Creamy Avocado Chicken Salad
When it comes to a light, refreshing meal, nothing quite beats a chicken salad. Whether it’s for lunch, dinner, or even a picnic, a good chicken salad is a versatile dish that can be dressed up or down. In this recipe, we’re introducing a delightful twist by incorporating creamy avocado into the mix. This creamy avocado chicken salad is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (you can use rotisserie or leftovers)
- 1 ripe avocado, pitted and flesh scooped out
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (for a creamy texture)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh is best)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped (adds a nice crunch)
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely diced (for color and sweetness)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for a mild onion flavor)
- Optional: 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (for added crunch)
- Serve on a bed of lettuce, whole grain bread, or in wraps
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken: If you haven’t already cooked your chicken, do so by boiling or baking it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (about 15-20 minutes). Let it cool before shredding.
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Make the Creamy Dressing: In a large bowl, combine the ripe avocado flesh, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, and onion powder. Using a fork or a potato masher, mash everything together until you achieve a creamy, smooth consistency. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste.
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Mix in the Chicken: Now it’s time to add the shredded chicken into the mixing bowl with the creamy dressing. Gently fold the chicken in until it’s fully coated with the dressing.
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Add the Crunch: Next, gently fold in the chopped celery, red bell pepper, and green onions. If you’re using nuts for extra texture, now is the time to throw those in too. Make sure everything is well combined.
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Taste and Adjust: Take a moment to taste your salad. If you want more tang, consider adding a bit more lemon juice or Dijon mustard. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper as desired.
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Chill Out: For the best flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to marry beautifully.
- Serve: Once chilled, serve your avocado chicken salad over a bed of crisp lettuce, on toasted whole grain bread, or in your favorite wrap. Enjoy!
Tips
- For added zest, consider throwing in a handful of chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
- If you want to have a meal-prep day, this salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
This creamy avocado chicken salad is sure to become a favorite in your lunch rotation. The creamy texture of the avocado pairs perfectly with the shredded chicken, making each bite incredibly satisfying. Now, onto more scrumptious chicken salad recipes to tantalize your taste buds!
10 Delicious Chicken Salad Recipes You Need to Try
Chicken salad is more than just a mixture of chicken and mayo; it’s a canvas for creativity. Here, we’ll explore ten different chicken salad recipes that bring variety and excitement to your table. Each recipe highlights unique ingredients and flavors, ensuring you’ll never grow tired of this classic dish.
1. Classic Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans
This version takes the traditional chicken salad and elevates it with sweet grapes and crunchy pecans. A perfect balance of sweet and savory!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup red grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, halved grapes, and chopped pecans.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the dressing with the chicken mixture and mix well.
- Serve chilled over greens or in a sandwich.
2. Spicy Chicken Salad with Jalapeños
This salad brings the heat! Adding pickled jalapeños gives this chicken salad a spicy kick that is sure to excite your palate.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon spicy mustard
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, mayonnaise, spicy mustard, jalapeños, and cilantro.
- Mix until well combined.
- Adjust seasoning and serve in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
3. Mediterranean Chicken Salad with Feta
Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with this vibrant salad. The tangy feta and zesty olives are the stars of the dish!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup cucumber, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Combine diced chicken, feta, olives, tomatoes, and cucumber in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar, then season with salt and pepper.
- Toss gently to combine, and serve chilled or at room temperature.
4. Curried Chicken Salad
This unique twist on chicken salad features aromatic curry powder, bringing a burst of flavors and warmth.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped apples
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise with curry powder to create the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, raisins, apples, and celery.
- Pour the curry mayo over the chicken mixture and mix well.
- Adjust seasoning and serve on croissants or in a lettuce wrap.
5. Asian Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing
With its fresh veggies and nutty dressing, this Asian-inspired chicken salad is refreshing and full of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup sesame dressing (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
- Toss together chicken, mixed greens, carrots, cabbage, and green onions in a bowl.
- Drizzle with sesame dressing and mix gently.
- Serve chilled, garnished with sesame seeds.
6. Waldorf Chicken Salad
This classic combines apples, walnuts, and celery to create a delightful mix of textures and flavors, making it a favorite for many.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup apples, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, apples, celery, and walnuts.
- Add mayonnaise and mix until everything is well coated.
- Season with salt and pepper, and serve chilled.
7. Pesto Chicken Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
This vibrant salad is bursting with flavors from the basil pesto and tangy sun-dried tomatoes.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and pine nuts.
- Mix gently until well coated.
- Adjust seasoning as needed and serve on toasted bread or over a salad.
8. Tropical Chicken Salad with Pineapple
Bring a taste of the tropics to your table with sweet pineapple and crunchy bell peppers!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, and cilantro.
- Mix Greek yogurt with some salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently to combine.
9. Apple Almond Chicken Salad
For a crunchy and sweet salad, the combination of apples and almonds brings a delightful contrast to the tender chicken.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 apple, diced
- 1/2 cup almonds, slivered or chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix chicken, apple, almonds, and celery.
- In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise with salt and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss until well coated. Chill and serve.
10. BBQ Chicken Salad
If you love BBQ flavors, this chicken salad is for you. It’s smoky, tangy, and perfect for summer gatherings!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 cup corn, canned or grilled
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- Optional: tortilla chips for crunch
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until fully coated.
- Add corn, black beans, and cilantro and mix gently.
- Serve on a bed of greens and top with tortilla chips if desired.
Conclusion
Chicken salads are wonderfully versatile and can be tailored to fit any palate. These ten delicious chicken salad recipes can help you reinvent this classic dish and keep your meals exciting. From sweet and fruity to tangy and spicy, there’s a chicken salad for everyone!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long can I store chicken salad in the fridge?
A: Most chicken salads can be stored in an airtight container for about 3-4 days.
Q: Can I use leftover chicken for these recipes?
A: Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly in these salads.
Q: Are these chicken salads suitable for meal prep?
A: Yes, many of these recipes are great for meal prepping. Just store them in individual portions for easy grab-and-go meals.
Q: How can I make my chicken salad dairy-free?
A: Use dairy-free yogurt or mayonnaise alternatives, and consider adding more veggies for texture and flavor.
Q: What’s the best way to serve chicken salad?
A: Chicken salad can be served over greens, in a sandwich, in wraps, or even on its own as a hearty dish!