Fresh Avocado Chicken Salad (Printer-friendly)

Fresh and creamy salad with tender chicken, ripe avocado, zesty lime, and fragrant herbs. Perfect for a light meal.

# What You'll 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 Steps:

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

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • It comes together in minutes with ingredients you probably already have tucked in your fridge.
  • The creamy avocado replaces mayo, giving you richness without any heaviness or guilt.
  • Every bite feels light and energizing, not like it's weighing you down for the rest of the day.
  • It tastes just as good at room temperature as it does chilled, making it perfect for meal prep or picnics.
02 -
  • Overripe avocados will turn the salad into a guacamole-chicken hybrid, which isn't terrible, but it's not what you're going for.
  • If you toss too aggressively, you'll end up with avocado paste instead of distinct pieces, so fold gently and with intention.
  • Lime juice not only adds flavor but also slows down the browning of the avocado, so don't skip it or reduce the amount.
03 -
  • Use a fork to gently mash a few avocado pieces into the dressing before tossing, it creates a creamier coating without losing all the texture.
  • If you're meal prepping, store the dressing separately and toss it with the salad right before eating to keep everything crisp and vibrant.
  • Taste the salad after mixing and don't be afraid to add an extra squeeze of lime or pinch of salt, small adjustments make a big difference.
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