Avocado Chicken Salad

Description

Avocado Chicken Salad

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
2 ripe avocados, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1 jalapeño, finely diced (optional, for spice)
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lime juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions

Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.

Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, gently mix diced chicken, avocados, cherry tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.

Add the dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss lightly to combine, being careful not to mash the avocado.

Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately as a light meal or side dish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (using pre-cooked chicken)
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~280 kcal per serving

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Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed steps for the perfect Avocado Chicken Salad every time.

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Ensure your chicken is fully cooked, cooled, and diced or shredded. Dice the avocados, cherry tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and chop the cilantro.
2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, vigorously whisk together the olive oil and lime juice until slightly emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Combine the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken, cherry tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Gently stir to distribute.
4. Add Avocado Last: Right before dressing, fold in the diced avocado. This minimizes browning.
5. Dress and Toss: Pour the dressing over the salad. Using a large spoon or spatula, fold the ingredients together with a light hand to coat everything without mashing the avocado chunks.
6. Final Seasoning Check: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed. Serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile salad shines in many ways. Serve it on a bed of crisp romaine or spinach for a classic salad. For a low-carb option, use it as a filling for lettuce wraps or hollowed-out bell peppers. It’s excellent scooped onto whole-grain crackers, in a pita pocket, or as a hearty topping for toasted sourdough. For a more substantial meal, pair it with a side of quinoa or roasted sweet potatoes.

How-to Summary

Dice cooked chicken and veggies. Whisk oil, lime, salt, and pepper for dressing. Gently combine all ingredients with the dressing, fold in avocado last to prevent mashing, and serve fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time? For best results, prep the components separately. Combine everything except the avocado and dressing up to a day in advance. Add avocado and dressing just before serving to prevent sogginess and browning.

What’s the best way to cook the chicken? For maximum flavor, grill, bake, or poach chicken breasts with basic seasonings. Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver.

How can I prevent the avocado from browning? Ensure the avocado is ripe but firm. Tossing it in the lime juice from the dressing first can help. Combining it at the very last minute is the most effective strategy.

Is there a substitute for cilantro? Yes, fresh parsley or dill make excellent, less polarizing substitutes. You can also use a teaspoon of dried oregano in a pinch.

How should I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The avocado will brown and the salad may become watery, but it is still safe to eat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-mixing: Stirring too vigorously will mash the avocado into a guacamole-like consistency. Fold gently.
• Using overripe avocado: Soft, mushy avocados will fall apart. Use avocados that are just ripe—yielding to gentle pressure but still firm.
• Adding dressing too early: Dressing the salad long before serving causes the tomatoes and onions to release water, making the salad soggy.
• Underseasoning: Chicken and avocado need ample seasoning. Always taste and adjust salt and acidity (lime juice) at the end.

Conclusion

This Avocado Chicken Salad is the epitome of a quick, nutritious, and satisfying meal. Its success lies in the balance of creamy avocado, tender chicken, and a bright lime dressing. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a flawless dish perfect for a healthy lunch, light dinner, or impressive potluck contribution. Its fresh flavors and simple preparation are sure to make it a regular in your recipe rotation.