Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad is a fresh, creamy, and vibrant dish that brings together tender chicken, ripe avocado, crisp veggies, and a touch of zesty lime. It’s the kind of salad that feels light but is also really satisfying, making it perfect for a quick lunch or a simple dinner.
I love making this salad when I want something that’s good for me but still tastes great. The avocado acts like a natural dressing, giving everything a smooth, rich texture without needing a lot of extra mayo or heavy sauces. I always add a little extra lime juice to keep it bright and fresh, and it makes a big difference.
One of my favorite ways to serve this salad is stuffed inside a whole wheat pita or wrapped in a tortilla for an easy on-the-go meal. It’s also great just on its own with some crunchy lettuce or alongside a handful of your favorite crackers. This salad reminds me of sunny afternoons and easy gatherings with friends where good food and good company come together effortlessly.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breast: Using cooked, shredded chicken adds lean protein. Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works great too. For a vegetarian option, swap with chickpeas or grilled tofu.
Avocado: This fruit is the creamy base of the salad without needing heavy mayo. Make sure your avocado is ripe but firm for easy dicing. If you can’t find avocado, mashed peas can be a fresh substitute.
Greek yogurt: It adds tang and creaminess while keeping the salad light. You can switch it with plain plant-based yogurt to keep it dairy-free.
Lime juice: Fresh lime juice brightens flavors and prevents the avocado from browning. Lemon juice is a fine replacement if you don’t have limes.
Red onion: Thin slicing keeps the bite sharp but not overpowering. If raw onion is too strong, soak slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor.
How Do You Keep Avocado Fresh and Creamy without Browning?
Avocado browns fast when exposed to air, but a few techniques help keep it fresh and green longer:
- Use ripe but firm avocados to avoid mushy pieces.
- Mix avocado chunks immediately with lime juice to slow oxidation.
- Gently fold the avocado in last to avoid bruising or mashing too much.
- Serve the salad right away for best texture and color.
- If making ahead, store in an airtight container and press plastic wrap onto the surface to limit air.
Following these tips will help your salad stay appetizing and tasty without turning brown quickly.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – I use this to toss all the ingredients together easily.
- Small bowl or jar – perfect for whisking the dressing until smooth.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for chopping chicken, vegetables, and avocado safely and quickly.
- Measuring spoons – useful for measuring lime juice, Dijon mustard, and seasonings.
- Serving bowls or plates – to present or serve the salad family-style or individually.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Switch protein: Try cooked shrimp or canned tuna for a seafood twist.
- Add cheese: Crumbled feta or shredded cheddar add richness and extra flavor.
- Include crunchy veggies: Add chopped bell peppers or celery for more texture.
- Spice it up: Mix in chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne if you like some heat.
Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 large ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (mix of red and yellow if possible)
- ¼ medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce or mixed greens
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Pinch of red chili flakes (optional for a slight kick)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes around 10 minutes to prepare if you have cooked chicken ready. It’s a quick and easy salad to toss together, with no cooking required during the assembly. Serve it immediately for the freshest taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked chicken, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped greens. Add chopped cilantro if you’d like a fresh herbal flavor.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lime juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes if you’re using them. Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Toss the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together, taking care not to mash the avocado. You want the salad to be evenly coated but still chunky and fresh.
4. Adjust and Serve:
Give the salad a quick taste and add more salt, pepper, or lime juice if you want. Serve it right away for the best flavor and texture. This salad works great on its own, over cooked quinoa, or stuffed into wraps or pita bread for a satisfying meal.
5. Storing Leftovers:
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge and eat within one day. The avocado may brown if left too long, so fresh is best!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl — to combine all the salad ingredients easily.
- Small bowl or jar — perfect for whisking the dressing.
- Sharp knife and cutting board — for chopping chicken, avocado, and veggies.
- Measuring spoons — for accurate amounts of dressing ingredients.
- Serving bowls or plates — to present and enjoy your salad.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap protein: Use cooked shrimp, canned tuna, or chickpeas for different tastes.
- Add cheese: Crumbled feta or shredded cheddar cheese to boost flavor.
- Add crunch: Try diced bell peppers, celery, or cucumber for extra texture.
- Add spice: Incorporate chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne for heat.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Salad?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw and cook the chicken before adding it. Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the fridge or use the quick-thaw method by placing it in a sealed bag in cold water. Once cooked, let it cool before mixing into the salad.
How Can I Prevent the Avocado from Browning?
Mix the avocado with lime juice right away to slow browning. For leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface. Eating it within a day ensures the best freshness and color.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
It’s best made fresh to enjoy the avocado at its best. If you need to prepare ahead, mix all ingredients except the avocado and add diced avocado just before serving to keep it vibrant.
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt in the Dressing?
You can swap Greek yogurt with plain dairy-free yogurt for a dairy-free version or use a little mayonnaise for a richer taste. Just adjust the amount to keep the dressing creamy but light.