This Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad is a tasty twist on your usual salad! With tender chicken, creamy avocado, and crunchy veggies, it’s both filling and fresh.
I’ll let you in on a secret: I love adding a sprinkle of lime juice for an extra zing! It’s an easy way to brighten up lunch and keep things healthy.
What I love most is how quick it is to prepare. Just mix everything in a bowl, and you have a delicious meal ready in no time—perfect for busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver, but any cooked chicken works well. Leftovers are excellent too! If you’re looking for a meatless option, you can use chickpeas or tofu.
Avocado: Ripe avocados make this salad creamy. If you don’t have avocado, consider using mashed banana or silken tofu as a base, keeping in mind they will change the flavor.
Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt is a healthier substitute for mayonnaise and adds protein. If you want a lower-fat version, nonfat yogurt works too, but it may be less creamy. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based yogurt.
Corn: Fresh corn is delicious, but canned or frozen corn works just as well. If you’re avoiding corn, try swapping it for diced bell peppers or peas for a different flavor and texture.
Dill: Fresh dill adds a bright flavor, but if it’s unavailable, you can substitute with basil or parsley. Dried dill can also work in a pinch; just reduce the amount since it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Properly Combine the Ingredients for the Chicken Salad?
The key to a well-mixed salad is gentle folding. Start by combining the dry ingredients—the shredded chicken, avocado, corn, dill, and red onion—together in a large mixing bowl. Be careful not to mash the avocado too much; you want some nice pieces in the salad.
- Prepare the yogurt dressing in a separate bowl, mixing until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture gradually, tossing gently with a spatula.
- If you’re adding toppings like bacon bits, sprinkle them on top right before serving to keep them crispy.
Tasting and adjusting seasoning at the end is essential. It ensures everything blends well, giving the best flavor!
How to Make Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (can use rotisserie chicken)
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: bacon bits for garnish
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (can substitute with mayonnaise)
- 1 lime, juiced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare. If you’d like to let the flavors blend, you can refrigerate it for another 30 minutes. So, in total, you’ll be enjoying this healthy dish in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, start by adding the shredded chicken, diced avocado, corn, chopped dill, and finely chopped red onion. Give it all a gentle stir to combine these fresh ingredients together. This mix is healthy and colorful!
2. Prepare the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt and lime juice. Stir them together until the mixture is smooth. This will give your salad a nice creamy texture. Add salt and pepper to taste to enhance the flavor!
3. Combine Everything:
Pour the yogurt dressing over the chicken and avocado mixture. Now, with a gentle hand, toss everything together until all the ingredients are coated with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the avocado too much—you want to keep those lovely chunks!
4. Adjust and Serve:
Give your salad a taste! If you think it needs more salt or pepper, feel free to add it. You can serve the salad right away or let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will help the flavors mix even more. If you want, sprinkle some bacon bits on top just before serving for a nice crunch!
Enjoy your healthy avocado chicken salad!
Can I Use Canned Corn Instead of Fresh or Frozen?
Absolutely! Canned corn works perfectly in this recipe. Just drain and rinse it before adding to the salad to reduce excess sodium and improve the flavor.
How Can I Keep the Avocado from Browning?
To prevent the avocado from browning, you can mix in a bit of lime juice with the diced avocado before adding it to the salad. The acidity of lime juice helps maintain its bright color and freshness!
Can I Make This Chicken Salad Ahead of Time?
You sure can! This salad stores well in the fridge. Just prepare the salad and keep it in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you’re worried about the avocado browning, consider adding it right before serving.
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, mayonnaise is a great substitute! You can also use sour cream or cream cheese for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning since some may be more or less tangy than Greek yogurt.
