This Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad is creamy and packed with flavor! Made with tender chicken, ripe avocados, and crunchy veggies, it’s as good for your taste buds as it is for your body.
I love how quick this salad comes together. Perfect for lunch or light dinners, and it’s filling too! Just mix, serve, and enjoy—who knew healthy could be this tasty? 🥑🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Shredded or diced cooked chicken is essential. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or any leftover chicken works too. If you’re vegetarian, try chickpeas or tofu as a substitute.
Avocado: A ripe avocado brings creaminess and healthy fats. If avocados aren’t available, consider using mashed bananas for sweetness in a pinch—but the flavor will change!
Greek Yogurt: This adds tanginess and creaminess. If you’re looking for a richer option, mayonnaise is perfect, but you can also use silken tofu blended smooth for a lighter dairy-free version.
Corn: Canned corn is quick and easy, but fresh corn adds a lovely crunch when in season. If you enjoy a little sweetness, frozen corn is a great option too. Just cook and cool before mixing.
Dill: Fresh dill gives a fresh taste, but if it’s not available, parsley works well. For a bit of flair, try tarragon or cilantro!
How Do You Properly Combine All the Ingredients?
Mixing the ingredients together seamlessly is key to enjoying this salad. Here’s how:
- Start by combining the chicken, avocado, and corn in a large bowl. This creates a sturdy foundation.
- In a separate bowl, mix the Greek yogurt and lime juice. Stir until smooth to ensure it coats everything well.
- Pour this mixture over the chicken and veggies, then gently toss. Be careful not to mash the avocado too much; you want to keep some chunks for texture.
After mixing, taste your salad. Adjust the seasoning as needed and consider letting it chill. This helps the flavors blend even more! Enjoy a fresh twist on chicken salad!
How to Make Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup canned corn, drained (or 1 cup fresh corn, cooked)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped (or substitute with parsley)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Crumbled bacon for garnish
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise, for a richer flavor)
- 1 lime, juiced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad takes about 15 minutes for prep and mixing. If you let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes, that helps all the flavors come together beautifully. Total time is about 45 minutes if you include chilling!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Base Ingredients:
Start by taking a large mixing bowl and add the shredded or diced cooked chicken, diced avocado, and drained corn. These ingredients will form the delicious base of your salad.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise, if you prefer) with the juice of one lime. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy.
3. Mix Everything Together:
Pour the yogurt mixture over the chicken, avocado, and corn in the large bowl. Add the finely chopped red onion and the fresh dill. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
4. Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
Take a moment to taste your salad. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or lime juice based on your preferences. Serve immediately, or if you like, cover it and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to enhance the flavors. Don’t forget—if you want a little extra crunch, top with crumbled bacon just before serving. Enjoy your refreshing salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use any cooked chicken you have on hand, such as rotisserie, grilled, or even leftover baked chicken. Just be sure to shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing!
How Can I Make a Dairy-Free Version?
If you want to keep this salad dairy-free, substitute Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative, like coconut or almond yogurt. You could also use avocado in place of the yogurt for a creamier texture. Just add a splash of lime juice to enhance the flavor!
How Long Can I Store This Salad?
This avocado chicken salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the avocado may brown, so consider adding a little extra lime juice before refrigerating to help preserve the color.
Can I Add Other Veggies or Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your salad with other ingredients like bell peppers, cucumbers, or even cherry tomatoes. Just make sure to chop everything finely for a good balance of flavors!
