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The Best Avocado Chicken Salad: A Fresh, Flavorful, and Satisfying Meal.
If you’re looking for a delicious and wholesome dish that’s packed with flavor, look no further than this Chicken Avocado Salad.
It’s the perfect combination of creamy avocado, juicy chicken, and fresh herbs, all brought together with a tangy homemade dressing.
Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, a dinner side, or even meal prepping for the week, this salad will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why This Recipe Works
- Protein-packed and nourishing – Thanks to lean chicken breast, this salad is satisfying and provides essential amino acids and keeps you full.
- Loaded with nutritious fats – Avocado and olive oil bring in fats for a rich and creamy texture.
- Naturally gluten-free and full of fiber – Avocados, corn, and fresh vegetables add fiber, supporting digestion and gut health.
- Balanced flavors & textures – The sweetness of corn, the zing from lemon juice, and the aromatic dill create a fresh and well-rounded dish.
- Easy to make – A simple pan-seared chicken, a quick homemade dressing, and a toss of fresh ingredients make this a breeze to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil (divided)
- 1 teaspoon each: paprika, smoked paprika, cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon each: garlic powder, onion powder
For the Salad:
- 3 large avocados, diced
- 4 ears of corn, kernels removed
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped, could add parsley as well
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (or lime juice)
- 1 heaping tablespoon honey
- 1 heaping tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season & Cook the Chicken
Optional: Place chicken breasts on a cutting board. Cover with plastic wrap. Pound with a meat tenderizer or rolling pin to flatten.
Start by rubbing the chicken breasts with 1 tbsp of avocado oil, salt, pepper, paprika, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder.
This seasoning blend adds depth and smokiness to the chicken.
Heat the remaining 2 tbsp of avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Cover with foil and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
You can also grill the chicken on a gas, electric or charcoal grill.
2. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. This dressing is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and slightly creamy.
3. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, gently toss together the diced avocado, fresh corn kernels, cooked chicken, finely chopped onion, and dill.
4. Drizzle & Toss
Pour the homemade dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Adjust seasoning if needed, then serve immediately.
Substitutions & Customizations
This salad is versatile! Here are some easy swaps:
- Protein: Swap chicken for grilled shrimp, canned tuna, or chickpeas for a plant-based version. No time to cook the chicken? Use rotisserie chicken instead.
- Dressing: Use Greek yogurt, sour cream or mayo instead of olive oil for a creamier texture.
- Herbs: Try cilantro, parsley or basil in place of dill for a different flavor profile.
- Corn Alternatives: Use cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or roasted bell peppers for variety.
- Add crunch: Toss in toasted nuts, sunflower seeds, or crumbled feta cheese for extra texture.
Nutritional Benefits
This Avocado Chicken Salad is packed with nutrients:
- High in protein – Supports muscle growth and keeps you full longer.
- Rich in fats – Avocados and olive oil provide essential monounsaturated fats.
- Loaded with fiber – Helps with digestion and overall gut health.
- Vitamin powerhouse – Corn, avocado, and lemon juice offer vitamins A, C, and E for glowing skin and a strong immune system.
Inspiring You to Eat More Salads
Eating more salads doesn’t have to be boring! They can be flavorful, filling, and packed with variety. This Avocado Chicken Salad is proof that home cooking can be both delicious and satisfying.
Tips to enjoy more salads in your routine:
- Experiment with flavors – Try different dressings, proteins, and toppings to keep things interesting.
- Make it a meal – Add grains like quinoa or farro to make your salad more filling.
- Prep ahead – Chop your ingredients in advance for quick and easy meals.
- Focus on quality ingredients – The fresher your produce, the better your salad will taste!
Serving Suggestions & Variations
- Turn it into a wrap – Stuff this salad into whole-grain tortillas for an easy grab-and-go meal. Alternatively make sandwiches with your favorite bread, lettuce, red onion and this chicken salad.
- Serve it over greens – Add arugula, spinach, or romaine for extra nutrients.
- Make it spicier – A pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce will bring some heat.
- Use grilled chicken – Swap pan-seared chicken for grilled chicken to add a smoky charred flavor.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Since avocados tend to brown, squeeze a little extra lemon juice over the top before storing to help maintain freshness.
This Avocado Chicken Salad is more than just a salad—it’s a complete, nutrient-packed meal that’s bursting with freshness.
Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this dish will keep you full, energized, and craving more.
Try it out and make salads an exciting part of your routine!
More Chicken Salad Recipes:
- Easy Chinese Chicken Salad – cabbage, carrots, shredded chicken and peanut dressing.
- Blackened Chicken Salad – flavorful chicken, spinach, nuts and berries with Dijon mustard dressing.
- Honey Mustard Chicken Salad – mixed greens, juicy chicken, veggies and honey mustard dressing.
Did you make this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below or tag us on social media!
The Best Avocado Chicken Salad
Video
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp avocado oil, divided
- 1 tsp each: paprika, smoked paprika, cumin
- 1/4 tsp each: garlic powder, onion powder
For the Salad:
- 3 large avocados, diced
- 4 ears of corn, kernels removed
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 heaping tbsp honey
- 1 heaping tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Season & Cook the Chicken
- Start by rubbing the chicken breasts with 1 tbsp of avocado oil, salt, pepper, paprika, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. This seasoning blend adds depth and smokiness to the chicken.
- Heat the remaining 2 tbsp of avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Cover with foil and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. This dressing is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and slightly creamy.
- Assemble the Salad
- In a large serving bowl, gently toss together the diced avocado, fresh corn kernels, cooked chicken, finely chopped onion, and dill.
- Drizzle & Toss
- Pour the homemade dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Adjust seasoning if needed, then serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Absolutely healthy and delicious ! Very easy to make.