavory

Creamy Avocado Chicken Salad Fresh and Healthy Delight

by
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 ripe avocado, mashed until smooth - 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine, spinach, and arugula) The base of this salad is simple yet satisfying. I use shredded chicken for protein. It adds flavor and texture. The ripe avocado makes it creamy and rich. To boost nutrition, I blend in Greek yogurt. This keeps it light but filling. Next, I add Dijon mustard and lime juice for a zing. They bring brightness to every bite. Don't forget the salt and pepper. These help enhance all the flavors. For crunch and color, I fold in red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh cilantro. They give the salad a fresh taste. Finally, I serve it over mixed salad greens. The greens add a nice pop of color. This creamy avocado chicken salad is fresh, healthy, and full of flavor. It is perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Enjoy the easy prep and delightful taste! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by gathering your ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, smooth mashed avocado, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and lime juice. Use a fork or spatula to mix everything well. You want the mixture to be creamy and fully blended. This step is key to achieving a rich texture. Next, gently fold in the finely diced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro. Be careful not to mash the tomatoes while mixing. After that, taste the mixture. Season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can adjust the lime juice and Dijon mustard if you want a stronger flavor. Now it’s time to serve! Arrange the mixed salad greens on a platter or individual plates. This makes for a colorful base. Generously scoop the creamy avocado chicken salad over the greens. For a finishing touch, drizzle some extra lime juice on top and garnish with more cilantro. This adds a nice pop of flavor and color. - Use ripe avocados for a smoother texture. Ripe avocados blend well and add creaminess. - Experiment with different types of yogurt for unique flavors. Try Greek, coconut, or almond yogurt. - Adjust lime juice and mustard for personal taste preferences. More lime adds zing, while mustard gives depth. - Add extra herbs for additional freshness. Cilantro, parsley, or dill can brighten your salad. - Serve in clear glass bowls to showcase vibrant ingredients. This makes your dish more appealing and fun. - Include lime wedges for added zest at serving. Guests can squeeze lime for extra flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will elevate the flavor of your chicken salad. Opt for ripe avocados and crisp greens for the best taste and texture. Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the lime juice and Dijon mustard according to your taste preferences. A little more acidity or spice can make a big difference! Make It Ahead: This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to avoid soggy greens. Pair with Crunch: Consider adding nuts, seeds, or even crispy tortilla strips on top for an added crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of the salad. {{image_4}} You can change up the protein in your creamy avocado chicken salad. Swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas for a tasty vegetarian option. Tofu adds a nice texture, while chickpeas offer a hearty bite. If you want to save time, use leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken. This makes meal prep quick and easy. To add some crunch to your salad, consider incorporating diced cucumbers or bell peppers. These veggies bring a fresh bite that pairs well with the creamy avocado. You can also mix in feta cheese or drizzle in avocado oil for extra richness. Both options enhance the flavor and make the salad even more satisfying. Exploring different dressings can elevate your creamy avocado chicken salad. A cilantro lime vinaigrette adds a zesty kick, while spicy ranch gives a bold flavor. You can also adjust the amount of yogurt or lime juice to achieve your desired creaminess or tanginess. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find your perfect mix! Refrigerate your chicken salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This helps keep it fresh. Avoid mixing the salad greens with the chicken salad before storing. This way, your greens stay crisp. Freezing is not recommended for this salad. The texture of the avocado changes when frozen. For the best taste and quality, prepare the salad fresh when you need it. Serve the chicken salad chilled for the best flavor. If it becomes too thick, add a little yogurt or lime juice to loosen it up. If your greens dry out, refresh them with a light sprinkle of water. This keeps your salad looking great and tasting fresh. Yes, you can prepare the chicken salad a day in advance. Just store the dressing separately until you are ready to serve. You can use mayonnaise, sour cream, or a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Each option changes the taste a bit, so pick what you like best. Absolutely! You can add any vegetables you enjoy. Try corn, diced cucumbers, or shredded carrots for extra crunch and flavor. This chicken salad combines simple ingredients for a tasty dish. You start with shredded chicken and creamy avocado, then add Greek yogurt for richness. You can enhance the flavor with mustard, lime juice, and fresh veggies. The tips help you adjust the taste to your liking. Remember, it's easy to swap proteins or add different veggies. Serve it fresh for the best taste. Enjoy making this dish your own while keeping it healthy!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Looking for a fresh and healthy twist on the classic chicken salad? My Creamy Avocado Chicken Salad combines tender shredded chicken with smooth avocado, tangy Greek yogurt, and zesty lime juice. This recipe is easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create a delicious, nutritious dish that you and your family will love!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of avocado and Greek yogurt creates a wonderfully creamy texture that is both satisfying and nutritious.
  2. Quick and Easy Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this salad is perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunch options.
  3. Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the avocado, this salad is a great choice for a balanced meal.
  4. Colorful Presentation: The vibrant colors of the salad greens, cherry tomatoes, and fresh cilantro make it visually appealing and appetizing.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

– 1 ripe avocado, mashed until smooth

– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt

Flavor Enhancers

– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice

– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Add-Ins

– 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced

– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

– 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine, spinach, and arugula)

The base of this salad is simple yet satisfying. I use shredded chicken for protein. It adds flavor and texture. The ripe avocado makes it creamy and rich. To boost nutrition, I blend in Greek yogurt. This keeps it light but filling.

Next, I add Dijon mustard and lime juice for a zing. They bring brightness to every bite. Don’t forget the salt and pepper. These help enhance all the flavors.

For crunch and color, I fold in red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh cilantro. They give the salad a fresh taste. Finally, I serve it over mixed salad greens. The greens add a nice pop of color.

This creamy avocado chicken salad is fresh, healthy, and full of flavor. It is perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Enjoy the easy prep and delightful taste!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken Salad Mixture

Start by gathering your ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, smooth mashed avocado, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and lime juice. Use a fork or spatula to mix everything well. You want the mixture to be creamy and fully blended. This step is key to achieving a rich texture.

Incorporating Vegetables and Seasoning

Next, gently fold in the finely diced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro. Be careful not to mash the tomatoes while mixing. After that, taste the mixture. Season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can adjust the lime juice and Dijon mustard if you want a stronger flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Now it’s time to serve! Arrange the mixed salad greens on a platter or individual plates. This makes for a colorful base. Generously scoop the creamy avocado chicken salad over the greens. For a finishing touch, drizzle some extra lime juice on top and garnish with more cilantro. This adds a nice pop of flavor and color.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Creaminess

– Use ripe avocados for a smoother texture. Ripe avocados blend well and add creaminess.

– Experiment with different types of yogurt for unique flavors. Try Greek, coconut, or almond yogurt.

Enhancing Flavor

– Adjust lime juice and mustard for personal taste preferences. More lime adds zing, while mustard gives depth.

– Add extra herbs for additional freshness. Cilantro, parsley, or dill can brighten your salad.

Presentation Ideas

– Serve in clear glass bowls to showcase vibrant ingredients. This makes your dish more appealing and fun.

– Include lime wedges for added zest at serving. Guests can squeeze lime for extra flavor.

Pro Tips

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will elevate the flavor of your chicken salad. Opt for ripe avocados and crisp greens for the best taste and texture.
  2. Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the lime juice and Dijon mustard according to your taste preferences. A little more acidity or spice can make a big difference!
  3. Make It Ahead: This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to avoid soggy greens.
  4. Pair with Crunch: Consider adding nuts, seeds, or even crispy tortilla strips on top for an added crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of the salad.

Variations

Protein Alternatives

You can change up the protein in your creamy avocado chicken salad. Swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas for a tasty vegetarian option. Tofu adds a nice texture, while chickpeas offer a hearty bite. If you want to save time, use leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken. This makes meal prep quick and easy.

Additional Ingredients

To add some crunch to your salad, consider incorporating diced cucumbers or bell peppers. These veggies bring a fresh bite that pairs well with the creamy avocado. You can also mix in feta cheese or drizzle in avocado oil for extra richness. Both options enhance the flavor and make the salad even more satisfying.

Dressing Options

Exploring different dressings can elevate your creamy avocado chicken salad. A cilantro lime vinaigrette adds a zesty kick, while spicy ranch gives a bold flavor. You can also adjust the amount of yogurt or lime juice to achieve your desired creaminess or tanginess. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find your perfect mix!

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerate your chicken salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This helps keep it fresh. Avoid mixing the salad greens with the chicken salad before storing. This way, your greens stay crisp.

Freezing Options

Freezing is not recommended for this salad. The texture of the avocado changes when frozen. For the best taste and quality, prepare the salad fresh when you need it.

Reheating and Refreshing

Serve the chicken salad chilled for the best flavor. If it becomes too thick, add a little yogurt or lime juice to loosen it up. If your greens dry out, refresh them with a light sprinkle of water. This keeps your salad looking great and tasting fresh.

FAQs

Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken salad a day in advance. Just store the dressing separately until you are ready to serve.

What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?

You can use mayonnaise, sour cream, or a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Each option changes the taste a bit, so pick what you like best.

Can I add other vegetables to the salad?

Absolutely! You can add any vegetables you enjoy. Try corn, diced cucumbers, or shredded carrots for extra crunch and flavor.

This chicken salad combines simple ingredients for a tasty dish. You start with shredded chicken and creamy avocado, then add Greek yogurt for richness. You can enhance the flavor with mustard, lime juice, and fresh veggies. The tips help you adjust the taste to your liking. Remember, it’s easy to swap proteins or add different veggies. Serve it fresh for the best taste. Enjoy making this dish your own while keeping it health

- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 ripe avocado, mashed until smooth - 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine, spinach, and arugula) The base of this salad is simple yet satisfying. I use shredded chicken for protein. It adds flavor and texture. The ripe avocado makes it creamy and rich. To boost nutrition, I blend in Greek yogurt. This keeps it light but filling. Next, I add Dijon mustard and lime juice for a zing. They bring brightness to every bite. Don't forget the salt and pepper. These help enhance all the flavors. For crunch and color, I fold in red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh cilantro. They give the salad a fresh taste. Finally, I serve it over mixed salad greens. The greens add a nice pop of color. This creamy avocado chicken salad is fresh, healthy, and full of flavor. It is perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Enjoy the easy prep and delightful taste! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by gathering your ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, smooth mashed avocado, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and lime juice. Use a fork or spatula to mix everything well. You want the mixture to be creamy and fully blended. This step is key to achieving a rich texture. Next, gently fold in the finely diced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro. Be careful not to mash the tomatoes while mixing. After that, taste the mixture. Season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can adjust the lime juice and Dijon mustard if you want a stronger flavor. Now it’s time to serve! Arrange the mixed salad greens on a platter or individual plates. This makes for a colorful base. Generously scoop the creamy avocado chicken salad over the greens. For a finishing touch, drizzle some extra lime juice on top and garnish with more cilantro. This adds a nice pop of flavor and color. - Use ripe avocados for a smoother texture. Ripe avocados blend well and add creaminess. - Experiment with different types of yogurt for unique flavors. Try Greek, coconut, or almond yogurt. - Adjust lime juice and mustard for personal taste preferences. More lime adds zing, while mustard gives depth. - Add extra herbs for additional freshness. Cilantro, parsley, or dill can brighten your salad. - Serve in clear glass bowls to showcase vibrant ingredients. This makes your dish more appealing and fun. - Include lime wedges for added zest at serving. Guests can squeeze lime for extra flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will elevate the flavor of your chicken salad. Opt for ripe avocados and crisp greens for the best taste and texture. Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the lime juice and Dijon mustard according to your taste preferences. A little more acidity or spice can make a big difference! Make It Ahead: This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to avoid soggy greens. Pair with Crunch: Consider adding nuts, seeds, or even crispy tortilla strips on top for an added crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of the salad. {{image_4}} You can change up the protein in your creamy avocado chicken salad. Swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas for a tasty vegetarian option. Tofu adds a nice texture, while chickpeas offer a hearty bite. If you want to save time, use leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken. This makes meal prep quick and easy. To add some crunch to your salad, consider incorporating diced cucumbers or bell peppers. These veggies bring a fresh bite that pairs well with the creamy avocado. You can also mix in feta cheese or drizzle in avocado oil for extra richness. Both options enhance the flavor and make the salad even more satisfying. Exploring different dressings can elevate your creamy avocado chicken salad. A cilantro lime vinaigrette adds a zesty kick, while spicy ranch gives a bold flavor. You can also adjust the amount of yogurt or lime juice to achieve your desired creaminess or tanginess. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find your perfect mix! Refrigerate your chicken salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This helps keep it fresh. Avoid mixing the salad greens with the chicken salad before storing. This way, your greens stay crisp. Freezing is not recommended for this salad. The texture of the avocado changes when frozen. For the best taste and quality, prepare the salad fresh when you need it. Serve the chicken salad chilled for the best flavor. If it becomes too thick, add a little yogurt or lime juice to loosen it up. If your greens dry out, refresh them with a light sprinkle of water. This keeps your salad looking great and tasting fresh. Yes, you can prepare the chicken salad a day in advance. Just store the dressing separately until you are ready to serve. You can use mayonnaise, sour cream, or a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Each option changes the taste a bit, so pick what you like best. Absolutely! You can add any vegetables you enjoy. Try corn, diced cucumbers, or shredded carrots for extra crunch and flavor. This chicken salad combines simple ingredients for a tasty dish. You start with shredded chicken and creamy avocado, then add Greek yogurt for richness. You can enhance the flavor with mustard, lime juice, and fresh veggies. The tips help you adjust the taste to your liking. Remember, it's easy to swap proteins or add different veggies. Serve it fresh for the best taste. Enjoy making this dish your own while keeping it healthy!

Creamy Avocado Chicken Salad

A delicious and healthy chicken salad made with creamy avocado, Greek yogurt, and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 ripe avocado, mashed until smooth
  • 1 4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine, spinach, and arugula)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, smooth mashed avocado, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and lime juice. Use a fork or spatula to mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well integrated and creamy.
  • Gently fold in the finely diced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro, taking care to stir without mashing the tomatoes.
  • Taste the mixture and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust the lime juice and Dijon mustard if you prefer a bolder, zingy flavor.
  • On a serving platter or individual plates, artfully arrange the mixed salad greens to create a colorful bed for the salad.
  • Generously scoop the creamy avocado chicken salad over the greens, allowing it to nestle into the vibrant mix.
  • For an extra touch, drizzle a little more lime juice over the top and garnish with additional sprigs of fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve in clear glass bowls for a stunning visual effect. Add lime wedges on the side for extra flavor.
Keyword avocado, chicken salad, healthy

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating