Avocado Chicken Salad Fast, Creamy, and Ready in Minutes

This Avocado Chicken Salad is built for busy days when you want something fresh, filling, and fuss free. It uses shredded cooked chicken and a ripe avocado for instant creaminess without mayonnaise. Toss in a few crunchy veggies, a squeeze of lime, and you have a grab-and-go lunch or light dinner. If you enjoy speedy chicken meals, check out this Texas Roadhouse Chicken Fried Sirloin for another quick option.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works because it keeps prep minimal and flavors bright. Using cooked shredded chicken saves time and adds protein without extra cooking. Mashed avocado acts as a natural creamy binder so you skip heavier dressings. Red onion and celery contribute crunch and bite that balance the soft avocado and chicken. Lime juice lifts the whole mix with a fresh citrus note and helps slow avocado browning. Add cilantro at the end for a green, herbal finish if you like.

Flavor and Texture

The salad hits three simple textures: creamy from the avocado, tender from the chicken, and crisp from the onion and celery. Flavor is citrus-forward thanks to lime, with a mild onion sharpness and optional herbal brightness from cilantro. Salt and pepper are all you need to tune it; the ingredients are straightforward and let the avocado and chicken shine. This makes it versatile for wraps, salads, or a quick sandwich.

Ingredients

– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup celery, diced
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (optional)

Step by Step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mashed avocado, red onion, celery, and lime juice.
2. Mix until well combined.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. If desired, stir in chopped cilantro.
5. Serve immediately as a salad or with lettuce wraps.

Quick Tips and Shortcuts

Use rotisserie chicken or leftover roast chicken to skip cooking entirely. If you like extra creaminess, mash the avocado until very smooth before tossing. Swap a bit of Greek yogurt for half the avocado if you want a lighter texture. For faster chopping, pulse onion and celery in a food processor. For another quick chicken idea and inspiration, see this quick chicken recipe.

Storage and Meal Prep

Because avocado browns, store this salad in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface to limit air exposure. It keeps best for about one day in the refrigerator; flavors can soften after that. For meal prep, store chicken separately from mashed avocado and combine just before serving to maintain color and texture. If needed, add a squeeze of lime right before eating to freshen the flavor.

Short Closing Note

This recipe is a fast, nutritious option when time is tight but you still want a satisfying meal. It’s flexible, easy to scale, and perfect for lunches, light dinners, or quick party bites.

FAQ

Print