This Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe is creamy, fresh, and packed with protein and good fats. I love making it when I need something quick, nourishing, and satisfying. It’s perfect for lunches, meal prep, or a light dinner I can throw together in minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s mayo-free and uses mashed avocado as the creamy base. It’s full of flavor and texture from crunchy veggies, juicy chicken, and fresh herbs. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and incredibly customizable.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- Ripe avocado
- Red onion, finely chopped
- Celery, diced
- Cucumber or bell pepper (optional for extra crunch)
- Fresh lime juice
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh cilantro or parsley
- Optional: garlic powder, chili flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil
directions
- I mash the avocado in a large bowl until creamy.
- I add the lime juice, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings.
- I fold in the chopped chicken, red onion, celery, and cucumber or bell pepper.
- I stir gently until everything is coated in the avocado.
- I garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately, or chill for a bit before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 2–3 servings and takes just 15 minutes to prepare.
Variations
Sometimes I add crumbled feta or diced tomatoes for extra flavor. If I want a more filling meal, I serve it in lettuce wraps, over greens, or as a sandwich. I’ve also mixed in Greek yogurt with the avocado for added creaminess.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Since avocado browns quickly, I press plastic wrap directly against the surface or add extra lime juice to keep it fresh. No reheating is needed.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, it works great and makes the prep even faster.
How do I keep the avocado from browning?
I use plenty of lime juice and store it tightly sealed with plastic wrap directly on the salad.
Is this salad keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s low in carbs and high in healthy fats and protein.
Can I make it ahead?
I recommend making it the same day, but prepping the chicken and veggies ahead helps it come together fast.
What can I serve this with?
I like it in lettuce wraps, on toast, in a wrap, or even with crackers or cucumber slices for dipping.
Conclusion
This Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe is one of my favorite ways to eat clean and feel full. It’s creamy, crunchy, and full of flavor without any mayo. Whether I’m packing lunch or needing a quick, fresh dinner, this one always hits the spot.
Print
Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings
- Category: Lunch, Salad, Meal Prep
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American, Healthy
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad is creamy, protein-packed, and mayo-free! Mashed avocado replaces mayo for a fresh, nutritious base, combined with juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and zesty lime. It’s a quick, clean, and satisfying meal—perfect for lunch, meal prep, or a light dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 large ripe avocado
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup celery, diced
- ¼ cup diced cucumber or bell pepper (optional)
- 1–2 tbsp fresh lime juice (to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1–2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- Optional: ¼ tsp garlic powder, pinch of chili flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mash the avocado until creamy.
- Stir in lime juice, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings.
- Add the chicken, red onion, celery, and optional cucumber or bell pepper.
- Gently stir until everything is well combined and coated in the avocado.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately, or chill before serving.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
- Add diced tomatoes, crumbled feta, or Greek yogurt for extra flavor and creaminess.
- Serve in lettuce wraps, on toast, in a tortilla, or with crackers and veggies for dipping.
- To keep fresh, press plastic wrap directly on the surface and store in an airtight container.
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