This Easy Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad is a tasty mix of tender chicken, creamy avocado, and crunchy veggies. It’s light, fresh, and perfect for lunch or dinner!
I love making this salad when I want something yummy yet simple. Plus, it’s great on sandwiches or just on its own. Who knew healthy could taste this good? 🥑🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts are great for this recipe as they cook quickly and remain juicy. If you’re looking for a quicker option, use shredded rotisserie chicken instead!
Avocado: Ripe avocados bring creaminess to the salad. If you can’t find ripe ones, choose a little less ripe ones and let them sit at room temperature for a day or two.
Cherry Tomatoes: Their sweet flavor adds brightness. Regular tomatoes also work, just chop them into similar-sized pieces. If you prefer, substitute with diced bell peppers or chopped olives for variety.
Cucumber: Adds crunch! You can use other fresh veggies like celery or radishes if you prefer something different.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley or cilantro enhances flavor. Feel free to swap them with fresh dill or green onion for a twist.
How Do You Cook the Chicken Just Right?
Cooking the chicken perfectly can make or break the salad, so here’s the secret! Start with even thickness for the chicken breasts. You can pound them gently with a mallet if they are uneven.
- Heat your skillet to medium heat, which helps cook the chicken evenly.
- Season simply with salt, pepper, and optional spices to enhance flavor.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes per side without moving them around too much—this helps get a nice sear!
- Let the chicken rest after cooking; this keeps the juices locked in for tenderness.
Easy Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking chicken)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for dressing)
- Juice of 1 lime or lemon
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: pinch of chili flakes or paprika for chicken
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and refreshing meal, perfect for lunch or dinner when you’re short on time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by preheating a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. While the oil heats, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any optional spices you like, such as garlic powder or chili flakes. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes.
2. Prepare the Salad:
While the chicken is resting, grab a large bowl. Combine the diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, and chopped parsley (or cilantro). Give it a gentle stir to mix everything up.
3. Slice the Chicken:
After the chicken has rested, slice it into strips or bite-sized pieces. Add the sliced chicken to the bowl with the mixed veggies.
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the juice of 1 lime (or lemon). Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine Everything:
Drizzle the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together to coat it evenly with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the avocado!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Easy Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad is ready! Serve it immediately as a delicious, light meal. It can be enjoyed on its own or with your favorite bread or greens.
Enjoy this fresh, healthy salad packed with vibrant colors and flavors!
FAQ for Easy Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly here. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the salad. This will save you time and make it even easier to prepare!
How to Make This Salad Vegetarian?
If you’d like a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu! Just roast or pan-fry the tofu until golden for added flavor and texture, or simply add canned, drained chickpeas for a protein boost.
What Should I Do If My Avocado Isn’t Ripe?
If your avocado isn’t ripe yet, you can speed up the process by placing it in a brown paper bag at room temperature for a day or two. If you need to use it right away, consider adding diced green bell pepper or a little bit of creamy Greek yogurt instead for some texture.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To prevent the avocado from browning, squeeze a little extra lime or lemon juice over the top before sealing the container.
