Avocado Chicken Salad is the kind of recipe that makes healthy eating feel like a luxury. It’s fresh, creamy, loaded with flavor, and comes together in minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. Whether you’re serving it on toast, tucked into lettuce wraps, or just digging in with a fork, this salad delivers on both taste and texture.

The combination of ripe avocado and juicy shredded chicken creates a rich base that’s lifted with a touch of citrus, herbs, and crisp vegetables. It’s protein-packed and satisfying without feeling heavy, making it ideal for lunch meal prep, summer gatherings, or a light dinner when you want something nourishing but effortless.

Why You’ll Love This Avocado Chicken Salad

You’ll love how versatile this Avocado Chicken Salad is. It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and low carb. You can enjoy it cold straight from the fridge, or layer it into sandwiches for a heartier bite. The creamy avocado replaces mayo, giving it a silky texture while keeping things wholesome. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken.

The fresh flavors from lime juice, herbs, and crunchy additions like red onion and celery create a vibrant contrast with the creamy base. It’s everything you love about chicken salad, but with a modern, nutritious twist.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

This recipe works well with any pre-cooked chicken. Leftover grilled chicken breasts, roasted thighs, or even store-bought rotisserie chicken all shred beautifully into the salad. Just make sure your chicken is tender and not overly seasoned, since the avocado and lime bring plenty of flavor. If you’re cooking chicken just for this recipe, poaching or baking it simply with salt and pepper works best for a neutral base that can soak up all the fresh flavors.

Ingredients for the Avocado Chicken Salad

Making a great Avocado Chicken Salad starts with fresh, flavorful ingredients that work in harmony. Each one has a purpose in bringing balance to the final dish.

Avocado: The creamy foundation of this salad. It adds richness and replaces traditional mayo.
Cooked Chicken: Use shredded or diced cooked chicken for the protein. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
Red Onion: Adds a bit of sharpness and crunch to contrast the creaminess.
Celery: Offers a fresh, crisp bite to keep the texture interesting.
Fresh Cilantro or Parsley: Brings brightness and herbal notes.
Lime Juice: Adds zing and keeps the avocado from browning.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors.
Optional Add-ins: Chopped bacon, diced tomatoes, or a touch of garlic powder can elevate it even more.

How To Make the Avocado Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Avocado

Slice the avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a large mixing bowl. Mash them lightly with a fork, leaving some chunks for texture.

Step 2: Add the Chicken

Shred or dice your cooked chicken and add it to the bowl with the avocado. Gently fold it together until combined.

Step 3: Mix in the Crunch

Stir in finely chopped red onion and celery. These add that essential crunch and depth of flavor.

Step 4: Add Citrus and Herbs

Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture and sprinkle in chopped cilantro or parsley. Mix well.

Step 5: Season to Taste

Add salt and pepper, tasting as you go. Feel free to toss in any optional mix-ins you love here.

Step 6: Chill or Serve Immediately

You can serve the salad right away or chill it in the fridge for 20 minutes to let the flavors meld. Either way, it’s delicious.

How to Serve and Store This Avocado Chicken Salad

This Avocado Chicken Salad is perfect as a light main course or a snack. It feeds 4 to 5 people generously when served as a sandwich filling, wrap, or main salad plate. For a lighter option, spoon it into lettuce cups or serve with sliced cucumbers and bell peppers.

To store, place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The lime juice helps prevent the avocado from browning quickly, but this dish is best enjoyed fresh. If you know you’ll need to store it, you can press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing to slow oxidation.

What to Serve With Avocado Chicken Salad?

Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges

Their warm, caramelized flavor balances the cool, creamy salad.

Tortilla Chips or Pita Chips

Perfect for scooping and adds a salty crunch.

Corn on the Cob

Grilled or boiled, it adds a summertime vibe to the meal.

Chilled Quinoa Salad

Add more protein and grains to the table with a light, lemony quinoa side.

Sliced Mango or Pineapple

The sweetness complements the lime and avocado beautifully.

Tomato and Cucumber Salad

Fresh, juicy veggies enhance the lightness of the dish.

Buttery Croissants or Brioche Buns

Great for sandwich-style serving without overpowering the flavors.

Sparkling Water with Lime

Keep it simple and refreshing with a bubbly citrus drink.

Want More Chicken Salad Ideas?

If you love this light and creamy take, explore these other protein-packed meals for quick weekday lunches or fuss-free dinners:

Try the comforting Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta if you’re in the mood for something hearty.
The One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta is another easy dinner idea that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Need more creamy protein bowls? Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce delivers indulgence in every bite.
Looking for a one-skillet solution? This Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is a reliable winner.
For comfort with a twist, you can’t go wrong with Creamy Beef and Shells.