Craving a fresh, healthy chicken salad recipe? This avocado lime chicken salad is a vibrant, creamy, and satisfying dish perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. It’s an excellent way to enjoy a delicious meal without compromising your health goals.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Cooked Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for speed, or chicken breast.
- Avocado: Essential for creaminess; ensure it’s ripe.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed is best; lemon juice can be a substitute.
- Red Onion: Adds a nice crunch; green onions or shallots work too.
- Cilantro: Provides fresh, herbaceous notes; omit if you dislike it.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 large ripe avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Spices:
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (if using pre-cooked chicken)
- Servings: 2-3
- Tools Needed: Large mixing bowl, knife, cutting board
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Chicken
Shred or dice your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Place the chicken in a large mixing bowl, ready for the other ingredients.
2. Mash the Avocado
Add the diced avocado to the bowl with the chicken. Gently mash the avocado with a fork until it’s creamy but still has some texture.
3. Add Flavorful Ingredients
Stir in the finely diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and fresh lime juice. These ingredients bring a burst of freshness and zing to your healthy chicken salad.
4. Season Your Salad
Sprinkle in the cumin and garlic powder. Season generously with salt and black pepper to your preference.
5. Combine Thoroughly
Gently mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the avocado too mushy.
Variation Ideas
- Add diced bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
- Mix in a tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt for added creaminess and protein.
- Stir in a pinch of chili powder or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
- Include some corn kernels or black beans for a Southwestern twist.
Storage Instructions
You can store your avocado lime chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The lime juice helps prevent the avocado from browning too quickly, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. Avoid freezing this healthy chicken salad recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you make this healthy chicken salad recipe ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the chicken and chop the other vegetables ahead of time. Add and mash the avocado just before serving to maintain its fresh color and texture.
Q: What can you serve with this avocado lime chicken salad?
A: It’s delicious on lettuce wraps, in whole-wheat pitas, with crackers, or as a topping for a green salad.
Q: Can you use canned chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use well-drained canned chicken, though freshly cooked chicken provides better texture.
Q: How do you prevent the avocado from browning?
A: The lime juice in the recipe helps a lot. You can also press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad before storing it.
Q: Is this recipe good for meal prep?
A: This healthy chicken salad recipe is great for short-term meal prep (2-3 days), especially if you add the avocado closer to serving.
Q: Can you add other herbs to this healthy chicken salad?
A: Absolutely! Fresh parsley or a small amount of finely chopped mint would also be delicious.