Fresh Avocado Chicken Salad (Printable Copy)

Tender chicken and ripe avocado combined with fresh vegetables and herbs in a zesty lime dressing. Light and nutritious meal.

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced

→ Vegetables & Fruit

02 - 2 ripe avocados, diced
03 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
04 - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 1 small cucumber, diced

→ Herbs & Seasonings

06 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Dressing

10 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
11 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

# How to Make:

01 - In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, diced avocados, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
02 - Add the chopped cilantro and parsley to the mixture.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
04 - Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine, taking care not to mash the avocado pieces.
05 - Serve immediately or chill for up to 1 hour before serving for a colder, firmer texture.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than ordering takeout and tastes twice as fresh.
  • The creamy avocado replaces mayo, so you get richness without any heaviness.
  • Every bite has a little burst of lime and herbs that wakes up your palate.
  • You can make it with rotisserie chicken or meal prep protein and still feel like youre treating yourself.
02 -
  • Always dice the avocado just before mixing, if you prep it too far ahead it will oxidize and turn brown even with lime juice.
  • Toss gently, the first time I made this I stirred too hard and ended up with avocado mush instead of distinct creamy chunks.
  • If you want to store leftovers, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad to minimize air exposure and keep it as green as possible.
03 -
  • Use a ripe but firm avocado, if its too soft it will break down and turn the salad mushy instead of chunky and creamy.
  • Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad, you want it bold and zesty since it has to season all the mild ingredients.
  • If you are sensitive to raw onion, rinse the chopped pieces under cold water and pat them dry, it takes away the harsh bite but keeps the flavor.
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