Looking for a fresh and tasty meal? This Creamy Avocado Chicken Salad is both quick and easy to make! Packed with nutritious ingredients like ripe avocado, chicken, and Greek yogurt, it’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite flavors. Let’s dive into this simple recipe and create a dish that’s delicious and satisfying. You’ll love how easy it is!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Additional Ingredients
– 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
To make a great creamy avocado chicken salad, you need these key ingredients. First, you need cooked chicken. I often use leftover chicken, but rotisserie chicken works well too. Shredded or diced chicken gives the salad a nice texture.
Next, grab a ripe avocado. This will add creaminess and healthy fats. Mash it up in a bowl; it should be smooth but still have some chunks. Then, mix in Greek yogurt. It gives the salad a tangy flavor and makes it creamy without too much fat.
Dijon mustard adds a nice kick. Just a tablespoon brightens up the dish. Lemon juice is important too; it keeps the avocado from browning and adds freshness.
For some crunch, finely chopped celery is perfect. It adds a nice bite to the salad. Red onion gives it a slight sweetness and depth. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. You can adjust these to your liking.
When ready to serve, sprinkle fresh cilantro or parsley on top. It adds color and a fresh flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
– Combine shredded chicken and mashed avocado in a large bowl.
– Add Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice; mix until creamy.
– Fold in celery and red onion, stirring gently.
Start by shredding or dicing your cooked chicken. You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for speed. Next, grab a ripe avocado. Mash it well to create a smooth base.
Now, add the Greek yogurt. This gives the salad a nice creaminess. Then, stir in the Dijon mustard for a subtle kick and fresh lemon juice for brightness. Mix everything together until you get a creamy texture.
Next, fold in finely chopped celery and red onion. These add crunch and flavor. Be gentle when stirring so you keep some texture in your salad.
Final Touches
– Season with salt and pepper to taste.
– Chill for 30 minutes (optional).
– Serve on greens, in sandwiches, or lettuce wraps.
Once mixed, taste the salad. Add salt and pepper to suit your liking. You can chill it for 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend nicely.
When ready to serve, you can enjoy it on a bed of greens. It’s also great in sandwiches or wrapped in lettuce. For a pretty finish, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Salad
– Use ripe avocados for creaminess. Ripe avocados make your salad smooth and rich. Look for avocados that yield slightly when you press them.
– Chill for better flavor melding. Letting the salad chill for 30 minutes brings the flavors together. This makes every bite more delicious.
– Adjust seasonings to personal preference. Taste your salad and add salt or pepper. You can make it just right for your taste.
Serving Suggestions
– Serve with whole grain bread or in lettuce wraps. This salad is great on whole grain bread or wrapped in crisp lettuce. Both options add texture and flavor.
– Pair with chips or a side of fruit. Crunchy chips or fresh fruit make nice sides. They complement the salad well.
– Garnish ideas: nuts or seeds for crunch. Add nuts or seeds on top. They give extra crunch and a tasty twist to your creamy avocado chicken salad.
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
– You can swap Greek yogurt for sour cream or mayo. This change adds a different taste and texture.
– For ease, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. It saves time and is still tasty.
– Diced apples or grapes can add a sweet crunch. They make the salad even more fun to eat.
Flavor Enhancements
– Want a twist? Incorporate spices like cumin or paprika. They can add depth to your dish.
– If you like heat, add jalapeños for a spicy kick. They bring excitement to your salad.
– Fresh herbs can change the flavor. Try basil, dill, or chives for variety.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas. Each variation can bring something new to the table.Enjoy your cooking!
Storage Info
Short-Term Storage
– Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
– Best enjoyed fresh or within a day of preparation.
Keeping your creamy avocado chicken salad fresh is easy. Use a good container to seal in the flavors. The salad tastes great right after you make it, but it holds up well for a short time. If you keep it in the fridge, it can still taste nice for a couple of days. Just remember that the avocado may brown a bit, but it won’t affect the taste much.
Long-Term Storage
– Can be frozen but may affect texture; consume within 1 month.
– Thaw in the refrigerator before consuming.
If you want to save some for later, freezing is an option. However, it can change the texture. The creamy avocado might not feel the same after thawing. To freeze, place the salad in a freezer-safe container. Just make sure it’s sealed well. When you’re ready to eat it, take it out and put it in the fridge to thaw. This way, it will be safe to eat, and you can enjoy it again.
FAQs
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can easily make this salad dairy-free. Just substitute Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt or cashew cream. These options keep the creaminess you want. They also add a nice flavor to the salad.
Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned chicken for this recipe. It’s a quick and easy alternative. Just drain the chicken well before adding it to the mix. This saves you time and still gives you a delicious meal.
What are some good side dishes to serve with this salad?
There are many tasty side dishes to pair with this salad. Consider serving it with a fruit salad, whole grain bread, or crunchy vegetable sticks. These sides add color and texture to your meal. Plus, they make it more filling and fun!
This blog post shared a simple, tasty chicken salad recipe. You learned about the main and additional ingredients, plus step-by-step instructions for making the dish. Tips and tricks helped you perfect your salad, while variations opened up ways to customize it. Don’t forget to store leftovers properly for maximum freshness. With these ideas, you can create a delicious meal that fits your taste and needs. Enjoy making this salad and sharing it with others!
