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This creamy Avocado Chicken Salad brings together buttery avocados with juicy chicken and fresh veggies for a filling, good-for-you meal. Great for weekly prep or grab-and-go lunches, this dish puts a refreshing spin on old-school chicken salad without the heavy mayo base.
I've made this so many times now it's become my lunchtime favorite. The mix of protein-packed chicken and good fats from the avocado keeps my hunger away all day long.
Fantastic Ingredients Breakdown
- Ripe avocados: They should give slightly when you squeeze them
- Cooked chicken breast: Store-bought rotisserie chicken saves time
- Fresh vegetables: They add that must-have crunch
- Fresh lime juice: Stops avocados from turning brown
- Fresh cilantro: Gives everything a zingy kick
- Quality seasonings: Brings out the food's natural flavors
Easy-to-Follow Cooking Guide
- Chicken Preparation:
- Cook it through completely. Let it cool down. Chop into same-sized bits. Add spices thoughtfully. Don't let it dry out.
- Avocado Handling:
- Test if it's ready. Take out the seed with care. Mash until you like the texture. Squeeze lime on it right away. Add salt bit by bit.
- Vegetable Integration:
- Cut everything the same size. Stir without crushing. Mix throughout. Check flavor. Try it and tweak if needed.
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Smart Temperature Tips
From making this tons of times, I can tell you keeping everything nice and cold really matters. I stick the chicken and veggies in the fridge before mixing, then fold in room temp avocado right before eating. This keeps the avocado from turning brown while making sure everything stays food-safe.
Prep-Ahead Tricks
While it tastes best fresh, you can get stuff ready early. I often chop the chicken and veggies beforehand and keep them in separate containers in the fridge. Just mash the avocado when you're ready to eat so it stays pretty and smooth.
Keeping It Fresh
If you need to save your finished salad, push some plastic wrap right onto the top to stop it from turning brown. Pop it in an airtight container in your fridge and eat within 24 hours. If you want it to last longer, prep all the parts separately and mix them when you're hungry.
Ways to Serve It
This flexible salad works great in so many ways:
- On top of leafy greens for something light
- Tucked into lettuce cups if you're watching carbs
- Slathered on whole grain bread for a filling sandwich
- Spooned into hollowed tomatoes when you want to impress
Make It Your Own
I've tried these tasty tweaks over time:
- Throw in diced apple for a sweet crunch
- Sprinkle in some roasted nuts for extra texture
- Add fresh herbs like dill or basil
- Mix in some Greek yogurt for more protein
Quick Fixes
If your avocados are too hard, stick them in a paper bag with a banana to ripen faster. If your salad seems too dry, splash in more lime juice or add a spoonful of Greek yogurt.
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This Avocado Chicken Salad has turned into my go-to healthy lunch. The blend of smooth avocado, tender chicken, and crunchy veggies makes for a filling meal that's both good for you and super tasty.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long does it last?
- It's best eaten the same day since avocado browns, but lime juice can keep it fresh for about 24 hours.
- → Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
- Sure, rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken saves time and tastes great in this dish.
- → What’s the best way to serve this?
- Enjoy it in wraps, on bread, over greens, or even stuffed into an avocado shell.
- → Can I prepare it early?
- It’s freshest when made the same day, but chopping the veggies and pre-cooking chicken ahead is helpful.
- → Is there a substitute for cilantro?
- Try fresh parsley or dill if cilantro isn’t for you.