This Avocado Chicken Salad is a tasty and healthy dish packed with protein. Made with tender chicken, creamy avocado, and fresh veggies, it’s full of flavor and goodness!
I love how this salad is so easy to whip up. Plus, there’s no mayo, so no guilt here! A perfect lunch option or a light dinner that always hits the spot. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken is the star here. You can use rotisserie chicken for quick prep. If you want a vegetarian option, chickpeas or canned tuna can also work nicely.
Avocado: Ripe avocados give this salad creamy texture. If you don’t have any, Greek yogurt can add creaminess while keeping the dish light.
Hard Boiled Eggs: These add protein and richness. You can substitute with tofu cubes for a vegan option or skip them entirely if you prefer a lighter dish.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness and color. Any diced tomatoes or even bell peppers can work as a substitution. I often add cucumbers for extra crunch!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives a wonderful flavor. If you’re not a fan, parsley or green onions can be a great substitute for a different taste.
How Do I Make Sure My Avocado Stays Creamy and Not Mushy?
To keep your avocado just right, avoid over-mixing the salad. After dicing it, gently fold it into the mixture rather than stirring vigorously.
- Cut the avocado just before you’re ready to mix the salad to prevent browning.
- Using a ripe but firm avocado helps maintain structure, so it doesn’t break down into a mush.
- If you want extra protection, add the lemon juice immediately after cutting to help keep it fresh!
Avocado Chicken Salad (High Protein, No Mayo)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 2 hard boiled eggs, quartered
- 6 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Avocado Chicken Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and there’s no cooking involved besides the hard-boiled eggs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Your Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and finely chopped red onion. This will be the base of your salad.
2. Add Fresh Herbs:
Now, toss in the chopped fresh cilantro. This will add a bright flavor that’ll make your salad pop!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard (if you’d like that extra kick), salt, and pepper. Stir it well until the mixture is combined.
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Gently toss everything together to ensure it’s well-coated, but be careful not to mash the avocado!
5. Fold in the Eggs:
Now, carefully fold in the quartered hard-boiled eggs. This helps to maintain their shape and add that lovely protein boost!
6. Taste and Adjust Seasoning:
Give your salad a taste test! If you want more flavor, feel free to add a little more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Avocado Chicken Salad immediately for the best taste and freshness. It’s perfect on its own or served on a bed of greens or in a wrap!
Enjoy your creamy, flavorful Avocado Chicken Salad with no mayo, packed with wholesome ingredients! This salad is not only delicious but also nourishing and filling!
Can I Use Leftover or Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover or rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred the chicken and proceed with the recipe as usual. It’s a perfect way to use up leftovers!
What Can I Substitute for Avocado if I Don’t Have Any?
If you don’t have avocado, you can use Greek yogurt for a creamy texture without the mayo. Alternatively, a little mashed silken tofu also works as a good substitute.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the avocado from browning too quickly, try to store it without the dressing if possible, and stir gently before serving again.
Can I Add Other Vegetables or Ingredients?
Definitely! This salad is very versatile. You can add ingredients like bell peppers, cucumbers, or even sliced olives for extra flavor. Feel free to customize it to your liking!
