Creamy Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe

Name: Creamy Avocado Chicken Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 cooked chicken breast halves, diced; 1 ripe avocado, sliced; 0.5 cup sour cream; 1.5 teaspoons ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon lime juice; 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder; 0.5 teaspoon onion powder; 0.25 teaspoon salt

This creamy and flavorful spread is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or as a dip for veggies. With just a few simple ingredients, you'll have a delicious meal ready in no time!

Ingredients

2 cooked chicken breast halves, diced
1 ripe avocado, sliced
cup sour cream
1 teaspoons ground black pepper, or to taste
1 teaspoon lime juice
teaspoon garlic powder
teaspoon onion powder
teaspoon salt

Directions

Step 1: Begin by placing the diced chicken into a food processor. Pulse until it is finely chopped.

Step 2: Add the sliced avocado, sour cream, black pepper, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to the processor.

Step 3: Blend everything together until the mixture is smooth, or until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. You can add more lime juice or salt according to your preference.

Step 5: Serve immediately on sandwiches, in wraps, or as a dip with your favorite veggies!

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	217
Total Fat	15g	19%
Saturated Fat	5g	27%
Cholesterol	49mg	16%
Sodium	197mg	9%
Total Carbohydrate	7g	2%
Dietary Fiber	4g	13%
Total Sugars	1g
Protein	15g	31%
Vitamin C	6mg	7%
Calcium	51mg	4%
Iron	1mg	6%
Potassium	413mg	9%

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Origin and History

The creamy avocado chicken salad is a modern variation on the traditional chicken salad that dates back to the 19th century in the United States. Traditionally, chicken salad was made by combining chicken, mayo, and various vegetables. The addition of avocado brings a fresh twist to this classic dish, inspired by the popularity of avocados in recent decades, particularly in American and Mexican cuisine. Avocado, originally cultivated in Central and South America, has gained worldwide popularity for its creamy texture and nutritional benefits. This chicken salad recipe uses avocado to replace mayonnaise, giving it a lighter, healthier alternative while maintaining its richness and flavor.

Regional Variations

While this creamy avocado chicken salad is a flexible dish that can be found in many American kitchens, it has regional variations. In California, where avocados are grown in abundance, the addition of fresh lime and cilantro is common, giving the salad a slightly tangy and herby flavor. In the Southwest, jalapeos, corn, and black beans are often added, giving the salad a spicy, Tex-Mex flair. In contrast, in regions that favor more traditional American fare, you might find variations that keep the recipe simple with just chicken, avocado, and a creamy dressing.

Differences from Similar Dishes

What sets creamy avocado chicken salad apart from other chicken salads is the use of avocado to replace mayonnaise. This substitution not only enhances the flavor but also makes the dish healthier, as avocados provide healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins that mayonnaise lacks. Additionally, the texture of the chicken salad is smoother and creamier, offering a richer mouthfeel. In comparison to similar dishes like chicken Caesar salad or classic chicken salad with mayonnaise, this recipe is lighter, and the avocado gives it a fresher, more vibrant flavor profile.

Where It Is Typically Served

Creamy avocado chicken salad is a versatile dish that can be served in various settings. It is perfect for lunch or a light dinner and can be served on its own, over a bed of greens, or as a filling in sandwiches or wraps. Many people also serve it as an appetizer at parties or gatherings, offering guests a healthy alternative to heavier dips or spreads. It is often accompanied by crackers, toasted bread, or served in a lettuce wrap for a low-carb option. In addition, it can be paired with side dishes such as coleslaw, fresh fruit, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Interesting Facts

Did you know that avocados are sometimes referred to as "alligator pears" due to their bumpy skin and pear-like shape? Despite being classified as a fruit, avocados are often used in savory dishes, making them unique in the culinary world. Additionally, avocados are known for their heart-healthy fats, including monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce cholesterol levels. Another fun fact is that the creamy texture of avocado makes it an excellent alternative to mayonnaise in many recipes, offering a healthier yet equally satisfying option. This recipe has become popular among those looking for a lighter alternative to traditional chicken salad, especially among health-conscious individuals and those following gluten-free or keto diets.

FAQ about Creamy Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe

Store any leftover avocado chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's best eaten within 1 to 2 days to prevent the avocado from browning. If you want to extend its freshness, you can add lime juice or a bit of lemon juice to help preserve the color.

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with other proteins like turkey, shrimp, or even canned tuna for a different flavor. Just make sure the protein is cooked and shredded or diced before mixing it with the avocado and dressing.

Yes, you can make the creamy avocado chicken salad ahead of time. It’s perfect for meal prep or serving at gatherings. However, it's best to wait to add the avocado until just before serving to avoid browning.

To add a spicy kick to the salad, consider mixing in diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also substitute the black pepper with chili powder for added heat.

Yes, you can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, or even with cottage cheese if you prefer a different texture. Some users also swap sour cream with mayonnaise for a richer flavor.

This creamy avocado chicken salad is great on crackers, as a filling for wraps or tortillas, or served on top of mixed greens. You can also serve it with a side of fresh vegetables like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or even on toasted bread as a sandwich.

The chicken in this recipe can be processed into a smooth texture using a food processor, but if you prefer a chunkier salad, simply shred or dice the chicken by hand. Many people prefer a more textured salad, so feel free to adjust it to your liking.

If you don't have a food processor, you can shred or chop the chicken by hand. You can also use a hand mixer or stand mixer to shred the chicken quickly. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked and cooled before starting.

It's not recommended to freeze this salad because the avocado will change texture and become mushy once thawed. For the best taste and texture, it's ideal to store it in the fridge and consume it within a couple of days.

Yes, you can omit the lime juice if you don't have any on hand or prefer a different citrus flavor. Lemon juice works as a great substitute, or you can even use a splash of vinegar for acidity.

Comments

David Lewis

05/08/2023 01:02:13 AM

Attention all avocado enthusiasts! I must say, this recipe is a breeze to make. The texture is incredibly smooth and creamy, providing a delightful twist to my usual chicken salad with mayo. The addition of sour cream and lime brings just the right amount of tanginess. While the original recipe suggested blending the chicken with the avocado, I preferred keeping some chicken chunks for added texture. Served on brioche sliders, it was a hit with my friends. I'll definitely be whipping up this dish repeatedly!

Margaret Thomas

01/17/2024 12:18:42 AM

This recipe was fantastic!! Following recommendations, I opted not to use a food processor for any ingredients to keep the chunky texture of the solids, especially the chicken, blending with the creaminess of the sauce. I swapped onion powder for fresh chopped green onion, garlic powder for finely chopped fresh garlic, and sour cream for Greek yogurt. Serving it on crackers with a slice of raw tomato was absolutely delicious!

Elizabeth Campbell

06/24/2024 04:27:35 PM

I tried this recipe and absolutely enjoyed it! The only modifications I made were substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream and reducing the amount of pepper by half (though I may decrease it further next time). Since I didn't have a food processor, I chopped the chicken roughly and shredded it by hand, and it worked out well. I will certainly be making this again!

Katherine Johnson

08/16/2024 03:19:29 AM

I found the food processor to be too much of a hassle, so I opted to finely chop pre-cooked chicken from the grocery store instead. I mixed half sour cream and half mayo, and added some finely chopped jalapeño for extra flavor. I served this mixture on a salad of mixed greens with tomato slices, and drizzled fresh lemon juice over the top.

Katherine Torres

02/20/2025 09:05:57 AM

I really enjoyed this dish. The combination of lime and avocado with the chicken was delicious. Instead of using the full amount of pepper, I only added about 1/4 teaspoon. I opted for canned chicken, so I didn't blend it - I simply mixed it until creamy, leaving a few small chunks for texture. After setting some aside for myself, I incorporated diced red onion to cater to my husband's preference for raw onion in chicken salad. For an extra kick, I added a couple of dashes of hot sauce to his portion. Overall, a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Frank Taylor

06/02/2023 04:57:35 AM

I decided to try using 2% small curd cottage cheese instead of sour cream just out of curiosity (and because I've been loving cottage cheese lately). To add some contrast and sweetness, I mixed in half a chopped pear to my lunch bowl. The combination was surprisingly delicious! I think using Craisins instead of pears could also be a tasty alternative.

Donald Moore

05/21/2024 07:14:57 AM

Great foundation recipe that I enhanced by incorporating a mix of sour cream and mayo, reducing the amount of pepper, and cutting the chicken into smaller pieces before combining with the dressing. The end result was so delicious that I accidentally omitted adding the avocado!

John Smith

04/13/2023 02:31:29 PM

This recipe is absolutely delightful! I made a few tweaks - swapped sour cream for 0% milk fat Greek yogurt; it retains the flavor, has lower fat content, and is packed with protein. I also included some red onion for a nice crunch! Being a garlic enthusiast, I tossed in a few cloves. We enjoyed it with crackers and even rolled it up in a tortilla. Delish!

Jennifer Taylor

07/03/2023 05:55:17 AM

Delicious! I use a hand mixer to shred the chicken into big chunks before mashing the avocado with a handy avocado tool that has a small masher on the end. Super easy and convenient :)

Janet Martinez

07/16/2024 06:47:25 AM

I loved trying out this recipe! Instead of sour cream, I opted for light cottage cheese blended to a smooth consistency to make it lighter. The result was absolutely delicious!

Jason Green

10/24/2023 08:12:40 PM

Not suitable for children. Next time, I won't blend the chicken. The texture was somewhat mushy.

Ronald Ramirez

08/15/2024 01:16:02 PM

When searching for a unique chicken salad, this offers a delightful variation.

Betty Perez

11/21/2022 08:13:48 AM

Absolutely delicious! I didn't make any alterations as the combination of tangy sour cream, fresh lime zest, and creamy avocado was just perfect.

Victoria Harris

10/15/2024 04:21:55 AM

This dish was delicious, but I wasn't a fan of having to use my large food processor for such a small amount of food. I attempted to use the blender as an alternative, but it turned out to be a mistake. The mixture became too thick, making it difficult to shred the chicken. Cleaning out the blender was also a hassle as the food got stuck at the bottom.

Paul Green

12/21/2023 03:30:15 PM

Not very suitable for children. Next time I won't blend the chicken into a purée. The texture was somewhat pasty.

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