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!

Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad
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.

Creamy Avocado & Yogurt
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!

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Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad Sandwich
Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad
Print Recipe
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!
Servings Prep Time
4 people 15 minutes
Passive Time
30 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 people 15 minutes
Passive Time
30 minutes
Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad Sandwich
Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad
Print Recipe
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!
Servings Prep Time
4 people 15 minutes
Passive Time
30 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 people 15 minutes
Passive Time
30 minutes
Instructions
  1. Chop all of the ingredients including removing avocado pit and removing from skin.
    Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad Ingredients
  2. Mash the avocado with a fork, making sure any large chunks have been incorporated into smooth mixture.
    Mashed Avocados
  3. Squeeze juice of half a lemon into avocado mixture. Mix thoroughly.
    Citrus & Avocado
  4. Add all ingredients to bowl, adding salt and pepper to taste.
    Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad Ingredients
  5. Mix ingredients thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate mixture for 30 minutes.
    Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad Ingredients
  6. Slice ciabatta roll and layer baby spinach, chicken mixture, and sliced tomatoes. Top with second half of bread and enjoy!
    Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad Sandwich
Recipe Notes

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.

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