I was enchanted by the simplicity and vibrant flavors of this Avocado Chicken Salad recipe. Tender shredded chicken pairs beautifully with ripe avocado cubes, juicy grape tomatoes and a sprinkle of red onion. The crisp bacon and zesty lime juice tie everything together for a salad that feels both fresh and satisfying.
I’ve recently discovered a version of chicken salad that completely redefines what you might expect from this classic dish. I started with 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken breast and tossed it gently with 2 ripe avocados diced into perfect bite-sized pieces.
Then I added 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, halved to keep things fresh and colorful, along with 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion for that unexpected zing. The real kicker for me has been the 2 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled right into the mix.
A splash of 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice brings a subtle tang that ties all the flavors together without needing any heavy mayo. With this Avocado Chicken Salad, you’ll be enjoying a vibrant blend of textures and tastes that literally transforms a simple salad into a fascinating twist on a well-loved recipe.
Give it a try and prepare to be pleasantly surprised!
Why I Like this Recipe
I love this avocado chicken salad because its just bursting with flavor. First, I really appreciate how the creamy avocados mix with the tender chicken without needing any heavy mayo, which keeps it light and satisfying. Second, the bacon really makes it; its salty crunch adds a nice texture that makes every bite interesting. Third, the fresh lime juice gives it a zesty kick that brightens up all the other ingredients, making the whole salad feel refreshing. Lastly, I like that it’s super easy to whip up when I’m in a hurry, but it always tastes like I’ve put a lot of thought into it.
Ingredients
- Packed with lean protein, tender chicken helps keep you full and energized all day.
- Rich in healthy fats and fiber, ripe avocados create a smooth, dreamy salad texture.
- Juicy grape tomatoes deliver a burst of natural sweetness and vibrant color in each bite.
- Finely chopped red onions give a zesty crunch and bold flavor to every bite.
- Crispy bacon adds a salty, smoky crunch that brings extra depth to the salad.
- Fresh lime juice supplies a tangy kick that brightens and balances all the flavors.
- Chopped cilantro lends a light, herbaceous note that rounds out the dish perfectly.
Ingredient Quantities
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast (about 1 lb)
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
How to Make this
1. In a large bowl, toss together the shredded chicken, diced avocados, halved grape tomatoes, chopped red onion, and crumbled bacon.
2. Drizzle in the fresh lime juice all over the mixture.
3. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and some pepper and stir gently so everything is mixed without mashing the avocado too much.
4. If you’re using cilantro, now’s the time to add the chopped cilantro in.
5. Give the salad a light mix, just enough to evenly distribute all the ingredients.
6. Taste the salad and adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed.
7. Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes so the flavors get to know each other.
8. Serve it chilled or let it come to room temperature, whichever you prefer.
9. This salad works great on its own or as a topping for sandwiches and wraps.
10. Enjoy your tasty avocado chicken salad, and feel free to add your own twist if you like!
Equipment Needed
1. Large bowl – You need a big bowl to toss and mix all the ingredients without squishing the avocado.
2. Knife – A sharp knife is required for dicing avocados, chopping the red onion and cilantro.
3. Cutting board – Use a sturdy board to safely cut your fruits and veggies.
4. Measuring spoons – These help you accurately measure lime juice, salt and pepper.
5. Mixing utensil – Either a spatula or a large spoon is needed to gently stir the salad together.
FAQ
Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe (VIDEO) Substitutions and Variations
- If you don’t have shredded chicken, try using turkey or even leftover rotisserie chicken
- If you’re missing ripe avocados, some like using cubed mango for a hint of sweetness (though it changes the flavor a bit)
- If grape tomatoes aren’t handy, diced regular tomatoes or even sun-dried tomatoes can work good
- If red onion is too strong for you, chopped shallots or sweet onions might do the trick
- If bacon isn’t available, turkey bacon or pancetta are nice swaps
Pro Tips
1. Try using really ripe avocados because they add extra creaminess and flavor. Also, letting the lime juice hit them for a couple of minutes before mixing in the other stuff can really amp up the taste.
2. Make sure you cook the bacon until it’s extra crispy and let it rest on some paper towels so it doesn’t make the salad too soggy.
3. If you wanna kick it up a notch, consider adding a pinch of cumin or a few chili flakes when you mix everything. It gives the salad a little extra zing.
4. Taste as you go and season lightly, so you can adjust the salt, pepper, or lime if needed. That small step can really make sure every bite works just right.
Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe (VIDEO)
My favorite Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe (VIDEO)
Equipment Needed:
1. Large bowl – You need a big bowl to toss and mix all the ingredients without squishing the avocado.
2. Knife – A sharp knife is required for dicing avocados, chopping the red onion and cilantro.
3. Cutting board – Use a sturdy board to safely cut your fruits and veggies.
4. Measuring spoons – These help you accurately measure lime juice, salt and pepper.
5. Mixing utensil – Either a spatula or a large spoon is needed to gently stir the salad together.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast (about 1 lb)
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, toss together the shredded chicken, diced avocados, halved grape tomatoes, chopped red onion, and crumbled bacon.
2. Drizzle in the fresh lime juice all over the mixture.
3. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and some pepper and stir gently so everything is mixed without mashing the avocado too much.
4. If you’re using cilantro, now’s the time to add the chopped cilantro in.
5. Give the salad a light mix, just enough to evenly distribute all the ingredients.
6. Taste the salad and adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed.
7. Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes so the flavors get to know each other.
8. Serve it chilled or let it come to room temperature, whichever you prefer.
9. This salad works great on its own or as a topping for sandwiches and wraps.
10. Enjoy your tasty avocado chicken salad, and feel free to add your own twist if you like!