Delicious Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe for Summer Picnics

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by Mia Hanry

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Avocado Chicken Salad is like a party in your mouth, where creamy avocado meets tender chicken and a medley of fresh veggies. Picture this: you take a bite, and the flavors dance around, bringing joy to your taste buds while the smell of fresh herbs fills the air. flavorful chicken recipes cozy chicken dinner ideas It’s a dish that not only satisfies your hunger but also makes you feel like you’re sitting at a sun-drenched picnic table with friends. delicious mini quiche ideas For more inspiration, check out this chicken burrito bowls recipe.

Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
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This dish is perfect for summer barbecues, quick lunches, or even dinner when you want something light yet fulfilling. The anticipation of that first spoonful is almost as delightful as the taste itself, promising an explosion of flavor that will have you coming back for more. quick and healthy breakfasts.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Avocado Chicken Salad is easy to prepare, making it a go-to for busy days.
  • Bursting with flavor, it combines creamy avocados and tender chicken for a satisfying meal.
  • The vibrant colors are visually appealing and make any table look fabulous.
  • You can serve it in sandwiches, wraps, or on its own as a refreshing salad.

I remember the first time I made this Avocado Chicken Salad; my friends devoured it within minutes and proclaimed me the “Salad Queen” for the day!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts; adjust based on how many people you’re feeding.
  • Fresh Avocados: Choose ripe avocados that yield slightly when pressed for the best creaminess.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy cherry tomatoes add freshness; halving them enhances their burst of flavor.
  • Red Onion: Use finely chopped red onion for a zesty crunch; soak in water briefly to mellow its sharpness if desired.
  • Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a burst of herbaceous flavor; substitute with parsley if you’re not a fan.
  • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the salad; avoid bottled juice for optimal taste.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all flavors; adjust according to taste preference.
  • Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil adds richness; opt for extra virgin for superior flavor.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Cook the Chicken: Start by boiling or grilling your chicken breasts until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Let them cool before shredding into bite-sized pieces.

Prepare the Veggies: While your chicken cooks, chop your cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Make sure they are uniform in size for even distribution in your salad.

Mash the Avocados: In a large bowl, scoop out ripe avocados and mash them with a fork until creamy. Add lemon juice immediately to prevent browning.

Mix It All Together: Gently fold in shredded chicken, chopped veggies, salt, pepper, and olive oil into the avocado mixture. Be careful not to overmix; you want chunks of goodness!

Taste Test Time!: Before serving, give your salad a taste test. Adjust seasoning with more salt or lemon juice as needed—this is where you make it truly yours!

Serve It Up!: This Avocado Chicken Salad can be served in lettuce cups, on whole grain bread as a sandwich, or just on its own! Enjoy every creamy bite.

Now that you’ve crafted this delightful Avocado Chicken Salad masterpiece, it’s time to dig in! Whether you’re sharing it at a picnic or savoring it solo at home while binge-watching your favorite show, each bite promises pure happiness. Happy cooking! For more inspiration, check out this avocado chimichurri delight recipe.

You Must Know

  • Avocado Chicken Salad is a delightful mix of creamy, crunchy, and savory flavors.
  • This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers a great way to use leftover chicken.
  • Plus, it’s super easy to whip up for lunch or dinner!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

First, cook your chicken thoroughly, then let it cool before shredding. While that’s happening, chop your veggies and prepare the avocado dressing for a cohesive flavor.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out protein with turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. You can also add spices like cumin or cilantro for an extra kick.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. For best quality, consume within three days without reheating since it’s best served chilled.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Always use ripe avocados; they blend beautifully and add creaminess.
  • Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it juicy.
  • Experiment with different herbs for unique flavor profiles that keep things interesting.

I remember the first time I made this Avocado Chicken Salad; my friends devoured it in minutes and begged for the recipe. It was a hit!

FAQs

FAQ

Can I make Avocado Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best consumed fresh to avoid browning of avocados.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise?

Greek yogurt works well as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise in this salad.

How long does Avocado Chicken Salad last?

This salad stays fresh for about 3 days if stored properly in the fridge.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe

Avocado Chicken Salad


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  • Author: Mia Hanry
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Avocado Chicken Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that combines tender chicken, creamy avocados, and vibrant veggies for a delightful meal. Perfect for summer picnics or quick lunches, this salad bursts with flavor and is easy to prepare. Enjoy it on its own, in wraps, or as a sandwich filling, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
  • 2 ripe avocados
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. Cook the chicken by boiling or grilling until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Let it cool before shredding.
  2. While the chicken cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro into uniform pieces.
  3. In a large bowl, mash the avocados and mix in lemon juice to prevent browning.
  4. Gently fold in shredded chicken, chopped veggies, salt, pepper, and olive oil until combined; avoid overmixing.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving in lettuce cups or on bread.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Boiling/Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 290mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 19g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 17g
  • Fiber: 10g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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