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Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe

4.3 from 29 reviews

This creamy and refreshing Avocado Chicken Salad combines tender poached chicken breasts with ripe avocados, crisp celery, green onions, and fresh herbs, all tossed together with a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a satisfying sandwich filling, this recipe is quick to prepare and packed with flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (for poaching)
  • Water (enough to cover chicken)

Salad

  • 2 large avocados
  • 2 tablespoons | 30 ml lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup | 28 grams slivered almonds
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper + more to taste
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, stems removed & chopped

Instructions

  1. Poach the Chicken: Lay the chicken breasts flat in a medium-sized saucepan without overlapping to ensure even cooking. Cover them with at least 2 inches of cold water and add 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat, then cover and reduce to a simmer. Let the chicken simmer gently for about 15 minutes until cooked through.
  2. Cool and Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the water and let it cool for a few minutes until it is easy to handle. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Prepare Avocado Mixture: In a large salad bowl, add the avocados and lemon juice. Mash them together with a fork until mostly smooth with little to no lumps remaining, creating a creamy base for the salad.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the finely chopped celery, sliced green onions, chopped herbs, shredded chicken breasts, and slivered almonds. Mix thoroughly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as desired.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the avocado chicken salad as is, spooned into lettuce wraps, or used as a fresh sandwich filling for a delicious and healthy meal.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, garnish with additional chopped herbs or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
  • Use fresh cilantro for a brighter taste or parsley for a milder herbaceous note.
  • To keep the avocado from browning, ensure it is mixed with lemon juice promptly.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Slivered almonds add a nice crunch but can be omitted or substituted with chopped walnuts or pecans.

Keywords: Avocado chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, easy chicken avocado recipe, low fat salad, quick lunch ideas