We love having some kind of protein-packed salad to have on hand for busy weeks. From chicken salad to egg salad, they always come in clutch for quick and easy lunches. This avocado chicken salad was created from some avocados needing to be used up and has become a new favorite!
I have never been a huge fan of classic chicken salad with tons of mayo in it, so I am always finding ways new ways to replace it. Enter avocado! It makes the perfect replacement and makes this salad so creamy, with a touch of sweetness and nuttiness.
With the combination of lime juice, yogurt, and cilantro, it’s the perfect light and refreshing chicken salad recipe. Make a batch at the beginning of the week to have on hand for busy weeks!
Why we love this avocado chicken salad
- it takes just 10 minutes to make – with a little prep of having some shredded chicken on hand, it only takes about 10 minutes to come together.
- versatile – use it on salads, in sandwiches, or just as a quick protein option paired with some carbohydrates, veggies, and fat for a complete meal
- great for meal prep – it’s great to make at the beginning of the week to have on hand for an easy meal. The flavors get better the next day!
Is a chicken salad healthy?
Chicken salad can be a healthy addition to any diet. Chicken is packed with lean protein which is going to help fill you up and keep you full. Some chicken salad can be loaded with a lot of fat due to the amount of mayo used, which can add calories easily.
This version uses avocado and greek yogurt, which will reduce the number of calories and fat and also add a little more protein. When making it at home, you have full control over what ingredients you are using.
Ingredients
- shredded chicken
- avocado
- plain greek yogurt – for creaminess and more protein. I like using full fat for extra flavor.
- lime juice
- garlic powder
- red onion
- fresh cilantro
- salt and pepper
How to make avocado chicken salad
- Make the avocado dressing. To a medium-large bowl, add greek yogurt, avocado, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine. You can either leave it a little chunky or smooth depending on preference.
- Make the chicken salad. Add your chicken, red onion, and cilantro to the bowl and stir to combine. Adjust according to taste.
- Enjoy! Serve in a sandwich, salad, or however you like!
How to keep avocado chicken salad from turning brown?
To keep the avocado from turning brown, make sure to store it in an air-tight container in the fridge. For extra protection from the air, you can put a thin layer of plastic wrap on top of the chicken salad in your dish. The avocado will get a little brown the longer it sits, but it won’t affect the flavor.
What to serve with chicken salad
- bread, toast, rice cakes, wraps, or lettuce wraps – with lettuce, tomato, and whatever favorite sandwich additions you like!
- fruit – grapes, cherries, or berries
- veggies – celery, bell peppers, or carrots
- chips
How long does chicken salad last
Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. The avocado will brown some when sitting, but it won’t change the flavor.
Can you freeze chicken salad?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing this recipe due to the avocado and greek yogurt used as the texture may change some.
Substitutions and additions
- shredded chicken – I like boneless skinless chicken breasts for this recipe, but chicken thighs (skin on or off) will also work the same. You can also use a rotisserie chicken from the store for convenience.
- greek yogurt – dairy or non-dairy yogurt will work. You can also substitute mayo if you don’t like yogurt or want to make it paleo and Whole30. Using mayonnaise will add more fat and calories to the recipe.
- lime juice – lemon juice can be used instead.
- red onion – white onion or green onion will work instead.
- fresh cilantro – fresh parsley will work instead.
And here are some additions you can add to spice it up:
- bell peppers – for some crunch and sweetness
- jalapenos – for some spice
- celery – for some crunch
More healthy salad recipes
- healthy chicken salad with almonds and grapes
- buffalo ranch chicken salad
- chicken bacon ranch salad
- cranberry pecan chicken salad
- chicken cabbage salad
If you love quick and easy meals and want to learn how to build a balanced plate, check out our FREE How to Build a Balanced Plate Guide!
Avocado Chicken Salad
ingredients
- 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt (4 ounces – I used full-fat)
- 2 small-medium avocados, roughly diced (225 grams)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 4 packed cups shredded chicken (1 pound cooked)
- 1/2 cup diced red onion (60 grams)
- 1/3 packed cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
instructions
- Make the avocado sauce. To a medium-large bowl, add greek yogurt, avocado, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix/mash well to combine. You can either leave it a little chunky or smooth depending on preference.
- Make the chicken salad. Add your chicken, red onion, and cilantro to the bowl and stir to combine. Adjust according to taste.
- Enjoy! Serve in a sandwich, salad, or however you like!
Cat says
Just made this for lunch, was quick and really tasty and left me feeling satisfied. Plus is refreshing during this heat and now have more prepped for lunches for the next couple days!
Kelly says
Yes, I love this on a hot day too! Thanks for trying it Cat and glad you enjoyed it!
Jessica Quinn says
This was so easy and delicious. My teen aged girls loved it too! Will definitely make frequently’
Kelly says
So glad everyone loved it! Thanks, Jessica!