Herb-Infused Chicken Salad with Avocado

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

A refreshing, protein-packed salad featuring shredded chicken, creamy avocado, and vibrant fresh herbs. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (whole30) ready in about 44 minutes pairs chicken breast, medium avocado, fresh cilantro for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 30 min Cook: 14 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 390 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place chicken breast in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 12-14 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), then let cool completely.
  2. Step 2: Dice cooled chicken into 1/4-inch cubes. Cut avocado in half, remove pit, and scoop flesh into a large bowl.
  3. Step 3: Finely chop cilantro and parsley. Add chopped herbs, lemon juice, and olive oil to the avocado, then mash with a fork until smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Gently fold diced chicken into the avocado mixture until evenly distributed, being careful not to overmix.
  5. Step 5: Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld, then serve chilled with sliced cucumbers or lettuce leaves.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 44 minutes (30 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 Herb-Infused Chicken Salad with Avocado?

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 Herb-Infused Chicken Salad with Avocado?

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 Herb-Infused Chicken Salad with Avocado 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.

Is Herb-Infused Chicken Salad with Avocado whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

Related recipes