Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken, bacon, and dressing in advance, but wait to chop and add the avocado until just before serving to keep it fresh and green.

What type of chicken works best?

Any cooked chicken will do—grilled, rotisserie, or even leftover roasted chicken. Just make sure it’s well-seasoned for the tastiest results.

How do I keep the avocado from browning?

The lemon juice in the dressing helps a ton. If you want added insurance, press plastic wrap directly onto the salad’s surface before refrigerating.

Can I use turkey bacon or vegetarian alternatives?

Absolutely! Turkey bacon, tempeh bacon, or even smoked almonds can add that crave-worthy crunch if you’re avoiding pork.

Fresh Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe

Description

This fresh avocado chicken salad is a vibrant, protein-packed dish loaded with grilled chicken, creamy avocado, crisp corn, smoky bacon, and aromatic herbs, all tossed in a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect for a quick meal or an impressive appetizer, this salad is served in avocado shells for an eye-catching and nutritious presentation.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

2 cups chopped grilled chicken
2 large ripe avocados
1 cup corn kernels
1/2 cup green onion, chopped
1 cup bacon crumbles

Fresh Herbs

1 tbsp fresh chopped dill
2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley

Dressing

2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp ground mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Prep the vegetables by finely chopping the green onion, fresh dill, and parsley. Dice the grilled chicken into bite-sized pieces. Cook and crumble the bacon if not already done. Set aside corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen).
Prepare Avocados: Cut each avocado in half lengthwise. Remove the pits and use a spoon to scoop out the flesh, leaving the shells intact for serving. Dice the avocado flesh and set aside the empty shells.
Combine Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped chicken, diced avocado, corn kernels, chopped green onion, bacon crumbles, fresh dill, and parsley. Gently toss to distribute ingredients evenly.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, ground mustard, and salt and pepper to taste until the mixture is well combined.
Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Toss gently to fully coat all ingredients with the dressing, ensuring the avocado pieces remain as intact as possible.
Serve: Using a spoon, fill each reserved avocado shell with the chicken salad mixture. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and best texture.

Notes

Serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor.
If making ahead, add avocado just before serving to avoid browning.
Fresh grilled chicken offers the best taste, but rotisserie chicken can be used for convenience.
Customize with your favorite herbs or mix in diced tomatoes for added freshness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 filled avocado shell (1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 420
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 760mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 70mg