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Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad

Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad

A creamy, fresh salad with shredded chicken, ripe avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro in a lime avocado dressing. Quick, healthy, and perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American, Mexican-Inspired
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • 2 medium ripe avocados 1 diced, 1 for dressing
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, very finely diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 to 2 tbsp water for dressing consistency
  • 1 to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 optional sliced jalapeño for heat

Equipment

  • Blender or Food Processor
  • Large bowl
  • Spoon
  • Fork

Method
 

  1. Make the dressing: in a blender, combine avocado, lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne. Blend until smooth. Add water 1 tbsp at a time if too thick.
  2. Coat the chicken: in a large bowl, add shredded chicken. Pour dressing over and stir gently until evenly coated.
  3. Add veggies: add diced avocado, halved tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Toss gently just until combined. Do not overmix.
  4. Taste and adjust: season with salt and pepper. Add more lime or water if needed for consistency.
  5. Serve: serve in bowls, over greens, in a wrap, or in a lettuce cup. Top with jalapeño if desired.

Notes

  • Mix the salad close to serving time for best color and texture.
  • Store dressed chicken separately and add tomatoes and diced avocado just before serving.
  • Use ripe but firm avocados for the best dressing texture.
  • Lime juice in the dressing helps keep the avocado green.
  • Best eaten within 1 to 2 days of mixing.