Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned chicken works great in a pinch. Just drain it well and break it up with a fork before adding to the salad. It's a fantastic pantry-staple option when you don't have time to cook chicken.

How can I prevent the avocados from turning brown?

The lime juice in the dressing helps slow browning, but for maximum freshness, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad before refrigerating. For meal prep, consider adding the avocado just before serving rather than mixing it in advance.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes! This salad is perfect for keto diets as it's high in healthy fats and protein while being low in carbs. You can reduce the carbs even further by omitting the corn or using less of it.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Certainly! Replace the chicken and bacon with chickpeas or black beans for protein. Crumbled feta or queso fresco makes a nice addition to a vegetarian version too, adding both flavor and protein.

Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe

Name: Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 1/2 ounces cooked chicken breast, chopped; 2 large ripe avocados, chopped; 1/2 cup corn; 2 ounces cooked bacon, finely chopped; 2 scallions, sliced; 3 tablespoons lime juice; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons fresh dill, chopped; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

This Avocado Chicken Salad is a refreshing, protein-packed meal that combines creamy avocados with tender chicken breast, sweet corn, and savory bacon for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s ideal for lunch, dinner, or meal prep during busy weekdays, and requires no cooking if you use pre-cooked chicken!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick: From start to finish in just 10 minutes! This is truly a no-fuss meal that won’t keep you in the kitchen when you’d rather be doing something else.
Versatile: Works beautifully as a main dish, side salad, sandwich filling, or even a dip with crackers. It’s perfect for meal prep, picnics, and potlucks.
Nutritionally Balanced: Packed with protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the avocado, and a touch of sweetness from the corn. It’s satisfying without weighing you down.
No Cooking Required: If you use leftover or rotisserie chicken, this is completely no-cook! Perfect for hot summer days or when you simply don’t feel like turning on the stove.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken breast: The star protein that makes this salad filling and substantial. Pre-cooked chicken saves time, but you can cook it however you prefer.
Avocados: Provides incredible creaminess and healthy fats that eliminate the need for mayo. Choose ripe avocados that yield slightly to pressure.
Corn: Adds a delightful sweetness and crunch that balances the rich avocado. Fresh, frozen (thawed), or canned all work well.
Bacon: Brings a smoky, savory flavor that transforms this salad into something truly special. Pre-cook and chop it finely for the best texture distribution.
Scallions: Offers a mild onion flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients. The green parts add nice color too.
Fresh dill: Contributes a bright, herbaceous note that pairs wonderfully with the avocado and chicken.
Lime juice: Essential for both flavor and preventing the avocados from browning too quickly. The acidity also balances the richness.
Olive oil: Creates a silky dressing that coats all ingredients beautifully.
Salt and pepper: Enhances all the flavors and brings everything together.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Swaps

Try using leftover turkey, rotisserie chicken, canned tuna, or even grilled shrimp instead of chicken breast.

Veggie Additions

Toss in diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, or radishes for extra crunch and color. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can replace or complement the dill.

Creamy Version

If you’re craving more creaminess, fold in some Greek yogurt or sour cream. A tablespoon of mayo can also add richness without overpowering the avocado.

Spicy Kick

Add a diced jalapeño, a dash of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat.

How to Make Avocado Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Chop the chicken breast, avocados, bacon, and scallions into bite-sized pieces. Make sure everything is roughly the same size for the perfect bite.

Step 2: Combine Main Ingredients

In a large salad bowl, add the chopped chicken, avocados, corn kernels, bacon bits, and sliced scallions.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small separate bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh dill until well combined.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the avocado pieces too much – you want them to maintain some texture.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Avocado Selection: Choose avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure – they should be ripe but not mushy. If they’re too firm, they won’t have enough flavor.
Bacon Cooking: For the crispiest bacon, bake it in the oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes. It’s less messy than stovetop cooking and gives consistent results.
Meal Prep Tip: If making ahead, save half the avocado and add it fresh just before serving to prevent browning. The lime juice helps, but nothing beats freshly cut avocado.
Temperature Matters: Serve this salad slightly chilled but not ice cold – the flavors are more pronounced at room temperature or just slightly cooled.

How to Serve

As a Main Dish

Serve on a bed of mixed greens or in a lettuce cup for a low-carb meal. Add a slice of crusty bread on the side if desired.

As a Sandwich

Pile this salad between two slices of toasted bread for a fantastic sandwich. Add some lettuce and tomato for extra freshness.

As an Appetizer

Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or cucumber slices for a party-pleasing dip that’s sure to impress guests.

Perfect Pairings

This salad pairs beautifully with a light soup like gazpacho in summer or a warm tomato soup in cooler months. It also complements fruit salads and simple slaws.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover salad in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface of the salad (this helps prevent the avocado from browning). It will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, though the avocado may darken slightly.

Make Ahead Strategy

Prepare all components separately and combine just before serving. Cook and chop the chicken and bacon, slice the scallions, and mix the dressing up to 2 days ahead. Cut the avocados and assemble everything when you’re ready to eat.

Freshening Leftovers

If your leftover salad looks a bit dull, a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of salt can bring it back to life. Adding a fresh diced avocado to leftover salad also works wonders.

FAQs

Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned chicken works great in a pinch. Just drain it well and break it up with a fork before adding to the salad. It’s a fantastic pantry-staple option when you don’t have time to cook chicken.
How can I prevent the avocados from turning brown?

The lime juice in the dressing helps slow browning, but for maximum freshness, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad before refrigerating. For meal prep, consider adding the avocado just before serving rather than mixing it in advance.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes! This salad is perfect for keto diets as it’s high in healthy fats and protein while being low in carbs. You can reduce the carbs even further by omitting the corn or using less of it.
Can I make this vegetarian?

Certainly! Replace the chicken and bacon with chickpeas or black beans for protein. Crumbled feta or queso fresco makes a nice addition to a vegetarian version too, adding both flavor and protein.

Final Thoughts

This Avocado Chicken Salad hits all the right notes – creamy, crunchy, savory, and fresh. When time is short but you still want something delicious and nourishing, this 10-minute wonder is the answer. The combination of protein-rich chicken, creamy avocado, and the smoky crunch of bacon creates a satisfying meal that feels special despite its simplicity. Make it once, and I guarantee it will become a regular in your meal rotation!