Perfectly Balanced Avocado Chicken Salad

Average cooking time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4

If you're looking to incorporate more healthy and delicious meals into your routine, then this Avocado Chicken Salad is just what you need. This versatile dish can be enjoyed as a light lunch or dinner, packed in a sandwich for an easy-to-go meal during the week.

Ingredients

• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 4 ripe avocados
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 small cucumber, diced
• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

To begin, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lay the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Season them generously with salt and pepper.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked through. Remove from the oven when an internal temperature of at least 165°F is achieved, ensuring that your chicken is thoroughly safe to eat.

Allow the chicken to cool slightly before shredding it into bite-sized pieces with a fork. It’s important to let the chicken cool down as this will make the shredding process easier and help in maintaining the moisture within the meat. Once shredded, set aside.

In the meantime, prepare all of your chopped vegetables such as the avocado, red onion, and cucumber by dicing them finely for an appealing texture when combined with the salad ingredients.

Assembly

Mix together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, and oregano in a bowl until well blended. This dressing will add the perfect tanginess to your salad, complementing the creamy avocado and providing a refreshing flavor balance for this dish. Taste it, adding more salt or pepper as needed.

Once all ingredients are prepared, gently combine the shredded chicken with the diced vegetables (avocado, red onion, and cucumber). Then fold in the yogurt dressing until everything is thoroughly mixed together. Be careful not to overmix which may cause the avocado to lose its rich color and texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Pile this salad onto slices of whole-grain bread for a delicious sandwich.
• Enjoy it as a side dish with grilled vegetables or alongside a steamed quinoa salad.
• For an added twist, you can use the chicken salad in wraps with lettuce leaves instead of traditional bread.

Health Benefits

This Avocado Chicken Salad is not only delicious but also packed full of nutrients. It provides a good source of protein from the chicken and fiber from the avocados, onions, cucumbers, and whole grains (if used). Additionally, avocados are rich in healthy fats which can help to improve heart health.

Chicken is an excellent lean meat option for those looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy body mass. The combination of protein and healthy fats ensures that you stay full longer without feeling heavy or bloated after eating.

Storage Tips

If you have any leftovers, this salad can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To keep the avocado from turning brown, it's recommended to cover it with a layer of water once mixed or wrap tightly and store it in the fridge.

Conclusion

This Avocado Chicken Salad offers more than just a simple meal; it’s an opportunity to experiment with flavors and textures. Its simplicity makes it perfect for beginners while still providing enough depth for those looking for something a bit more complex. Whether you're a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, this recipe will surely become one of your favorites.

Try different variations by adding in other ingredients like bell peppers, spinach, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese if desired. Get creative and enjoy!