Chicken salad can be boring and full of bad-for-you ingredients. But not this version. Try this Health(ier) Avocado Chicken Salad and you’ll never go back to another recipe again!
How many times have you been to a baby shower, wedding shower, or any other shower-type party? Too many to count? Then you have no doubt been subjected to what my friend calls a “mayonnaise party”. Egg salad. Tuna salad. Potato salad. Chicken salad. All with a basket of stale croissants, ready to get your mayo on. <shudder>
Now let me say that I actually love me some mayonnaise. It’s a guilty pleasure that is a must in certain recipes. That creamy texture that helps bind all of the other ingredients together is important so that you’re not dropping pieces of chicken all over yourself as you try to eat. However, chopped meat or vegetable salads should not necessarily be one of them.
I decided to try my hand a finding other (healthier) ways to get that desired texture without the heavy and fatty nature in many mayonnaise dressings out there. And what’s creamier than Greek Yogurt and Avocados? In this case, not much my friends.
As I worked to concoct the desired textures, I thought about the things that make a good chicken salad. Creamy–check. Protein–check. Crunchy–wait! I normally would reach for something like onions or celery, but I realized that those flavors may overpower the avocado and yogurt. Luckily I had a half of a head of Napa cabbage in my vegetable crisper. While this cabbage doesn’t have much flavor on its own, the crunch is undeniable. It was the perfect compliment I was looking for. Check!
After I let these gorgeous and oh-so-simple flavors meld for just a bit in the refrigerator, I knew I had to layer this salad with beautiful summer tomatoes (yes, I’m still addicted) and more greens. Oh, and the vehicle for the whole thing? A ciabatta roll was the obvious choice.
Now let me say that I obviously like all of my own recipes. Duh. But I have to tell you this may be my favorite in terms of the success in marrying ingredients. A pat on the back here may not be enough. A banner? A gold star? A parade? Hmmmm…
While I figure out the accolades I believe I am entitled to, get yourself these ingredients and make this Health(ier) Avocado Chicken Salad. Then you can get in line to congratulate me. You’ll never look at a mayonnaise party the same way again!
| Servings | Prep Time |
| 4 people | 15 minutes |
| Passive Time |
| 30 minutes |
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This recipe is a great way to use healthy ingredients to produce a alternative to traditionally not-so-healthy chicken salad. Replacing the mayonnaise with creamy avocado and zippy Greek yogurt maintains the texture you love, but leaves the unhealthy fats of other ingredients behind. This updated version will be your new favorite any time of year!
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- 1 medium avocado, pit removed
- 1/2 medium lemon, juiced
- 2 cups grilled chicken, chopped
- 1/2 cup greek yogurt
- 1 cup Napa cabbage, shredded
- 2 green onions, chopped
- kosher salt, to taste
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- baby spinach
- fresh tomato, sliced
- 2 large ciabatta rolls or other crusty bread rolls
- Chop all of the ingredients including removing avocado pit and removing from skin.
- Mash the avocado with a fork, making sure any large chunks have been incorporated into smooth mixture.
- Squeeze juice of half a lemon into avocado mixture. Mix thoroughly.
- Add all ingredients to bowl, adding salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix ingredients thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate mixture for 30 minutes.
- Slice ciabatta roll and layer baby spinach, chicken mixture, and sliced tomatoes. Top with second half of bread and enjoy!
Whoa. You want to dig in to this Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad sandwich right now, don't you. Admit it. And while it calls for only 2 ciabatta rolls, these are huge sandwiches. They can easily can feed 2 people each, hence the suggestion that this can feed 4 people.
But if you eat all of it on your own, I won't tell.
it wouldn’t go wrong using that creamy avocado for this yummy looking chicken salad..
I am all about lightened up chicken salad recipes! This looks like the perfect lunch.
This was so good for lunch, dinner, snacks and everything in between!
This salad looks wonderful! Love the addition of green onion.
The green onion is the “pop” that really takes it over the edge. Yum!
I love using avocado as a healthier substitute as well to get that delicious creamy texture in dishes. This chicken salad looks so good!
And I saw that you also found a great use for avocado with your avocado pesto! Great minds… :o)