Taco-Style Chicken Salad with Fresh Salsa and Avocado
A zesty, colorful salad with tender chicken, creamy avocado, and bright lime-cilantro salsa, perfect for a light weeknight dinner. This mexican-inspired salads ready in about 20 minutes blends diced chicken breast, medium, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups, diced chicken breast
- 1 medium, diced avocado
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons, chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1/4 cup salsa
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1.5 cups diced chicken, 1 medium diced avocado, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion.
- Step 2: Add 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 teaspoon olive oil, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to the bowl. Gently toss until evenly coated.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup corn kernels and 1/4 cup salsa. Mix gently to combine without mashing the avocado.
- Step 4: Serve chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing meal.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Taco-Style Chicken Salad with Fresh Salsa and Avocado take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (20 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Taco-Style Chicken Salad with Fresh Salsa and Avocado?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Taco-Style Chicken Salad with Fresh Salsa and 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 Taco-Style Chicken Salad with Fresh Salsa and 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.
What goes well with Taco-Style Chicken Salad with Fresh Salsa and Avocado?
Mexican salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This is my new favorite salad! The avocado and fresh salsa made it so flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Amazing flavor, and it's so quick to put together. Will definitely make again.
- ★★★★★
I'm making this every week now. The recipe is a keeper!