Chicken Avocado Salad: Easy Weekday Lunch
We love chicken avocado salad because it’s a no-fuss, healthy option for a quick lunch or dinner. It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken and veggies.
Kitchen Note
One thing to watch out for when making chicken avocado salad is the ripeness of the avocados. If they’re not ripe, they won’t mash well and the salad will be too chunky. Also, don’t overmix the salad or it will become mushy.
Why this Chicken Avocado Salad works
- The combination of creamy avocado and juicy chicken is a winner.
- The salad has a fresh and light flavor profile.
- It’s ready in just 20 minutes.
- It’s a great option for a quick and healthy lunch or dinner.
- It’s perfect for meal prep.
What you’ll need
The key ingredients in this salad are chicken, avocado, and red onion, which provide a nice crunch and flavor.
- 1 pound cooked chicken breast
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Notes from making this a bunch of times
- Use ripe avocados for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overmix the salad or it will become mushy.
- Add some acidity, like lemon juice, to bring out the flavors.
- Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to a day.
Swaps and substitutions
You can swap out the chicken for tofu or beans for a vegetarian or vegan option. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. For a spicy kick, add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
Storing and reheating
Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little bit of oil. You can also freeze it for up to two months and thaw it overnight in the fridge. To keep it fresh, squeeze some lemon juice on top and cover it with plastic wrap.
Common questions
Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Yes, you can freeze this salad for up to two months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving.
To keep the salad fresh, squeeze some lemon juice on top and cover it with plastic wrap. You can also store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Chicken Avocado
🧂 Ingredients
👩🍳 Instructions
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1Cut the cooked chicken into small pieces and place in a large bowl.
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2Peel and pit the avocados, then chop them into small pieces and add to the bowl with the chicken.
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3Add the cherry tomatoes, red onion, and chopped cilantro to the bowl.
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4Squeeze the lime juice over the top of the salad and toss to combine.
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5Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
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6Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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7Serve the salad chilled, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.
We hope you enjoy this chicken avocado salad recipe! Let us know in the comments how it turns out and if you have any questions or substitutions. Happy cooking!