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Toss aside what you think you know about regular chicken salad - this twist uses creamy avocado instead of heavy mayo, giving you something incredibly rich yet surprisingly good for you. It blends tender chicken, smooth avocado, crunchy corn, and zesty citrus in just 20 minutes flat. You'll actually look forward to lunchtime again with this creation.
I began whipping this up while hunting for better lunch choices, and it's now something I can't go without each week. The mix of smooth avocado with juicy chicken somehow makes this way more filling than old-school chicken salad.
Key Ingredients
- Soft avocados: they should give slightly when squeezed
- Prepared chicken: grabbing a rotisserie one makes life easier
- Sweet corn: brings little bursts of sweetness
- Red onion: adds a sharp bite
- Squeezed lime: helps avocado stay green longer
- Leafy herbs: try cilantro, parsley, or even dill
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Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1:
- Get your chicken ready - if you're using store-bought or home-cooked, let it cool down and pull it into small, easy-to-eat pieces.
- Step 2:
- Pick out good avocados - they need to feel a bit soft when you press them lightly. Cut them into chunks that won't mush when you stir everything.
- Step 3:
- Put your chicken, avocado chunks, and corn in a big bowl. Stir carefully - you want avocado covering everything but still keeping some chunks intact.
- Step 4:
- Toss in chopped red onion and fresh herbs, then splash with lime juice and a bit of olive oil. The lime adds flavor and keeps your avocado from turning brown.
- Step 5:
- Add salt and pepper to taste, then mix everything one last time with a light touch. Remember, don't overmix - those avocado pieces should stay somewhat whole.
When I first brought this to a friends' lunch, everybody asked me how to make it. The way everything feels and tastes together makes it seem like you bought it from some fancy place downtown.
Prep In Advance
For meal planning, keep your avocado separate until you're ready to eat, or push some plastic wrap right on top of the salad to stop it from turning brown.
Ways To Switch It Up
This dish welcomes extras! Throw in diced tomatoes, chunks of cucumber, crispy bacon bits, or some black beans for more flavor and crunch.
Great Serving Ideas
Try it on top of salad greens, stuffed inside a hollowed tomato, wrapped in lettuce cups, or sandwiched between two pieces of toasted bread.
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Smart Cooking Tricks
- Brown your corn in a hot, dry pan for deeper flavor
- Cut everything about the same size for better eating
- Save time with a store-bought rotisserie chicken
- Stick the avocado seed in any leftovers to help stop browning
After making this so many times, I've realized it's just what you need when you want something that tastes fresh and light but still fills you up. The way the smooth avocado wraps around each bite makes you completely forget you're eating something healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long will it stay fresh?
- Enjoy it the same day for best taste, but can last 1-2 days if tightly covered.
- → Is this good for meal prep?
- Keep ingredients separate and mix when you're ready to eat so the avocado stays green.
- → How do you stop avocados from browning?
- Use extra lime juice and press plastic wrap against the mixture's surface.
- → Can I use canned chicken here?
- Sure, but fresh rotisserie chicken gives a better bite and flavor.
- → How should I serve this?
- Toss it on toast, fill lettuce cups, or spoon over greens. Crackers work too!