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- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 ripe avocado, halved and pitted - 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup cilantro, freshly chopped (or parsley) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder - Lettuce leaves or whole grain wraps for serving The first step to a great creamy avocado chicken salad is gathering your ingredients. Start with the chicken. You can use grilled, roasted, or even rotisserie chicken. Shred it nicely so it mixes well. Next, grab a ripe avocado. Look for one that gives slightly when you press it. This means it's ready to mash. For the dressing, plain Greek yogurt adds creaminess without too many extra calories. The Dijon mustard gives a tang that brightens the dish. Don't skip the lemon juice. It adds freshness and helps the avocado stay green. Chop your celery and red onion finely. This gives your salad a nice crunch and flavor. Cilantro adds a fresh touch, but if you don't like it, parsley works too. Season with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder. These simple spices bring out the flavors. Finally, you can serve this salad in lettuce leaves for a light meal or in wraps for a filling option. You can find the Full Recipe for detailed steps! - Cups to grams and ounces: 1 cup of cooked chicken is about 150 grams or 5.3 ounces. - Metric measurements: 1/4 cup is about 60 milliliters. - Best yogurt for creaminess: Look for full-fat Greek yogurt for a rich taste. - Suggested types of chicken: Rotisserie chicken is tasty and saves time. To mash the avocado, cut it in half and remove the pit. Use a spoon to scoop out the green flesh into a bowl. Then, take a fork and mash the avocado until it is smooth. This makes a creamy base for our salad. To keep the avocado fresh, add a splash of lemon juice right away. This helps prevent browning and keeps your salad looking great. Next, combine the mashed avocado with plain Greek yogurt and Dijon mustard in the same bowl. Mix these ingredients well until they form a smooth dressing. Lemon juice is key in this mix. It adds a bright flavor and helps balance the creaminess of the avocado and yogurt. Without it, the dressing may taste flat. Now, take a larger bowl and add 2 cups of shredded chicken, finely chopped celery, diced red onion, and fresh cilantro. These ingredients add crunch and flavor to the salad. Pour the creamy avocado dressing over the chicken and veggies. Gently fold the mixture using a spatula. This ensures everything is coated well. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper for extra taste. For serving, you can use lettuce leaves or whole grain wraps. It’s a fun way to enjoy this creamy avocado chicken salad. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section! To keep your creamy avocado chicken salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent the salad from browning. Use a layer of plastic wrap pressed against the surface to minimize air exposure. The salad lasts in the fridge for about three days. After that, the avocado may start to brown, and the flavors can fade. You can easily change this recipe to fit your needs. For a lower-fat option, swap Greek yogurt for a lighter yogurt or a dairy-free alternative. If you like extra crunch, add chopped bell peppers or carrots. For protein, consider adding chickpeas or nuts. You can also mix in fruits like grapes or apples for a sweet touch. Make your salad look beautiful by serving it in lettuce cups. This adds a nice crunch and makes it easy to grab. You can also use whole grain wraps and cut them into pinwheels for a fun twist. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. A few lemon wedges on the side add a pop of color and flavor. For the full recipe, see the details above. {{image_4}} For a low-carb option, swap the Greek yogurt with mashed cauliflower. This keeps the salad creamy while cutting carbs. You can also use shredded zucchini in place of chicken for a lighter version. If you want a vegan-friendly salad, replace the yogurt with silken tofu or avocado. Both options keep it creamy without dairy. Adding spices can change the taste of your salad. Try a hint of cayenne pepper for heat. A dash of smoked paprika gives a nice, smoky flavor. You can also add fresh herbs like dill or basil for a refreshing twist. These herbs brighten the dish and add layers of taste. You can serve your creamy avocado chicken salad in many ways. Try it on whole grain bread or as a filling in a wrap. It also works great as a dip for crackers or vegetable sticks. This makes it a fun party dish. A colorful presentation always makes it more inviting! For more details, check the Full Recipe. Store your creamy avocado chicken salad in the fridge. Keep it at 32°F to 40°F. This range keeps the salad fresh. Use an airtight container to block air and moisture. This helps maintain texture and taste. Consume within three days for the best flavor. If it changes color, that’s a sign to toss it. You can freeze creamy avocado chicken salad, but it might change texture. The avocado may turn mushy after thawing. If you choose to freeze, use a freezer-safe container. This helps avoid freezer burn. Leave some space in the container for expansion. Use within one month for the best quality. To reheat chicken salad, do it gently. Place it in the fridge overnight to thaw. Then, warm it slowly in a pan over low heat. Stir often to keep it even. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the salad watery. If you want to serve cold, just mix it well before eating. This keeps the flavor and consistency intact. Creamy avocado chicken salad lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before eating. If you notice anything unusual, it’s best to discard it. Yes, you can use canned chicken if you need to save time. It’s convenient and often ready to eat. However, canned chicken may have a different texture and taste than fresh cooked chicken. It can be saltier too, so adjust your seasoning accordingly. You can use plain yogurt or sour cream if you need a different option. For a dairy-free version, consider using mashed silken tofu or avocado. Both alternatives can add creaminess without changing the taste too much. Each option has its unique flavor, so pick what fits your diet best. Yes, creamy avocado chicken salad is great for meal prep. Make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just remember to keep the salad in a sealed container. To keep it fresh, add the avocado dressing just before serving. This helps avoid browning and keeps the salad tasty. For the full recipe, check out the details above. This blog post covers how to make a creamy avocado chicken salad using fresh ingredients. You learned about key ingredients and how to prepare them effectively. The salad is easy to customize and fun to serve. Keeping leftovers and exploring variations can help you enjoy this dish longer. Feel free to experiment with flavors and presentations. Enjoy making this healthy salad your own!

Creamy Avocado Chicken Salad

Create a delicious and healthy meal with this creamy avocado chicken salad! Packed with shredded chicken, ripe avocado, and fresh ingredients, this recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a tasty dish that can be served in lettuce wraps or whole grain wraps for added texture.
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

1 ripe avocado, halved and pitted

1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 cup celery, finely chopped

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup cilantro, freshly chopped (or parsley)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Lettuce leaves or whole grain wraps for serving

Instructions
 

Start by preparing the avocado: in a medium mixing bowl, scoop out the creamy flesh of the avocado using a spoon and mash it thoroughly with a fork until you achieve a smooth consistency.

    To the mashed avocado, add the plain Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Stir the mixture well until all ingredients are blended together, creating a creamy dressing.

      In a larger mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, finely chopped celery, red onion, and chopped cilantro (or parsley) to add freshness and flavor.

        Carefully pour the creamy avocado mixture over the chicken and vegetable combination in the large bowl.

          Season the mixture with garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and freshly cracked pepper, then gently fold all ingredients together using a spatula until evenly combined.

            For serving, spoon the creamy avocado chicken salad into individual lettuce leaves as a refreshing low-carb option, or use it as a filling for whole grain wraps for a hearty meal.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Arrange the lettuce leaves on a platter and fill each leaf with the chicken salad mixture. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro or parsley and lemon wedges for a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy!