Creamy, tangy, and fresh with every bite, this Avocado Chicken Salad is everything you want in a wholesome, satisfying dish. Packed with tender chunks of chicken, buttery avocado, crisp red onions, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, it brings color and flavor to your table in minutes. Whether you serve it for lunch, dinner, or as a party side, this salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

The best part? There’s no mayo needed. Instead, the creaminess comes from ripe avocados mashed into the mix, making it both heart-healthy and keto-friendly. It’s ideal for meal prep, summer picnics, or days when you need a quick and nutritious fix without turning on the stove.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

The beauty of Avocado Chicken Salad is its flexibility. Grilled, roasted, poached, or even rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here. Leftover chicken is perfect too, just make sure it’s tender and not overcooked so it blends easily with the creamy avocado. If you’re short on time, store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fast and flavorful option.

Ingredients for the Avocado Chicken Salad

Chicken Breast: Cooked and shredded or chopped, this is the main source of protein and the base of the salad.

Avocados: Ripe and creamy, they replace mayo in this recipe and deliver rich texture and healthy fats.

Cherry Tomatoes: Halved for bursts of juicy sweetness, they add vibrant color and balance the creaminess.

Red Onion: Adds a sharp, crunchy bite to contrast the soft avocado and chicken.

Fresh Cilantro: Offers brightness and a pop of herbaceous flavor.

Lime Juice: Brings tang and helps prevent the avocado from browning too quickly.

Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing out the flavors.

Optional Add-ins: Jalapeños for heat, cucumber for extra crunch, or feta cheese for a salty twist.

How To Make the Avocado Chicken Salad

Step 1: Cook and Shred the Chicken

If you’re starting with raw chicken breasts, season lightly and cook them either by boiling, baking, or grilling. Once cooled, shred or chop into bite-sized pieces. For ease, you can also use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.

Step 2: Prep the Vegetables

Cut your avocados into chunks and place them in a large mixing bowl. Use a fork to gently mash about half of them—this gives the salad its creamy base while leaving some bite-sized avocado pieces intact. Halve the cherry tomatoes, finely dice the red onion, and chop the fresh cilantro.

Step 3: Combine Everything Together

Add the shredded chicken to the bowl with the avocado. Toss in the cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Drizzle fresh lime juice over the top and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Gently Toss and Chill

Using a spatula or spoon, gently fold the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated in the creamy avocado. Be careful not to overmix—you want to maintain some texture. If time allows, let the salad chill in the fridge for 20–30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Serve as-is for a light lunch, pile onto toast for a hearty open-faced sandwich, or spoon into lettuce cups for a low-carb option. It also pairs beautifully with crackers or tortilla chips if you’re serving it as an appetizer.

How to Serve and Store Avocado Chicken Salad

Avocado Chicken Salad is delicious straight from the bowl, but there are plenty of creative ways to enjoy it. Try scooping it onto toasted sourdough, stuffing it into a pita, or wrapping it in a tortilla for a protein-packed lunch. It’s also amazing served atop mixed greens or inside a hollowed-out avocado shell for a stunning presentation.

To store, place the salad in an airtight container and press a layer of plastic wrap directly against the surface before sealing the lid. This helps slow down the browning of the avocado. It’s best eaten within 1-2 days for optimal freshness and texture. A quick stir before serving will refresh the creamy consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best enjoyed the day it’s made. To prep ahead, mix everything except the avocado and lime juice. Add those just before serving to keep it fresh.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Absolutely. It’s low in carbs and high in healthy fats and protein, making it a great option for keto or low-carb diets.

What can I substitute for cilantro?

If cilantro isn’t your favorite, try parsley, basil, or even green onions for a different twist.

Can I use canned chicken?

Yes! Canned chicken can be a quick and convenient option. Just be sure to drain it well and break it apart before mixing.

How do I know if my avocados are ripe?

Gently press near the stem end; if it yields slightly, it’s ripe. Avoid overly soft avocados with sunken spots.

Can I add other veggies?

Of course! Diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or even sweet corn can be fun and colorful additions.

Want More Salad Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Avocado Chicken Salad, here are a few more flavorful dishes to explore next:

Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Salad for a creamy, dessert-inspired treat.
Super Crunch Salad when you’re craving texture and a rainbow of veggies.
Honeycrisp Broccoli Salad for that perfect sweet and savory combo.
Light Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Chicken if you love herby, refreshing summer salads.
Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes and Veggies as a warm, hearty side to complement your salad.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can whip it up anytime:
Life with Nina Pinterest Recipes

And don’t forget to leave a comment below! Did you toss in jalapeños or feta? Add a crunch with cucumber? I’d love to know how you made it your own.

Sharing your tweaks and tips helps others cook more confidently. Let’s inspire each other to eat vibrant, fresh, and easy meals every day.

Avocado Chicken Salad

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This Avocado Chicken Salad is a creamy, protein-packed dish made without mayo. Fresh avocados bring a luscious texture that pairs perfectly with juicy chicken, crisp onions, and sweet cherry tomatoes. It’s light, nutritious, and great for meal prep, picnics, or a quick lunch!