This creamy, dreamy avocado chicken salad is about to become your new go-to recipe.
Inspired by classic flavor combinations, this salad elevates the humble chicken salad to something truly special. We’ve taken the best elements of a classic salad and combined them with the richness of avocado for a dish that’s both comforting and impressive.
Looking for more lunch inspiration? Check out this amazing recipe for chopped bacon grinder salad.
Imagine serving a vibrant, delicious, and healthy avocado chicken salad. This recipe is foolproof, promising restaurant-quality results without any stress. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends.
Let’s dive in and discover how to make this incredible salad!
Quick Look: The Easiest Avocado Chicken Salad Ever
Want a sneak peek at this simple and delicious avocado chicken salad? This quick overview will give you all the essential details to get you started.
Fast Facts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Difficulty: Easy
Our Secret Weapons: Tips for Avocado Chicken Salad Perfection
To make an exceptional avocado chicken salad, it’s all about mastering a few key techniques. Knowing the ‘why’ behind each step will elevate your salad from simple to spectacular. Let’s unlock the secrets to avocado chicken salad perfection.
Choosing and Prepping the Perfect Avocado
Selecting the right avocado is crucial. Look for avocados that yield to gentle pressure but aren’t too soft.
Ever wonder why avocados turn brown? It’s due to oxidation. Once cut, the flesh reacts with oxygen. To combat this, immediately toss your avocado slices with lemon juice, the acidity helps to prevent browning.
For storing prepped avocado, ensure plastic wrap presses directly against the surface to minimize air exposure. This will keep your avocado looking vibrant for longer.
The Best Chicken for Creamy Texture
The type of chicken you use significantly impacts the salad’s overall texture. Cooked chicken is ideal, offering both convenience and flavor.
For ultimate ease, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. It’s flavorful and moist. Alternatively, you can poach or bake chicken breasts until just cooked through. Overcooking leads to dry chicken, which will detract from the creamy texture we’re aiming for.
Pro-Tip: If baking chicken, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s cooked but not dry.
Balancing Flavors: Herbs and Acidity
The combination of herbs and acidity creates a bright, balanced flavor profile. Fresh dill and chives add a burst of freshness that complements the richness of the avocado and bacon.
Don’t skimp on the freshly squeezed lemon juice. It not only prevents browning but also provides a crucial tang that cuts through the richness. The balance of creamy avocado, salty chopped bacon, and vibrant herbs is what makes this salad irresistible.
Mastering these techniques will transform your avocado chicken salad. Next, let’s dive into the easy-to-follow recipe steps.
Let’s Make Amazing Avocado Chicken Salad!
Ready to bring this vibrant avocado chicken salad to life? Follow these straightforward steps for a flavorful and satisfying dish.
Step 1: Prep Your Base
Begin by taking 2 large cooked chicken breasts. Shred or dice them into bite-sized pieces.
Place the shredded or diced chicken into a large mixing bowl. This is the foundation of our creamy and delicious salad.
Step 2: Add the Stars of the Show
Now it’s time to add the stars. Peel and pit 2 large avocados, then slice them into bite-sized pieces.
To prevent browning, toss the avocado pieces with a bit of fresh lemon juice immediately after cutting.
Add the avocado to the bowl, along with 1 cup of corn, 1/4 cup of chopped chives, and 6 oz of cooked chopped bacon.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together 3 Tbsp of fresh lemon juice and 3 Tbsp of extra virgin olive oil. This simple dressing will brighten all the flavors.
Add 1 tsp of sea salt (or to taste) and 1/8 tsp of black pepper to the lemon juice and olive oil mixture. Whisk well to combine.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad ingredients in the mixing bowl. Be generous to coat all ingredients.
Gently toss the salad to combine. Be careful not to overmix or mash the avocado. You want it well-distributed but still in distinct pieces.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the avocado chicken salad immediately for the best flavor and texture. Garnish with the optional 2 halved or quartered hard-boiled eggs for an extra protein boost.
This salad is fantastic on its own, in sandwiches, or served over lettuce.
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making this amazing salad, let’s explore some delicious variations to make it your own!
Make It Your Own: Delicious Twists and Additions
This avocado chicken salad is fantastic as is, but don’t be afraid to experiment! Here are a few ideas to spark your culinary creativity and help you tailor the recipe to your taste and what you have on hand.
Protein Swaps
While chicken is the star of the show, there are plenty of other proteins that work beautifully in this salad. If you didn’t add hard-boiled eggs as a garnish, try dicing them and mixing them in for extra richness.
Leftover cooked shrimp would also be delicious. For a vegetarian option, chickpeas add a hearty and flavorful protein boost. Consider using uncured turkey bacon instead of regular bacon for a lighter twist.
Veggie & Carb Additions
Looking to add some extra crunch or bulk to your salad? Diced celery offers a refreshing crispness, while a little red onion brings a zesty bite. Cherry tomatoes or cucumbers are also great additions.
For a heartier salad, consider mixing in cooked bowtie pasta or other small pasta shapes. They soak up the dressing and add a satisfying element to the dish.
Spice It Up!
If you like a little heat, try adding some finely chopped jalapeño to the salad or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preference.
Now that you’ve got some ideas for customization, let’s talk about how to store any leftovers and even get a head start on preparing this dish.
Smart Storage: Keeping Your Salad Fresh
Proper storage and make-ahead strategies are key to enjoying this creamy avocado chicken salad at its best. Here are some tips to keep your salad fresh and delicious.
Make-Ahead Magic
Want to get ahead? You can prep almost everything in advance. Combine all the ingredients except the avocado and the optional hard-boiled eggs.
Cover the mixture and refrigerate. Add the avocado and eggs just before serving to prevent browning and maintain the perfect creamy texture.
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored, but avocados are prone to browning. To minimize this, transfer the salad to an airtight container.
Cover the salad tightly with plastic wrap, ensuring the wrap touches the surface of the salad; this will create a seal against the air. Properly stored, it will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge.
Now that you know how to store it, let’s explore some delicious variations!
Your Avocado Chicken Salad Questions, Answered
How to keep avocado chicken salad from turning brown?
To prevent browning, toss the avocado with lemon juice and mix it into the salad just before serving. Proper storage, like covering tightly with plastic wrap touching the surface, also helps slow oxidation.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when making chicken salad?
Common mistakes include using dry or overcooked chicken, overcrowding with too many ingredients, and not properly chilling the salad. Ensure chicken is moist and measurements are accurate for the best texture and flavor.
What goes with chicken and avocado?
This avocado chicken salad is delicious on its own, as a sandwich filling, stuffed into lettuce wraps, or served alongside a fresh green salad or with crackers.
Share Your Delicious Creation!
We hope you loved this creamy avocado chicken salad recipe! Now it’s your turn to share your experience and help other home cooks discover this delicious dish.
We Love to Hear From You!
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We’d also love to read your comments. Did you make any creative variations, or did you serve it a special way? Share your tips and tricks with the Meal Delights community!
Next up, let’s cover some common questions about this salad.
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Avocado Chicken Salad
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 large cooked chicken breasts shredded or diced
- 2 large avocados peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 1 cup corn
- 1/4 cup chives chopped
- 6 oz cooked bacon chopped
- 2 hard-boiled eggs halved or quartered, for garnish (optional)
For the Dressing
- 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt or to taste
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Prep Your Base
- Begin by taking 2 large cooked chicken breasts. Shred or dice them into bite-sized pieces.
- Place the shredded or diced chicken into a large mixing bowl. This is the foundation of our creamy and delicious salad.
Add the Stars of the Show
- Now it's time to add the stars. Peel and pit 2 large avocados, then slice them into bite-sized pieces.
- To prevent browning, toss the avocado pieces with a bit of fresh lemon juice immediately after cutting.
- Add the avocado to the bowl, along with 1 cup of corn, 1/4 cup of chopped chives, and 6 oz of cooked chopped bacon.
Whisk Up the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together 3 Tbsp of fresh lemon juice and 3 Tbsp of extra virgin olive oil. This simple dressing will brighten all the flavors.
- Add 1 tsp of sea salt (or to taste) and 1/8 tsp of black pepper to the lemon juice and olive oil mixture. Whisk well to combine.
Bring It All Together
- Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad ingredients in the mixing bowl. Be generous to coat all ingredients.
- Gently toss the salad to combine. Be careful not to overmix or mash the avocado. You want it well-distributed but still in distinct pieces.
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the avocado chicken salad immediately for the best flavor and texture. Garnish with the optional 2 halved or quartered hard-boiled eggs for an extra protein boost.
- This salad is fantastic on its own, in sandwiches, or served over lettuce.