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Hello everyone! I’m so excited to share one of my favorite recipes with you: Avocado Chicken Salad. This isn’t your typical chicken salad loaded with mayonnaise. This recipe is a fresh, flavorful, and healthy twist using creamy avocado as the base. It’s incredibly versatile, quick to make, and perfect for any meal. I love how easy it is to customize it with different ingredients, too. In this post, I’ll cover everything you need to know, from ingredients and preparation to serving ideas and storage.
What Makes Avocado Chicken Salad Special?
Avocado chicken salad is special for a few reasons. First, it’s a healthier alternative to traditional chicken salad. Avocado replaces mayonnaise, reducing unhealthy fats and adding beneficial nutrients. The creamy texture of the avocado, combined with bright citrus flavors, makes this salad delicious and satisfying. The addition of crunchy elements like apples and celery also makes it very appealing. This salad is incredibly versatile. I often adjust it to fit my taste and dietary needs. Finally, it’s so quick and easy to make. I find it’s ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a quick lunch. It’s a modern, healthier take on the classic chicken salad.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the ingredients. Each component adds to the overall flavor and texture of this salad.
- Chicken: You can use different types of cooked chicken. Rotisserie chicken is a great option for convenience. I also like using poached or grilled chicken for added flavor. Canned chicken works in a pinch if you need a really quick option. I always shred or chop my chicken before adding it to the salad. If you’re cooking your own chicken, season it with salt and pepper before cooking. Leftover cooked chicken from a previous meal is perfect to use.
- Avocados: Ripe avocados are key. They provide the creamy texture that replaces mayonnaise. You’ll need to peel and pit your avocados before chopping or mashing them. To choose a ripe avocado, look for one that is slightly soft when gently pressed. If you need to ripen an avocado quickly, you can place it in a paper bag with an apple or banana for a day or two.
- Vegetables:
- Celery: Diced celery adds a nice crunch to the salad.
- Onion: You can use red or green onion, depending on your preference. Both add a bit of sharpness.
- Corn: I love adding fresh or frozen corn. Roasted corn adds great flavor.
- Other options: Tomatoes and cucumbers are great additions, as well.
- Fruits:
- Apple: Chopped apples add a sweet, tart crunch.
- Mango: Mango gives a sweet tropical flavor. If you don’t have mango, pineapple is also a good option.
- Herbs:
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, fresh flavor to the salad.
- Alternatives: If you are not a fan of cilantro, you can also use fresh dill or parsley. Mint and basil can also work well.
- Dressing:
- Lime or lemon juice: I use lime or lemon juice for a bright dressing. The acid also helps prevent the avocado from browning.
- Olive oil: This adds richness and flavor.
- Seasonings: Salt and pepper are necessary.
- Optional additions: I sometimes add garlic powder, jalapeno, or honey, to the dressing for a bit more flavor.
- Optional Add-ins:
- Bacon: Cooked bacon adds great flavor and texture. Turkey bacon is a good lower fat alternative.
- Hard-boiled eggs: These are great for added protein.
- Beans or chickpeas: These add extra nutrients.
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Step-by-Step Guide to Making Avocado Chicken Salad
Now let’s get to the fun part: making the salad!
- Preparation: Start by prepping all of your ingredients. Chop or shred the chicken. Dice the avocado, celery, onion, and any other vegetables you choose to use. If you are using any fruit, dice or chop that as well. Make sure to mince your herbs.
- Mixing: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, avocado, vegetables, and fruits. Use a fork to mash some of the avocado lightly. This will help it act as a binder for the salad. Gently mix everything together.
- Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together your lime or lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other dressing ingredients you like. Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Gently mix to coat all of the ingredients.
- Seasoning: Taste the salad and add more salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed. Adjust to your liking.
- Chilling: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend together. You can serve it immediately if you are in a rush, but I think it tastes best chilled.
Tips for the Best Avocado Chicken Salad
Here are some tips to help you make the best avocado chicken salad.
- Choosing Avocados: Select avocados that are ripe but not overripe. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure. If you need to ripen them faster, place them in a paper bag with a banana or apple.
- Preventing Browning: To prevent the avocado from browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad before refrigerating.
- Chicken Cooking Methods: How you cook the chicken will impact flavor. Poaching or grilling add unique flavor notes. I also use baked or rotisserie chicken, if I don’t want to prepare the chicken.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to adapt the recipe. If you’re on a low-fat diet, use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. If you don’t like cilantro, use parsley or dill instead. You can also substitute different vegetables based on what you have on hand.
- Adjusting for Taste: Don’t hesitate to experiment with seasonings and ingredients. Add more lime or lemon juice, salt, or pepper to taste.
- Make Ahead: Avocado chicken salad tastes just as good the next day. This makes it a great option for meal prep.
- Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. To prevent browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad.
- Serving: I love to serve this salad on bread or toast. It also tastes amazing on salad greens like arugula or watercress. For a lighter option, I use lettuce wraps or pita pockets. It’s also great with chips or crackers for a quick snack or appetizer.
Global Variations and Creative Twists
This salad is so versatile, you can adapt it to different flavor profiles.
- Mexican-Inspired: Add black beans, corn, jalapeno, and a touch of cumin.
- Asian-Inspired: Use soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger in the dressing. You could also include some edamame.
- Mediterranean-Inspired: Add feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Seasonal Adaptations: In the fall and winter, add roasted root vegetables for a heartier salad.
Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas
Here are some ways to serve this salad.
- Sandwiches and Wraps: It is a classic sandwich filling. I like sourdough bread, or a multi-grain option. You can also use wraps.
- Salad Topping: Serve it on a bed of greens. Arugula or watercress is especially tasty.
- Appetizer Options: Serve with crackers or chips for a party or snack.
- Side Dish: Avocado chicken salad works well as a side dish.
- Pairing with Other Dishes: Serve it alongside a light vinaigrette salad or some fresh fruit.
Addressing Dietary Needs
This salad is easily adapted to different dietary needs.
- Paleo: To make this paleo-friendly, substitute corn with sliced cucumber.
- Gluten-Free: This salad is naturally gluten-free, if you do not serve it with bread.
- Low-Carb: Reduce the amount of corn or use more leafy greens instead of bread.
- Vegan Option: Use tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken, and make sure your dressing is vegan.
- Low-Sodium: Use less salt or try salt substitutes.
Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing
It’s important to consider the source of your ingredients.
- Environmental Impact: Avocado production can have some sustainability issues. Try to be aware of how your choices affect the environment.
- Ethical Sourcing: Look for ethically sourced avocados when possible to support responsible farming practices.
Conclusion
Avocado chicken salad is a wonderful, healthy, and tasty meal option. It is easy to make, and very adaptable to different preferences. I encourage you to try this recipe. Please share your own variations in the comments below. I’d love to hear about them! Please also rate the recipe, and share on social media if you like it.