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Fresh Creamy Avocado Chicken Salad Without Mayo Easy Healthy Recipe

avocado chicken salad - featured image

A light, creamy chicken salad made without mayonnaise, using ripe avocado for natural creaminess. Perfect for quick, healthy meals with fresh flavors and satisfying texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped (about 10.5 oz)
  • 1 large ripe avocado, mashed
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (optional, can use dairy-free yogurt)
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (cilantro or parsley), chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • A pinch of chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your chicken: If not cooked, poach a boneless skinless chicken breast in simmering water for about 15 minutes until cooked through (internal temp about 165°F). Let cool, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Mash the avocado in a mixing bowl with a fork or masher until smooth but slightly chunky. Add lemon juice to keep it fresh and bright.
  3. Stir in Greek yogurt to the mashed avocado for extra creaminess and mild tang (optional).
  4. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chili flakes to taste. Mix well to combine flavors evenly.
  5. Fold in chopped celery and green onions for crunch and freshness.
  6. Gently fold shredded chicken into the avocado mixture, being careful not to overmix to keep chicken texture.
  7. Sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley and gently stir to distribute.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
  9. Serve immediately or chill for 15-30 minutes to let flavors meld.

Notes

Do not over-mash the avocado to keep some chunkiness. Use fresh lemon juice to prevent browning. Use freshly cooked chicken for best texture. Salad is best eaten within 24 hours and stored tightly covered in the fridge. Optional Greek yogurt can be omitted or replaced with dairy-free yogurt. For a spicy twist, add jalapeños or hot sauce. Can substitute herbs or protein as desired.

Nutrition

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