Creamy, fresh, and loaded with flavor, this Chicken Salad Stuffed Avocado is a light and satisfying dish that comes together in minutes. It’s the perfect blend of juicy shredded chicken, crisp veggies, and a tangy dressing, all tucked into buttery ripe avocados. Whether you’re trying to eat a bit lighter or just need something fast and delicious, this recipe checks all the boxes. Great for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in Minutes: No need to turn on the oven—this is quick assembly with big flavor payoff. Perfect for those days when time is short and hunger is high.
- Wholesome and Low Carb: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and veggies, it’s a nutritious option that doesn’t skimp on taste.
- Customizable: Easily make it your own—swap the chicken, add some crunch, or spice it up.
- Elegant but Easy: It looks fancy enough for guests, but is easy enough for a lazy Tuesday dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create this satisfying stuffed avocado dish:
- Avocados: Choose ripe but firm avocados—they’re your “bowls,” so you want them to hold their shape.
- Cooked Chicken: Shredded or chopped; rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver here.
- Greek Yogurt or Mayo: Either works as a creamy binder—Greek yogurt keeps it lighter, mayo makes it richer.
- Celery: Adds crunch and freshness. Don’t skip it—it gives the salad that classic texture.
- Red Onion: A little goes a long way for zing and color. Soak in water first if you want it milder.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth that brings the whole dressing together.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens everything up and helps prevent the avocado from browning.
- Salt and Pepper: Just enough to bring out the flavors without overwhelming them.
- Fresh Herbs (like parsley or dill): Totally optional but a great way to freshen up the whole dish.
Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few fun twists:
- Spicy Chicken Salad: Add a dash of hot sauce, diced jalapeño, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat.
- Tropical Twist: Toss in some diced pineapple or mango for sweet contrast.
- Add Bacon: Crumbled crispy bacon adds smoky crunch and pairs beautifully with the creamy avocado.
- Make it Egg-Free: Use mashed avocado or hummus instead of mayo or yogurt for binding.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with chickpeas or chopped hard-boiled eggs.
How to Make Chicken Salad Stuffed Avocado
Step 1: Make the Chicken Salad
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Greek yogurt or mayo, diced celery, red onion, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 2: Prep the Avocados
Cut the avocados in half and remove the pits. If needed, scoop out a bit of the flesh to make more room for the filling (and snack on that later!).
Step 3: Stuff the Avocados
Spoon a generous amount of the chicken salad into each avocado half. Pack it in slightly so it holds.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use cold chicken: Chilled shredded chicken holds together better and creates a more refreshing bite.
- Ripeness matters: Use avocados that yield slightly to pressure but aren’t mushy.
- Add texture: Nuts like chopped pecans or sliced almonds are great if you want more crunch.
- Make extra salad: The chicken salad stores well and can be used in wraps, sandwiches, or lettuce cups later.
How to Serve
These stuffed avocados make a beautiful plate on their own, but here are a few ways to round them out:
###Light Side Dishes:
Pair with a fresh green salad, a simple cucumber-tomato mix, or a cold quinoa salad.
###Bread Pairing:
Serve alongside toasted pita, whole grain crackers, or a slice of crusty sourdough for a heartier option.
###Meal Prep Idea:
Pack the chicken salad separately and stuff the avocado right before eating to keep it fresh.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The chicken salad will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving to refresh the texture.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for avocado or mayo-based salads, as the texture can break down.
Reheating
No reheating needed—this is a chilled dish! Just remove from the fridge and serve.
FAQs
Can I make the chicken salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken salad up to 2–3 days in advance. Just store it in the fridge and stuff the avocados when you’re ready to eat.
What kind of chicken works best?
Rotisserie chicken is the easiest and most flavorful option, but grilled, baked, or even leftover roast chicken works great too.
How do I keep the avocados from browning?
Brush the cut side with lemon juice, and only cut them right before serving to keep them fresh and green.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Just swap out the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free version or use mashed avocado or hummus as your creamy base.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Salad Stuffed Avocados are the kind of recipe that makes healthy eating feel exciting and indulgent. They’re fast, fuss-free, and bursting with creamy, crunchy, tangy goodness. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or something to wow your guests, this dish delivers. Give it a try—you might just fall in love with how easy and delicious it is!
PrintChicken Salad Stuffed Avocado Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A light, nutritious and flavorful dish featuring creamy avocados filled with a savory chicken salad, perfect for a quick lunch or appetizer.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, parsley, and lemon juice until well combined.
- Season the chicken salad with salt and pepper to taste.
- Scoop out a bit of the avocado flesh to create a larger cavity, and optionally mix it into the chicken salad.
- Spoon the chicken salad evenly into each avocado half.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- To prevent browning, brush avocado halves with lemon juice.
- Can be served chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 avocado half
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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