Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe

For its vibrant flavors and creamy texture, I adore a well-made Avocado Chicken Salad. Although it could hardly be simpler to prepare, the combination of flavors and textures makes it feel more like a fancy cafe lunch that you’ve got to treat yourself to, rather than something you can make at home.

But you can make it at home. And when you do, you’ll find that 2 cups of tender, cooked chicken, combined with the rich creaminess of 2 ripe avocados, yield an absurdly good salad.

Ingredients

Poultry: Protein-rich; ideal for muscle development and recuperation.

Avocados: Contain healthy fats; supply fiber and heart health nutrients.

Onion, red: Contains flavor and antioxidant-rich crunchiness essential for a layered dish.

Cilantro: Provides freshness; is a source of vitamins A, C, and K.

Juice from lime: Intensifies flavor; packed with vitamin C, adds brightness.

Ingredient Quantities

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• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of cooked chicken, ensuring it is shredded or chopped for an even texture.

2. Cut the 2 ripe avocados into small pieces, mix them well with the chicken in the bowl, and then serve.

3. Chop very finely 1/4 cup of red onion and add it to the bowl as well.

4. Cilantro enhances the taste of the dish and adds a lovely green color. To make the dish even more appealing, chop the cilantro more finely and mix it in thoroughly.

5. Add a fresh and tangy flavor to the mixture in the bowl by sprinkling 1 tablespoon of lime juice over it.

6. In the bowl, add 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, providing a subtle garlic taste to the salad.

7. Adjust the preference for salt and pepper to your taste when seasoning the mixture.

8. In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients, using a large spoon to mix them together. Exercise caution to ensure that the consistency of the mashed avocado meets your desired level of smoothness.

9. Sample the salad and modify the flavoring if needed. You may add additional lime juice, salt, or pepper to achieve the desired taste.

10. Serve the chicken avocado salad right away, or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend beautifully. Then, enjoy it as a sandwich or wrap filling, or serve it over a bed of greens.

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Chopping board
3. Chef’s knife
4. Measuring cups
5. Measuring spoons
6. Large spoon (for mixing)
7. Refrigeration option (optional, for chilling the dish)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?Yes, rotisserie chicken works well for this salad and adds flavor.
• Q: How do I prevent the avocados from browning?A: To help prevent the product from turning brown, use fresh lime juice as called for in the recipe.
• Q: Is there a substitute for cilantro?You can use parsley or omit it if you don’t enjoy the taste of cilantro.
• Q: How long will this salad last in the fridge?A: Keep it in an airtight container for as long as 2 days, but be aware that the avocado may take on a brownish hue.
• Q: Can I add more vegetables to this salad?A: You can definitely add in the extra crunch with either tomatoes or cucumbers. You can do this, of course, by dicing them finely.
• Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?Q: Are all the ingredients naturally gluten-free?
  A: Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.

Substitutions and Variations

Grilled tofu or chickpeas can replace cooked chicken in a vegetarian option.
Green onions or shallots can stand in for red onion when a less potent flavor is desired.
If you’re not a fan of the distinct taste of cilantro, parsley can be used instead.
Lemon juice can be substituted with lime juice for a different citrus note that is only slightly different.
Fresh minced garlic can be used in place of garlic powder to create a flavor that is even more potent and pronounced.