Avocado-Herb Chicken Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

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

Creamy, protein-packed chicken salad with fresh herbs and juicy cherry tomatoes for a refreshing, no-mayo lunch. This american-inspired whole30 ready in about 39 minutes pairs chicken breast, avocado, cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 14 min Serves 2 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season chicken breasts with 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Heat 1/2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  2. Step 2: Let chicken rest 5 minutes, then dice into 1/2-inch cubes.
  3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, mash avocado with lemon juice until mostly smooth but still slightly chunky.
  4. Step 4: Add diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, parsley, chives, remaining 1/2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper to the avocado mixture. Gently fold until evenly combined.
  5. Step 5: Chill for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then serve over greens or with sliced bell peppers.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Avocado-Herb Chicken Salad with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 39 minutes (25 min prep + 14 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-Herb Chicken Salad with Cherry Tomatoes?

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-Herb Chicken Salad with Cherry Tomatoes?

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-Herb Chicken Salad with Cherry Tomatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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-Herb Chicken Salad with Cherry Tomatoes?

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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