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To make a tasty creamy avocado chicken salad, you need the following key items: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 ripe avocado, mashed - 1/4 cup Greek yogurt - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon lime juice - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - 4 cups mixed salad greens These ingredients combine to create a dish that is both creamy and fresh. The avocado gives a rich texture, while the chicken adds protein. You can enhance your salad with these optional ingredients: - Sliced jalapeños for heat - Chopped bell peppers for crunch - Feta cheese for a salty kick - Diced cucumber for extra freshness Adding any of these can elevate your salad's taste and texture. Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences. If you have dietary needs, here are some substitutes: - Use tofu instead of chicken for a vegan option. - Swap Greek yogurt for dairy-free yogurt if lactose intolerant. - Replace lime juice with lemon juice for a different tang. These swaps keep the dish delicious while catering to your needs. Enjoy crafting a salad that fits your diet and tastes great! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, shred 2 cups of cooked chicken. You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for ease. If you cook it fresh, let it cool before shredding. This step adds texture and makes the salad hearty. Next, grab a large bowl. In it, combine the shredded chicken, 1 ripe mashed avocado, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon lime juice. Mix these until you see a creamy texture. The avocado gives a rich taste, while the yogurt adds a light tang. Now, it's time to add more flavor. Toss in 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. Stir gently to mix everything without squishing the tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust lime juice and mustard for that perfect zing. For serving, take 4 cups of mixed salad greens. Arrange them on a plate. Then, scoop a generous portion of the creamy avocado chicken salad right on top. For a finishing touch, drizzle a bit more lime juice and add extra cilantro. This makes it fresh and vibrant. Enjoy! To make your creamy avocado chicken salad perfect, choose ripe avocados. A ripe avocado feels slightly soft when you press it gently. Look for ones with a dark green skin. Avoid any with large dark spots or wrinkles. These signs mean the avocado might be overripe. When you cut it open, the flesh should be a bright green. If it's brown, the avocado is no longer fresh. Shredding chicken can be quick and easy. First, let your cooked chicken cool a bit. Use two forks to pull the chicken apart. This method works well for warm or cold chicken. You can also use your hands if you prefer. For even faster shredding, try a stand mixer on low speed. Just make sure to watch it closely. You want it shredded, not mushy. Seasoning is key to a great chicken salad. Salt and pepper are basic, but you can do more. Add lime juice for a fresh zing. It balances the richness of the avocado. If you like a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. Fresh herbs like cilantro add a burst of flavor too. Always taste as you go, and adjust to your liking. This way, you create a dish that is truly yours. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always choose ripe avocados and fresh herbs for the best flavor and texture. Customize Your Protein: Feel free to substitute chicken with canned tuna or chickpeas for a different protein source. Make It Ahead: Prepare the salad a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge for flavors to meld. Serve with Toast: This salad pairs wonderfully with toasted whole grain bread or as a filling in wraps. {{image_2}} To kick up the heat, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce. You can start with one tablespoon of hot sauce and adjust to your taste. This adds a fun twist. You’ll enjoy the spicy and creamy blend. Serve it on tortilla chips for a crunchy snack. For a Mediterranean twist, use feta cheese and olives. Swap out the cilantro for fresh dill or parsley. You can add artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers for more flavor. This gives a fresh and tangy taste that pairs well with pita bread. If you want a low-carb version, skip the Greek yogurt. You can use more avocado to keep it creamy. Serve the salad on lettuce wraps instead of bread. This keeps it light and healthy. It fits well into a keto plan while still tasting great. To keep your creamy avocado chicken salad fresh, first, place it in a bowl. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. This step helps keep air out and prevents drying. If you have any salad greens left, store them separately to keep them crisp. Use airtight containers for storing your chicken salad. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure they have a good seal. This will help protect the flavors and texture. Avoid using metal containers, as they can react with ingredients like lime juice. When stored properly, your creamy avocado chicken salad lasts about 2 to 3 days in the fridge. After this time, the avocado may brown and affect the taste. Always check for freshness before eating leftovers. If you see any discoloration or smell off, it’s best to toss it. Yes, you can use canned chicken. It saves time and is easy to use. Just drain and shred the chicken before mixing it with the other ingredients. Absolutely! This creamy avocado chicken salad works great for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. It stays fresh for a few days. You have many options! Serve it on a bed of greens, in a wrap, or with whole-grain bread. You can also enjoy it with crunchy veggies or tortilla chips for a fun twist. Yes, you can make this salad in advance. Just prepare it a few hours before serving. If you make it a day ahead, add the avocado just before serving to keep it fresh and green. You now have everything needed to make a creamy avocado chicken salad. We discussed key ingredients, easy steps, and ways to personalize the dish. Don’t forget to choose the right avocado and store leftovers correctly. Whether you prefer it spicy or want a low-carb twist, there are endless options. This salad is fun, tasty, and perfect for any meal. Dive in and enjoy your cooking!

Creamy Avocado Chicken Salad

A delicious and creamy chicken salad made with ripe avocado and Greek yogurt, perfect for a light meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 ripe avocado mashed
  • 1 4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mashed avocado, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and lime juice. Mix until well integrated and creamy.
  • Add the finely chopped red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro to the chicken mixture. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients without mashing the tomatoes.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the lime juice and mustard if needed for a zingy flavor.
  • On a serving plate, arrange the mixed salad greens.
  • Top the greens with a generous scoop of the creamy avocado chicken salad.
  • Optionally, drizzle a bit more lime juice over the top and garnish with extra cilantro leaves for added freshness.

Notes

Serve chilled for best flavor.
Keyword avocado, chicken salad, healthy