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This tasty Avocado Chicken Salad blends buttery avocados with juicy chicken and fresh veggies for a filling, healthy dish. Great for packed lunches or quick meals, this twist on classic chicken salad skips the heavy mayo but keeps all the flavor.
I've found this dish so flexible that it's now my favorite healthy lunch pick. The mix of protein-packed chicken with good fats from avocado keeps hunger away all day long.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
- Soft avocados: They should give slightly when you press them
- Cooked chicken breast: Store-bought rotisserie chicken works well
- Crisp vegetables: To add that nice crunch
- Squeezed lime juice: Stops avocados turning brown
- Chopped cilantro: Gives a fresh kick
- Good spices: Brings out natural flavors
Easy Cooking Instructions
- Getting Chicken Ready:
- Cook thoroughly. Let it cool down. Chop into same-sized bits. Add spices. Keep it juicy.
- Working with Avocados:
- Test by squeezing. Take out the seed safely. Smash to how you like it. Splash lime right away. Add salt bit by bit.
- Mixing in Veggies:
- Cut into equal chunks. Stir carefully. Spread throughout. Check flavor. Adjust if needed.
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Smart Temperature Tips
From making this tons of times, I can tell you that keeping stuff cold matters a lot. I chill the chicken and veggies in the fridge before mixing, then add room temp avocado right before eating. This stops the avocado from turning brown and keeps everything safe to eat.
Prep-Ahead Tricks
While it's tastiest fresh, you can get parts ready early. I often chop chicken and veggies ahead of time and keep them separate in the fridge. Save the avocado work for the last minute so it stays green and creamy.
Keeping It Fresh
If you need to save leftovers, push plastic wrap right onto the top to block air. Keep it in a sealed container in your fridge for a day at most. For longer, just prep each part on its own and mix them when you're ready to eat.
Ways to Serve It
This flexible dish works great in lots of ways:
- On top of leafy greens for a simple lunch
- Tucked into lettuce cups for no extra carbs
- Spread on grainy bread for a filling sandwich
- Spooned into hollowed tomatoes for fancy serving
Make It Your Own
I've tried these yummy changes over time:
- Throw in diced apple for sweet crunchiness
- Sprinkle with roasted nuts for extra bite
- Add fresh herbs like dill or basil
- Mix in some Greek yogurt for more protein
Quick Fixes
Got hard avocados? Put them in a paper bag with a banana to ripen faster. Is your salad too dry? Add another squeeze of lime or a spoonful of Greek yogurt.
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This Avocado Chicken Salad has become my go-to healthy meal. The mix of smooth avocado, tender chicken, and crunchy veggies makes for a filling lunch that's good for you and super tasty.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long can I keep this in the fridge?
- It's best eaten within a day because avocados turn brown, though the lime juice helps slow this down.
- → Is store-bought rotisserie chicken okay?
- Absolutely! Grabbing a ready-made rotisserie chicken cuts down your cooking time.
- → What are some ways to enjoy this mix?
- Try it between bread slices, stuffed in a wrap, on top of greens, or scooped into half an avocado.
- → Can I prepare it beforehand?
- It's tastiest when fresh, but you can chop the chicken and veggies earlier to save time.
- → I don't like cilantro. What else works?
- Fresh parsley or dill taste great if cilantro isn't your thing.