Avocado Chicken Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A nutrient-dense salad packed with zinc and vitamin E from avocado and pumpkin seeds. This american-inspired whole30 ready in about 18 minutes pairs chicken breast, avocado, pumpkin seeds for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves 1 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 oz sliced chicken breast dry with paper towels, then pan-sear in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and juices run clear.
  2. Step 2: Toss 2 cups mixed greens with 1 tbsp lime juice and 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil until evenly coated and slightly wilted.
  3. Step 3: Gently fold 1/2 diced avocado and 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds into the chicken, then arrange on the dressed greens with the chicken juices for maximum flavor integration.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Avocado Chicken Salad take to make?

Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Avocado Chicken Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Avocado Chicken Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Avocado Chicken Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Avocado Chicken Salad?

American whole30 like this pair well with a compliant starch (roasted sweet potato, cauliflower rice, or plantains), a crisp salad dressed with olive oil and lemon, and sliced fruit. Skip grains, legumes, dairy and added sugar — none of them are Whole30-compliant. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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