Zesty Avocado Chicken Salad
Creamy avocado and diced chicken tossed with lime, red onion, and fresh cilantro for a refreshing keto lunch. This mexican-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs ounces cooked chicken breast, ripe avocado, tablespoon finely diced red onion into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 340 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. 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
- 6 ounces cooked chicken breast
- 1/2 ripe avocado
- 1 tablespoon finely diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- pinch freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Dice 6 ounces cooked chicken breast into 1/2-inch cubes.
- Step 2: Mash 1/2 ripe avocado in a medium bowl until smooth.
- Step 3: Add 1 tablespoon finely diced red onion, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro to the mashed avocado.
- Step 4: Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a pinch of black pepper.
- Step 5: Fold in the diced chicken until evenly coated. Gently toss to combine without breaking up the chicken pieces.
- Step 6: Serve immediately over a bed of mixed greens or as a standalone salad.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Zesty Avocado Chicken Salad take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 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 Zesty 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 ounces cooked chicken breast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Zesty 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 Zesty 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 Zesty Avocado Chicken Salad?
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
- ★★★★★
Loved it! Made it for a picnic and everyone raved about the zesty avocado dressing.
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a game-changer. The avocado gives it the perfect creaminess without mayo.
- ★★★★☆
Great flavor, but took longer to prep than expected because I made my own chicken.