Chicken and Avocado Salad – Easy Recipe with Step-by-Step Instructions

Craving something light, tasty, and incredibly simple? This chicken and avocado salad is your answer! It’s the perfect solution for a quick lunch or a no-fuss dinner. I often whip up this vibrant salad when I need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

This easy salad recipe not only satisfies your hunger but it also bursts with fresh flavors and healthy fats. Plus, using pre-cooked chicken makes preparation a breeze. This is a delicious and nourishing way to enjoy your meal.

Combining creamy avocado, protein-rich chicken, and a simple dressing will leave you feeling energized and content. Ready to taste the goodness? Let’s dive into this amazing dish.

Key Details About the Chicken and Avocado Salad

Chicken and Avocado Salad is a simple recipe that brings great flavors. Here’s a quick overview:

  • Cuisine: American
  • Dietary categories: Gluten-free, Dairy-free options
  • Prep time: 15 minutes
  • Total time: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Approximate calories: 350 per serving
  • Difficulty: Easy (minimal cooking)
  • Taste Profile: Creamy, savory, fresh

Chicken and Avocado Salad Ingredients

Let’s gather what you’ll need for this tasty salad. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and quick.

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 2 ripe avocados, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, juiced

Dressing:

  • 3 tablespoons good quality olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Add-Ins:

  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup toasted nuts like almonds or pecans
  • A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
  • Gluten-free crackers or bread for serving
  • Dairy-free options: substitute olive oil based mayonnaise

Equipments Required to prepare Chicken and Avocado Salad

For making chicken avocado salad, you’ll need some simple kitchen tools.

  • A large mixing bowl is perfect for combining the ingredients.
  • A cutting board and a sharp knife are essential for chopping the chicken, avocado, and other additions.
  • A fork is useful for shredding the chicken and mashing the avocado a bit.
  • Measuring spoons and cups will help keep your ingredient portions right.
  • If you prefer grilling the chicken, a grill or grill pan works great. Otherwise, a regular skillet or pan works.
  • A small bowl for making any dressing, if needed.
  • A serving dish to place your finished salad.

If you don’t have a grill pan, a regular frying pan on the stovetop does the job just as well. If you don’t have measuring cups, simply use regular kitchen spoons and add a little by little. It’s all about making the recipe work with what you have.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken and Avocado Salad

Making this chicken and avocado salad is easier than you might think. It’s all about getting the ingredients prepped and then gently bringing them all together. Here’s how to do it:

  • Start by cooking your chicken. You can bake, grill, or poach it. Once cooked, let it cool down a bit then chop or shred it into bite-sized pieces.
  • While your chicken is cooling, prepare the vegetables. Dice one red onion and a celery stalk into small, even pieces.
  • Get your avocados ready. Cut two ripe avocados in half, remove the pits, and dice the flesh. Gently toss them with lemon or lime juice to keep them from turning brown.
  • In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, red onion, celery, and diced avocado. Add your favorite dressing. Some good options would be a light vinaigrette, a creamy ranch or a simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  • Mix all of the salad ingredients. Gently combine everything until coated with your dressing. Be careful not to mash the avocado as you mix.
  • Now, add any extra flavor you want. This might be chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a tiny kick, or some toasted nuts or seeds for a bit of crunch. Taste and add more salt or pepper if you feel its needed.
  • You can either serve this salad immediately or you could chill it for about 30 minutes to let the flavors blend even more. If you are chilling, be sure to cover the bowl with plastic wrap to keep the avocado from browning.
  • When ready to serve, spoon the chicken and avocado salad over lettuce cups, into sandwiches, on top of crackers, or just enjoy a large bowl.

Tips & Tricks for Chicken and Avocado Salad

Making this chicken and avocado salad is straightforward, but a few tricks can make it even better. It is all about technique and little steps.

  • Preventing Soggy Salad: Make sure your chicken is completely cooled before adding it to the salad. Warm chicken can make the other ingredients wilt and become soggy.
  • Avocado Prep: Add lemon or lime juice to your avocado pieces immediately after cutting. This will help them stay fresh and prevent browning.
  • Flavor Depth: If time allows, marinate the chicken with herbs and spices before cooking. This adds an extra layer of flavor to the finished salad.
  • Chopping Smart: Chop all your veggies to a similar size for an even mix. This makes each bite more balanced and enjoyable.
  • Time Saver: Cook the chicken ahead of time, maybe even a day before. This helps cut down prep time when you are ready to assemble.
  • Spice it Up: Don’t be shy to add extra herbs and spices based on your taste. A little smoked paprika or a pinch of red pepper flakes can make a big difference.
  • Dressing Tip: Add the dressing just before serving to keep everything crisp. If you dress the salad too early, it can get watery.
  • Add Texture: Consider adding some crunch, like toasted nuts or seeds. They can make the salad more interesting.

Chicken and Avocado Salad Variations and Substitutions

Want to change things up? Here are some ideas to make this chicken and avocado salad your own.

For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken with chickpeas or grilled halloumi cheese. You can also use firm tofu, pressed and cubed, for protein.

Need a gluten-free salad? No problem. Just be certain that any store-bought mayonnaise or dressings are certified gluten-free. You can also make a simple vinaigrette with olive oil and lemon juice.

Those avoiding dairy can use a dairy-free mayonnaise made from avocado, cashews, or soy. You could also try a dressing using olive oil, lemon and herbs.

Seasonally, feel free to swap ingredients. In summer, add corn, bell peppers, or even some grilled peaches. When cooler weather arrives, consider adding roasted sweet potatoes, apples, or dried cranberries.

Want to play with flavor? Try different herbs. Cilantro and lime offer a vibrant kick. Dill brings a fresh, clean taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat if you like that. You can also experiment with different types of onions. Red onion has a sharper flavor. Green onions are milder.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken and Avocado Salad

Thinking about what to serve with your chicken and avocado salad? Let’s explore some tasty options.

For side dishes, a light and refreshing option like a cucumber and tomato salad works well. A slice of crusty bread, or some pita, can be great for scooping up all the delicious salad. If you are looking for something more substantial, consider a side of quinoa or couscous. They add a nice texture and some extra substance.

As for drinks, a chilled glass of white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy avocado and savory chicken nicely. If wine isn’t your thing, an iced herbal tea or some sparkling water with a lemon wedge can be quite refreshing. A fruit smoothie is also a good option, especially if you want something a little more filling.

If you’d like to add a small dessert to the end, fruit salad with some honey or a light sorbet would be fantastic.

This chicken and avocado salad is versatile for different occasions. It makes an easy lunch or a light dinner. It is great for potlucks, picnics, and even a weekday meal when time is short. You can prepare components in advance to make assembly quick, which is a big plus when you are busy.

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Chicken and Avocado Salad

Leftover chicken and avocado salad can be stored, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you have some remaining, place it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The avocado might brown a bit, but it will still taste good.

For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken portion separately, without the avocado or dressing. Thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, add fresh avocado and dressing when you are ready to eat. The salad doesn’t freeze well all together because the texture will change.

When reheating the chicken, use the microwave or a stovetop. Add a splash of broth or dressing to help keep it moist. Make sure the chicken is heated through to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming. It’s better to eat it cold, but you have the option to reheat if you prefer.

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