Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad

Looking for a nutritious and refreshing lunch? Try this healthy avocado chicken salad! Packed with fresh ingredients like avocados, greens, and lean protein, it’s not only delicious but also packed with essential vitamins and minerals.

Cooking Time: 20 minutes Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast or cooked rotisserie chicken
• 3 ripe avocados, peeled and sliced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: olive oil for dressing (about 1 tablespoon)

Instructions

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. If you're using raw chicken, cook it first.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, avocados, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and spinach leaves.
3. Mix in the Greek yogurt with lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the salad for extra flavor (optional).
5. Combine all ingredients gently until well mixed.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for an hour before serving if preferred cold.

Nutritional Benefits

This healthy avocado chicken salad is not only tasty but also offers numerous health benefits. Avocados are rich in heart-healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants which help lower cholesterol levels while improving blood flow. The combination of lean protein from the chicken and healthy fats from avocados makes this dish a perfect choice for weight management.

Chicken breast provides high-quality protein essential for muscle growth and repair without being too heavy in calories. Fresh spinach adds iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins A, C, E, K, B2, B6, and folate to your meal, promoting healthy skin, bones, and digestive function.

Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, vitamin C, and other antioxidants that protect against heart disease, stroke, and various cancers. The red onion provides a sweet yet tangy taste while adding more nutrients such as quercetin which has anti-inflammatory properties.

Variations

Looking to add variety? There are many ways you can customize this recipe:

• Add some diced bell peppers for extra sweetness and color.
• Mix in some nuts or seeds like almonds, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds for crunchiness and additional protein.
• Incorporate some bacon bits or feta cheese if you're craving something salty and savory.

Storage Tips

If storing leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh for up to three days. Avoid adding dressing until just before serving since it can cause the vegetables to wilt more quickly than usual.

Tips for Success

1. For best results, use ripe avocados; they should yield slightly when gently pressed but not squishy.
2. To make this dish even healthier, consider using whole grains or brown rice instead of white bread as a base.
3. If you don't like the taste of plain yogurt, try replacing it with another creamy dairy-free alternative such as cashew cream or almond milk yogurt.

Conclusion

A healthy avocado chicken salad is an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy a light yet satisfying meal. Its versatility allows you to create different versions based on your personal preferences, ensuring everyone finds something they love within this delightful dish. Whether enjoyed at home or packed as part of a lunchbox, this recipe will surely become one of your go-to options during busy weekdays!