This easy avocado chicken salad is super fresh and tasty! With creamy avocado, tender chicken, and crunchy veggies, it’s a colorful meal that’s also healthy. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner!
I love how quickly this salad comes together. Just mix everything in a bowl, and you’ve got a delicious dish that feels like a treat. Plus, it’s so good, you might just want seconds! 🥑🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. If you need a quicker option, cooked rotisserie chicken works great. You can also use canned chicken for convenience!
Avocado: A large ripe avocado gives the salad its creamy texture. If avocados aren’t available, try using a bit of plain Greek yogurt for creaminess, but it will change the flavor slightly.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add freshness and sweetness. You can substitute with regular tomatoes, diced. If you’re looking for variety, try adding diced bell peppers or radishes for more crunch!
Cilantro or Parsley: Fresh cilantro adds a nice burst of flavor. If you’re not a fan, parsley works just as well. You can even use green onions or chives for a different taste!
Spices: The optional cumin and garlic add depth to the dish. Feel free to skip them if you’d prefer a simpler flavor, or switch with other spices like paprika or chili powder for a kick!
How Do You Cook Chicken Perfectly for Salad?
Cooking chicken properly is key to keeping it juicy and flavorful. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with room-temperature chicken for even cooking. Season generously with salt, pepper, and optional spices.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the chicken, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes per side until it’s golden brown and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute for a tender result.
- Slice or shred the chicken after resting to keep it juicy.
Following these steps will give you perfectly cooked chicken that elevates your avocado chicken salad!
Easy Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 large ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (about half a lime)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
- 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 10 minutes to prep and another 15 minutes to cook the chicken for a total of around 25 minutes. It’s a quick and easy recipe that gives you a fresh and healthy meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and optionally the ground cumin. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through (you want them to reach an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Once cooked, take them off the heat and let them rest for about 5 minutes. After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips.
2. Prepare the Salad Veggies:
While the chicken is cooking, you can get busy chopping! Dice the avocado, halve the cherry tomatoes, and chop the cucumber and red bell pepper. Toss all the chopped veggies along with the cilantro or parsley into a large mixing bowl.
3. Make the Dressing:
Squeeze in the fresh lime juice and add the minced garlic (if you’re using it) along with a pinch of salt and pepper over the chopped vegetables. Gently toss everything together, being careful not to mash the avocado—it should stay nice and chunky!
4. Combine the Chicken and Salad:
Add your sliced chicken to the veggie mixture. Fold the chicken into the salad gently to incorporate it without breaking apart the avocado.
5. Serve Immediately:
This avocado chicken salad is best enjoyed fresh! Serve it in bowls or on a plate, and enjoy the delightful flavors and textures all at once. It’s perfect as a light lunch or a healthy dinner option! Feel free to add a sprinkle of extra cilantro or a slice of lime on top for a pop of color and freshness!
Enjoy your delicious and nourishing meal! 🌿🥑🍗
FAQ for Easy Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover grilled, roasted, or rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this salad. Just make sure to chop or shred it into bite-sized pieces. This will save you time and still give you a delicious meal!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, note that the avocado may brown slightly. To help prevent this, you can squeeze a little extra lime juice on the avocado before storing.
What Can I Substitute for Avocado?
If avocados are not your thing, you can try replacing them with plain Greek yogurt for a creamy texture. It will change the flavor, but it will still be delicious and creamy!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Just keep the diced avocado separate until you’re ready to mix everything to avoid browning. You can cook the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge to save time!
