Avocado Chicken Salad (Print Version)

Fresh and creamy salad with tender chicken, ripe avocado, lime juice, and fragrant herbs for a light, healthy meal.

# Ingredients List:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced

→ Vegetables & Fruit

02 - 2 ripe avocados, diced
03 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
04 - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 1 small cucumber, diced

→ Herbs & Seasonings

06 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Dressing

10 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
11 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

# Directions:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken breast, diced avocados, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber
02 - Add the chopped cilantro and parsley to the bowl with the chicken and vegetables
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper until emulsified
04 - Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine, taking care not to crush or mash the avocado pieces
05 - Serve immediately for optimal texture, or refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving for a firmer, colder presentation

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in the time it takes to listen to three songs, no stove required if you use rotisserie chicken.
  • The avocado acts as both the base and the creaminess, so you don't need mayo or yogurt to make it feel indulgent.
  • It tastes just as good straight from the bowl as it does tucked into lettuce wraps or piled on toast.
02 -
  • Don't skip tasting the dressing before you add it, the lime and salt need to be assertive enough to season all that chicken and avocado, or the whole thing tastes flat.
  • If your avocado is too firm, it won't coat the salad properly, and if it's too soft, it turns into a paste, you want it just yielding when you press gently with your thumb.
03 -
  • Use a ripe but firm avocado, it should give slightly under pressure but not feel mushy, or it'll turn to paste when you toss the salad.
  • Squeeze the lime juice right before you dress the salad, fresh lime has a brightness that fades quickly and makes all the difference.
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