Avocado Chicken Salad (Print version)

A fresh, creamy salad combining tender chicken, ripe avocado, cherry tomatoes, and zesty lime dressing with fragrant herbs.

# Required ingredients:

→ 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

# How to make it:

01 - In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, diced avocados, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
02 - Add the chopped cilantro and parsley to the bowl.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
04 - Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine, being careful not to mash the avocado.
05 - Serve immediately, or chill for up to 1 hour before serving for a colder, firmer texture.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in the time it takes to answer a few emails, but tastes like you meal-prepped all Sunday.
  • The lime and herbs wake up your taste buds without needing heavy dressings or complicated steps.
  • You can eat it straight from the bowl, stuff it in lettuce wraps, or pile it on toast depending on your mood.
  • Leftovers hold up surprisingly well if you wait to add the avocado until just before eating.
02 -
  • If your avocados are too ripe, they will turn into guacamole the second you toss them, so choose fruit that still has a little resistance when you press the skin.
  • Adding the lime juice to the onions first and letting them sit for a minute while you prep everything else takes the harsh edge off and makes them taste almost pickled.
  • Don't skip the olive oil, it helps the lime juice coat everything evenly and keeps the salad from tasting dry or one-note.
03 -
  • Use a rotisserie chicken from the store and this becomes a 10-minute meal instead of a 30-minute one.
  • Rolling your lime on the counter with firm pressure before cutting it will give you way more juice.
  • Taste the salad after you dress it and don't be afraid to add an extra squeeze of lime or pinch of salt, those final tweaks make all the difference.
Return