Avocado Chicken Salad (Printable)
Protein-packed avocado and chicken mix with tomatoes, cucumber and zesty lime-olive dressing.
# What You'll Need:
→ Proteins
01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (about 2 medium breasts)
→ Vegetables & Fruits
02 - 2 ripe avocados, diced
03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
05 - 1 small cucumber, diced
06 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
→ Dressing
07 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
09 - 1 clove garlic, minced
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
→ Optional Add-ins
12 - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
13 - 1/4 cup sliced almonds
# How-To Steps:
01 - Shred or dice the cooked chicken breast. Halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the red onion, dice the cucumber and avocados, and chop the fresh cilantro if using.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared chicken, avocados, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and cilantro.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and ground black pepper until well blended.
04 - Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss until everything is evenly coated, being careful not to mash the avocado.
05 - Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and sliced almonds over the top if using, and toss lightly to incorporate.
06 - Serve immediately at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving for a chilled version.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It comes together in the time it takes to queue at a drive-through, but tastes like you actually tried.
- The avocado acts as its own dressing base, so every bite feels luxurious without needing mayonnaise or heavy sauces.
- It is one of those rare dishes that genuinely works for a desk lunch, a picnic blanket, or a lazy dinner on the couch.
02 -
- Avocado browns fast, so if you are making this more than an hour ahead, press plastic wrap directly against the surface of the salad.
- The lime juice does double duty by flavoring the dressing and slowing down oxidation on the avocado.
03 -
- Taste the avocado before you commit, because a bland one will drag the entire salad down with it.
- Always dress the salad right before serving rather than ahead of time, since the cucumber and tomato release water once salted.