Avocado Chicken Salad is a high-protein, low-carb meal that’s quick to make and naturally creamy without mayo. Packed with fresh ingredients, it’s a healthy option for lunch or meal prep that comes together in minutes.
For more high protein meals, try our Viral TikTok Cottage Cheese Wrap, Protein Packed Acai Bowl, and these easy High Protein Waffles next!
This avocado chicken salad is a protein-packed, flavorful twist on the classic recipe. With 35 grams of protein in one serving, this recipe helps keep you full longer and stabilizes your energy levels throughout the day.
Aside from the health benefits, I love how easy it is to throw together in just 15 minutes. Instead of weighing it down with mayo, I use mashed avocados for a creamy texture that also adds a healthier fat.
The cottage cheese gives it an extra boost of protein, while crunchy almonds and a hint of lime keep every bite fresh and balanced. It’s a light meal that feels satisfying but still totally guilt-free. Whether I’m piling it onto toast or scooping it into lettuce wraps, this one always hits the spot!
Why You’ll Love this Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken breast: A lean source of protein that keeps the salad filling and satisfying while being low in fat and carbs. It also supports muscle growth and helps keep you full longer. Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Avocado: Replaces mayo with a creamy texture while providing heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and essential nutrients like potassium. It adds richness without unnecessary processed ingredients.
- Cottage cheese: A high-protein addition that enhances creaminess without excess fat. It contributes to muscle recovery and keeps the salad light.
- Red onion: Adds a sharp, slightly sweet crunch and contains antioxidants that support immune health.
- Celery: Brings a refreshing crunch and is packed with fiber, which aids digestion.
- Cilantro: Adds fresh, bright flavor while offering vitamins A and K, which support immune function and bone health.
- Hemp seeds: A nutritional powerhouse, rich in plant-based protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber, helping to keep the salad balanced and nourishing.
- Almonds: Provide crunch and a dose of healthy fats, vitamin E, and magnesium, supporting heart health and stable energy levels.
- Dried cranberries (optional): A touch of natural sweetness to balance flavors while offering antioxidants.
- Lime juice: Enhances freshness, adds a slight tang, and helps preserve the avocado’s color while providing immune-boosting vitamin C.
- Jalapeño (optional): A spicy kick that boosts metabolism and adds a layer of flavor without extra calories.
- Crushed red pepper (optional): Adds a mild heat.
- Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to balance flavors and enhance the natural taste of the ingredients.
How To Make Avocado Chicken Salad
Avocado in chicken salad adds a creamy texture and a boost of healthy fats, making this recipe both satisfying and nutritious. Here’s how we make it.
Prep Ingredients: Start by shredding or dicing the cooked chicken. Dice the avocados and chop the red onion, celery, and herbs. You can blend the cottage cheese for a creamier texture to your chicken salad or leave as is.
Mix: In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients. Mash the avocado into the mixture.
Season: Squeeze in the lime juice and season with salt and pepper. Combine: Gently stir everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve: Enjoy immediately on gluten-free toast, in lettuce wraps, or over a bed of greens.
Tips
- Keep the avocado fresh: To prevent browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad before storing it in the fridge. A little extra lime juice can also help slow oxidation.
- Make it extra creamy: Blending the cottage cheese before mixing gives the salad a smoother, more uniform texture while still keeping it high in protein. Avocado in chicken salad naturally adds creaminess without the need for mayo, making it a healthier alternative.
- Add more crunch: If you love texture, toss in extra almonds, sunflower seeds, or even chopped cucumbers for an extra bite.
- Spice it up: A chopped jalapeño or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper adds a subtle kick, or try a dash of hot sauce for even more heat.
- Prep ahead: This salad stores well for up to three days in an airtight container, making it a great option for meal prep. Just wait to add the avocado until right before serving for the freshest taste.
What to Serve with Avocado Chicken Salad
- Sandwiches & wraps: Serve it between slices of whole-grain bread, in a wrap, or stuffed into a pita for a satisfying meal.
- Vegetable sides: Pair it with a side of roasted or raw veggies for extra crunch and nutrients.
- Dip: Scoop it up with tortilla chips or whole-grain crackers for a snackable option.
- Lettuce wraps, Seaweed Wrap, or greens: Enjoy it on toast, in lettuce wraps, or straight from the bowl.
- Low-carb options: Try it with seaweed wraps or on top of greens for a fresh, low-carb meal.
Storing
Keep leftover avocado chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To prevent the avocado from browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing the container.
Common Questions
Can you freeze avocado chicken salad?
I don’t recommend freezing avocado chicken salad. The avocado and cottage cheese will change in texture, becoming watery and mushy once thawed, which affects the overall quality of the salad.
How many calories are in avocado chicken salad?
Each serving of this recipe contains 337 calories.
How do I keep the avocado from turning brown?
Lime juice helps slow down oxidation, keeping the avocado fresher for longer. For extra protection, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad before storing it in the fridge.
Can I use canned chicken instead of fresh chicken?
Yes, you can use canned chicken for convenience, but fresh or rotisserie chicken will give the salad a better texture and flavor. If using canned chicken, drain it well and shred it before mixing with the other ingredients.
High Protein Avocado Chicken Salad (No Mayo, Low Carb)
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast
- 1/2 Red Onion diced
- 1 Bunch Cilantro chopped (1/3cup)
- 1.5 small Avocados
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup hemp seeds
- 1 Jalapenos chopped, optional
- 2 limes juiced plus more as desired
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp Red Crushed Pepper if desired
- 1/2 cup celery thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced Almonds
- 1/4 cup Dried Cranberries optional
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Start by shredding or dicing the cooked chicken. Dice the avocados and chop the red onion, celery, and herbs. You can blend the cottage cheese for a creamier texture to your chicken salad or leave as is.
- Mix: In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients. Mash the avocado into the mixture.
- Season: Squeeze in the lime juice and season with salt and pepper. Combine: Gently stir everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately on gluten-free toast, in lettuce wraps, or over a bed of greens.
Notes
Nutrition
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