This Avocado Chicken Salad is the ultimate solution for a fast, protein-packed lunch that actually keeps you full until dinner. It skips the heavy mayonnaise in favor of creamy, ripe avocados and bright lime juice for a fresh flavor profile that feels light but satisfying. I threw this together yesterday between meetings, and it has quickly become my go-to method for using up leftover rotisserie chicken.
Why This Recipe Is A Keeper
Most chicken salads rely heavily on mayo, which can feel greasy and heavy after a few bites. This version uses the natural creaminess of avocados to bind everything together, creating a rich texture that feels indulgent while remaining nutrient-dense. It comes together in a single bowl, requires zero cooking if you use pre-cooked meat, and delivers a punch of zesty flavor from fresh lime and cilantro.
Jump to:
- Why This Recipe Is A Keeper
- What You'll Need For This Salad
- How To Make This Avocado Chicken Salad
- Top Tip
- Ways To Customize This Avocado Chicken Salad
- Keeping It Fresh
- Serving Suggestions
- Why I Love This Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
- Common Questions
- More Recipes You'll Enjoy
- Creamy Avocado Chicken Salad
- Related
- Pairing
What You'll Need For This Salad
Fresh ingredients are the backbone of this simple dish. Since there are so few components, quality really matters here.
Main Ingredients
Cooked Chicken You need tender, cooked chicken for this recipe. Rotisserie chicken is my favorite shortcut because it adds savory depth, but poached chicken breasts or leftover baked thighs work perfectly too.
Ripe Avocados The avocados must be soft to the touch but not mushy. They act as the "dressing" for the salad, so under-ripe ones won't mash well and will leave the salad feeling dry.
Lime Juice Freshly squeezed lime juice is non-negotiable here. It cuts through the richness of the avocado and helps prevent the mixture from turning brown too quickly.
Red Onion Finely diced red onion adds a necessary crunch and sharp bite. If raw onion is too strong for you, soak the diced pieces in cold water for five minutes before adding them.
Fresh Cilantro Chopped cilantro brings a burst of herby freshness that ties the flavors together. It lightens the overall taste and pairs beautifully with the lime.
Optional Add-Ins
Greek Yogurt or Mayo While you can make this dairy-free, adding just one tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise helps stabilize the avocado and keeps the dressing creamy for longer.
Jalapeño For a spicy kick, add minced jalapeño. Remove the seeds if you want the flavor without the intense heat.
Corn Sweet corn kernels add a nice pop of texture and sweetness that contrasts well with the savory chicken.
Check the Recipe Card Below for Specific Measurements
How To Make This Avocado Chicken Salad
This process is all about texture control. You want the avocado creamy enough to coat the chicken but distinct enough to not turn into guacamole.
Prepare The Avocado Base
Scoop the flesh of the avocados into a large mixing bowl and add the lime juice immediately. Mash them gently with a fork until they are mostly smooth but still have a few small chunks for texture. The mixture should look like a rustic spread rather than a pureed sauce.
Combine The Ingredients
Add the cooked chicken, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro directly on top of the mashed avocado. Season generously with salt and pepper at this stage. Fold the ingredients together gently using a rubber spatula until every piece of chicken is coated in the green dressing. Avocado Chicken Salad is best when the chicken is fully integrated with the creamy binder.
Taste And Adjust
Take a small bite to check the seasoning balance. If it tastes flat, add a pinch more salt or another squeeze of lime juice to wake up the flavors. The acidity should be bright enough to counter the rich fats of the avocado.
Serve Immediately
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or pile it onto your vessel of choice. It is ready to eat the moment you finish mixing.
This dish is best served chilled or at room temperature right after making it.
Top Tip
Choose the right avocado. The success of this dish depends entirely on the ripeness of your fruit. It should yield to gentle pressure. If it is rock hard, the salad will be dry and chunky.
Chop the chicken uniformly. Cut or shred your chicken into bite-sized pieces that match the size of the onion and avocado chunks. This ensures you get a perfect mix of flavors in every forkful of Avocado Chicken Salad.
Add the acid early. Coating the avocado in lime juice right away is the best defense against oxidation. It creates a barrier that keeps your salad vibrant green for longer.
Don't overmix. Once you add the chicken, fold just enough to combine. Overworking the mixture can turn the chicken into a paste, especially if the meat is very tender.
Ways To Customize This Avocado Chicken Salad
This base Avocado Chicken Salad recipe is incredibly flexible and adapts well to whatever is in your fridge.
Spicy Chipotle Version
Stir in a teaspoon of adobo sauce or chipotle powder. The smoky heat cuts through the creamy avocado beautifully and makes for a bold lunch.
Bacon Lovers Salad
Fold in crispy, crumbled bacon right before serving. The salty crunch adds a savory element that makes the salad feel even more satisfying.
Keto Avocado Chicken Salad
To keep the macros strictly low-carb, ensure you skip the corn and serve this over a bed of leafy greens or inside butter lettuce cups. It is naturally high in healthy fats and protein.
Keeping It Fresh
Avocado-based dishes are notorious for browning, but you can extend the life of this salad with proper storage techniques.
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. To prevent browning, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the Avocado Chicken Salad before sealing the lid. This limits oxygen exposure. It will stay good for about 2 days.
Not Freezer Friendly
I do not recommend freezing this recipe. Avocado changes texture significantly when frozen and thawed, becoming watery and mushy.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is versatile enough to be a snack, a light lunch, or a hearty dinner component.
Lettuce Wraps
Scoop a generous portion into large Romaine or Butter lettuce leaves. This provides a refreshing crunch and keeps the meal light and gluten-free.
Sandwich or Toast
Pile the salad high on toasted sourdough or whole-grain bread. The contrast between the warm, crispy bread and the cool, creamy Avocado Chicken Salad is fantastic.
Dip Style
Serve it in a bowl surrounded by cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or tortilla chips. It works great as a heavy appetizer or a casual desk lunch.
Why I Love This Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
I started making this Avocado Chicken Salad when I realized my standard lunch rotation was getting stale and way too heavy on processed carbs. I love a good chicken salad sandwich, but the amount of mayonnaise usually required made me feel sluggish in the afternoon. Substituting avocado was a revelation. It provides that necessary fat and creaminess but leaves you feeling energized.
After testing different ratios, I found that using just avocado can sometimes be too dense, which is why I often add a tiny splash of olive oil or a spoonful of yogurt if the avocados aren't perfectly buttery. This balance creates a Avocado Chicken Salad that rivals any deli version I have tasted. It is fresh, vibrant, and honestly just makes you feel good after eating it.
Similar Chicken Recipes You'll Love
Common Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but it is best enjoyed within 24 hours. The lime juice helps preserve the color, but the avocado will eventually oxidize.
Is this Avocado Chicken Salad recipe keto-friendly?
Absolutely. This salad is high in healthy fats and protein while being very low in carbohydrates, making it perfect for keto diets.
What cuts of chicken work best?
I prefer using a mix of white and dark meat from a rotisserie chicken for moisture. However, grilled chicken breast works well if you want a leaner option.
How do I ripen avocados quickly?
Place them in a brown paper bag with a banana or apple. The ethylene gas released by the fruit speeds up the ripening process significantly.
Can I use lemon instead of lime?
Yes. Lemon juice works as a great substitute if you prefer a slightly milder citrus flavor in your Avocado Chicken Salad.
More Recipes You'll Enjoy
If you enjoyed this fresh take on lunch, you will definitely want to try my Greek Yogurt Cookie Dough for a high-protein sweet treat. For something more indulgent, the Red Velvet Brownies are a crowd favorite. And if you are looking for a hearty dinner to follow this light lunch, my Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken recipe is the ultimate comfort food.
Creamy Avocado Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Scoop the avocados into a large bowl and add the lime juice immediately.
- Mash the avocados with a fork until creamy but still slightly chunky.
- Add the chicken, red onion, cilantro, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
- Stir gently until the chicken is evenly coated with the avocado mixture.
- Taste and add more salt or lime juice if needed before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Avocado Chicken Salad:
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