• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Free Email Series!

5 Time and Stress Saving Cooking Secrets

Free email series of my best tips!

Visit my other Site: Pancake Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Free Email Series!

    5 Time and Stress Saving Cooking Secrets

    Free email series of my best tips!

  • Visit my other Site: Pancake Recipes

Rachel Cooks®

Easy Healthy-ish Recipes

  • Recipe Index
  • The Basics
  • Free Meal Plans

Dinner Made Easy:

Slow Cooker

5 Ingredients

Grilling

Make Ahead

Sheet Pan

Tacos

Pizza

Home Recipes by Type Salads
30 30 Minutes or Less GF Gluten-Free

Avocado Chicken Salad – creamy and healthy!

4.88
/5
20 minutes mins
21 Comments
Jump to Recipe Video
By: Rachel GurkPosted: 01/05/2022Updated: 04/17/2023

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Chicken salad sandwich, text overlay reads "the best avocado chicken salad."
Chicken salad sandwich, text overlay reads "avocado chicken salad."
Chicken salad sandwich, text overlay reads "the best avocado chicken salad."
Chicken salad sandwich, text overlay reads "avocado chicken salad, healthy and delicious."

Healthy avocado chicken salad makes a great lunch or light dinner entrée. The creamy dressing is made with Greek yogurt, avocado, and lemon juice.

Recipe Overview

Why you’ll love it: There’s no mayonnaise in this healthy chicken salad but it’s super creamy.

How long it takes: 20 minutes
Equipment you’ll need: small food processor or immersion blender, mixing bowl
Servings: 4

Multigrain bread sandwich with avocado chicken salad and leaf lettuce.
Table of Contents
open
  • 1 Recipe Overview
  • 2 About This Chicken Salad
  • 3 Mini Food Processor
  • 4 Ingredients You’ll Need
  • 5 How To Make This Recipe
  • 6 How To Cut An Avocado
  • 7 FAQs
  • 8 Change It Up
  • 9 Make-Ahead Ideas
  • 10 Storage Tips
  • 11 More chicken salad Recipes
  • 12 Get the Recipe: Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe – creamy and healthy!

This avocado chicken salad is healthy, easy to make, and most importantly, delicious. The easy dressing is made from a heart-healthy avocado, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice. Don’t you just love the color of that dressing?

There’s no mayo in this dressing and yet it’s amazingly creamy. You’ll be blown away by it! And you can feel good eating it, too. One generous serving of this salad (about one cup) provides 27 grams of protein but only has 304 calories. A typical chicken salad made with mayonnaise has about twice the calories!

Serve it on hearty whole grain bread or in a wrap, with leaf lettuce and pickled red onions. A bowl of creamy tomato soup or a side of crispy air fryer French fries goes great with a chicken salad sandwich. We like it on a bed of crisp salad greens, or just on its own, too, with a side of crisp crackers and fresh fruit.

For some reason, I keep thinking of the familiar Dr. Seuss story, What Was I Scared Of? about the pale green pants (with no one inside them!). This salad is the exact same color. My grandpa used to love reading that story to us – it totally cracked him up every time. Check it out sometime!

About This Chicken Salad

Avocado chicken salad isn’t more difficult to make than a salad made with a mayonnaise-based dressing but it does require a small food processor or immersion blender to get the avocado dressing really smooth and creamy.

mini food processor on white background.

Mini Food Processor

I love this 2 cup Ninja food processor. It doesn’t take much room in my pantry and it’s easy to use. It’s perfect for making a quick batch of chimichurri!

Buy on Amazon

I’ll run through the recipe here and give you lots of extra tips. As always, look for the printable recipe card near the end of the post with full instructions and nutrition information.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Cooked: Looking for an easy way to cook chicken? Try Instant Pot chicken breasts, poached chicken, or roasted bone-in chicken breasts. Rotisserie chicken is good, too. Make sure the chicken is cold before adding it to the salad.
  • Avocados: Check out the FAQ section for how to determine if an avocado is ripe.
  • Plain Greek Yogurt: I like to use full-fat Greek yogurt which, by the way, makes this recipe keto-friendly. Full-fat yogurt has a creamier mouth-feel and tastes better. However, if you prefer, 2% or nonfat Greek yogurt works well too.
  • Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds a bright note to the dressing and also helps keep the avocado from browning. Freshly squeezed is a must! If you don’t have a lemon, no worries! A splash of vinegar does a great job adding the same brightness that lemon brings.
  • Celery: Finely diced celery is crunchy and flavorful.
  • Red Onion: If you want to tone down the strong flavor of onion, soak the diced onion in ice water while you prep the rest of the salad. Drain it really well and pat dry before adding it.
  • Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley is colorful and adds a nice herby flavor.
  • Kosher Salt and Coarsely Ground Black Pepper: Season your salad to taste. Don’t skimp on the salt or your salad will taste bland.
Overhead view of ingredients including cooked chicken and avocados.

How To Make This Recipe

It’s really very easy. Begin by dicing the avocados right into the bowl of the food processor or a small bowl if you’re using an immersion blender.

Unblended dressing in food processor.

Add the Greek yogurt and lemon juice and process until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Smooth, light green dressing in food processor.

Decide whether you prefer the chicken diced or shredded. Either way is just fine.

In a medium sized bowl, combine the chilled chicken, celery, onions, parsley, salt, pepper, and the dressing.

Unmixed chicken salad in clear glass bowl.

Mix until all the ingredients are covered with the lovely green dressing. Check the seasoning and add more salt and pepper if needed.

Mixed chicken salad in a glass mixing bowl.

At this point, you may either cover the salad and put it in the refrigerator or eat it right away.

How To Cut An Avocado

If you’re a little uncertain about how to cut these green gems, check out this short video. It’s only 46 seconds long and will show you how to remove the pit, peel, and slice an avocado.

Did you know an avocado is actually a fruit and is sometimes called an “alligator pear”?

Avocado chicken salad in a bowl, surrounded by bread, avocados, onion.

FAQs

How do you know when an avocado is ripe?

Check the color: A ripe avocado is dark green or nearly black. The outer skin should feel bumpy.
Press it lightly with your fingertip. The avocado should be slightly softened but not mushy feeling.
Look at the stem end. There’s usually a nub that can easily be removed with your fingernail. If the flesh underneath it appears bright green, the avocado is perfectly ripened. If it appears brown, the avocado is probably overripe.

Is avocado healthy?

According to Healthline, an avocado has several health benefits. It has 20 different vitamins and minerals, healthy fats, and lots of fiber. They are heart-healthy and weight-loss friendly.

Change It Up

You’ll love this recipe because there are so many ways to make it your own, depending on what you like and/or what you have in your fridge. Try one of these variations (see recipe card for suggested measurements!) or create a brand new one.

  • Guacamole chicken salad with lime juice, cumin, chopped cilantro and jalapeño pepper.
  • Chicken salad with fruit with fresh tarragon, apple, sliced grapes, and golden raisins or dried cranberries.
  • Garden chicken salad with dill, cucumbers, green peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
Double stack of avocado chicken salad sandwiches on wheat bread.

Make-Ahead Ideas

It’s a really good idea to cook the chicken ahead of time. It needs to be chilled before adding it to the salad. Cooked chicken will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days or in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before using.

Storage Tips

Refrigerate: This chicken salad keeps well for at least two days in the refrigerator. Cover it with plastic wrap or put it in an airtight container. Stir well before serving.

Pack and Go Lunch: Chicken salad makes a great lunch! Store it in serving sized containers in the refrigerator. Grab one on your way out the door.

Does the avocado dressing turn brown? You may wonder if the dressing will discolor since avocados tend to brown once they are cut. We found that the salad retained its lovely green color with no discoloration at all. The lemon juice and Greek yogurt are acidic which prevents the browning that usually occurs.

More chicken salad Recipes

These main dish salads all include chicken but are very different from each other. There’s something for everybody here!

  • Healthy Curried Chicken Salad
  • Southwestern BBQ Chicken Salad (best chopped salad!)
  • Healthy Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Grapes
  • Farro Salad with Chicken, Beets, and Red Wine Vinaigrette
  • Dill Chicken Salad
  • Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe
  • Asian Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing
  • Summer Pasta Salad with Chicken

Interested in a weekly meal plan (it’s free!) that includes this chicken salad recipe? Take a look at my Meal Plan #7 or Meal Plan #23. You’ll find a wholesome recipe for each weekday plus a categorized grocery list. Let me do the planning for you this week!

We’ll be adding a new meal plan weekly. If you’re interested, browse all of our meal plans.

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!

Avocado chicken salad between two slices of multigrain bread.
Recipe

Get the Recipe: Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe – creamy and healthy!

4.88 from 8 votes
Prep Time: 20 minutes mins
Total Time: 20 minutes mins
4 servings
Print Rate Recipe
Prevent your screen from going dark
Healthy avocado chicken salad makes a great lunch or light dinner entrée. The creamy dressing is made with Greek yogurt, avocado, and lemon juice.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups shredded or cubed cooked boneless skinless chicken breasts, chilled (2 medium sized breasts)
  • 2 ripe avocados (medium sized), peeled and cubed
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (use full-fat, 2% or nonfat)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ½ cup finely diced celery
  • ¼ cup finely diced red onion
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper (more to taste)
  • ½ cup slivered almonds, toasted (optional)

Instructions

  • Combine avocado, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice in bowl of small food processor (or in a small bowl if you want to use a handheld/immersion blender). Blend until smooth.
  • In a large bowl, mix dressing with chicken, onions, celery, parsley, salt and pepper. Top with toasted almonds, if using.
  • Enjoy on bread, on a wrap, or on greens for a salad.

Notes

  • Nutrition information is for chicken salad only and does not include almonds or serving suggestions. It is calculated using full-fat Greek yogurt in the dressing.
  • Avocado chicken salad keeps well in the fridge for up to two days. Stir before eating.
Variations
  • Guacamole chicken salad: Omit lemon juice, parsley, and celery. Add 1 tablespoon lime juice, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, chopped cilantro and ¼ cup finely chopped jalapeño pepper. Omit almonds.
  • Chicken salad with fruit: Omit parsley; substitute chopped fresh tarragon. Add 1 chopped apple, ½ cup sliced grapes, and ¼ cup golden raisins or dried cranberries. Omit onion if desired.
  • Garden chicken salad: Add 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh dill) to recipe, along with chopped cucumbers, green peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Omit almonds.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 304kcal, Carbohydrates: 11g, Protein: 27g, Fat: 18g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 11g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 73mg, Sodium: 590mg, Potassium: 985mg, Fiber: 7g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 407IU, Vitamin C: 17mg, Calcium: 43mg, Iron: 1mg

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.

© Author: Rachel Gurk
Did You Make This?Be sure to upload a photo & tag me at @RachelCooksBlog. I love seeing what you made!
Share A Photo! Tag on Insta Rate It
Free email series

5 Time & Stress Saving Cooking Secrets

Free email series of my best tips!

FREE BONUS!

You May Also Like...

  • Dill chicken salad on a croissant.
    Dill Chicken Salad - Healthy and Easy!
  • Image of healthy curried chicken salad on a croissant with fresh greens.
    Healthy Curried Chicken Salad - so easy to make!
  • Asian chicken salad in square decorative plate.
    Asian Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing
  • Closeup of salad in tortilla boat on black background.
    Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe - with video
Roasted chickpeas on a wooden spoon, more on parchment lined baking sheet.
Previous Post
Roasted Chickpeas – How To Make Crispy Chickpeas
Plate of boiled eggs with pepper and parsley.
Next Post
Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

Reader Interactions

Leave a Review Cancel reply

Recipe Rating




The maximum upload file size: 1 MB. You can upload: image. Drop files here

  1. Traci Gertz says

    April 25, 2023 at 6:44 pm

    5 stars
    Well I made this and was unsure if my husband would like it but he loved it! Excellent recipe! The toasted slivered almonds are a must!

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      April 28, 2023 at 10:01 am

      I’m so glad you liked it – it’s one of my favorites too! Thank you for leaving a review!

      Reply
Older Comments

Primary Sidebar

Welcome!

Hi, I'm Rachel! Life can be complicated, cooking shouldn't be! I believe that you can put a delicious meal on the table without stressing. It's possible, and I'm here to help. Have a seat at my table...let's chat, eat, and have fun! Read more...

Air Fryer Instant Pot 30 Minutes One Pan Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Slow Cooker Vegetarian 5 Ingredients

Trending

Cooked salmon fillet on a grey-toned plate with cooked asparagus spears. The salmon is being flaked with a fork.

Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

Pizza pasta being scooped from a pan with a wooden spoon.

Pizza Pasta – 1 pan, 20 minutes

Image of a giant bowl of spaghetti with turkey meatballs.

Baked Turkey Meatballs

Asparagus Panzanella Salad

Seasonal

Cilantro lime rice in a bowl garnished with a lime wedge.

Cilantro Lime Rice

Round white bowl filled with guacamole, one chip dipped in.

How to Make Guacamole

Pico de gallo in a white bowl.

The Best Pico de Gallo

Overhead view of jar of taco seasoning with a wooden spoon in it.

Homemade Taco Seasoning

Opens in a new window Opens an external site Opens an external site in a new window
Free Bonus!

5 Cooking Secrets to Save Time & Stress

Free email series of my best tips and recipes!

Featured On:

Back to Top
  • About
  • Contact
  • Press
  • Work with Me
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility
© 2023 Rachel Cooks®
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled