Chicken Salad Stuffed Avocado: The Ultimate Healthy Recipe

Chicken Salad Stuffed Avocado: Prepare to experience a flavor explosion that’s both healthy and incredibly satisfying! I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you, a delightful twist on a classic favorite that’s perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or even a sophisticated appetizer. Forget the bread and embrace the creamy goodness of avocado, perfectly complementing the savory and refreshing chicken salad.

Avocados, native to Mexico and Central America, have been enjoyed for centuries, revered for their rich flavor and nutritional benefits. While chicken salad’s origins are a bit more modern, evolving from simple boiled chicken with mayonnaise, the combination of these two ingredients is a match made in culinary heaven. The cool, creamy avocado provides a beautiful contrast to the savory chicken salad, creating a textural and flavor symphony that will tantalize your taste buds.

People adore this dish for so many reasons! It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal cooking and preparation time. Plus, it’s packed with protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence. The combination of creamy avocado, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables creates a delightful texture that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a quick and healthy lunch or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this Chicken Salad Stuffed Avocado recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So, let’s dive in and discover how to create this delicious and nutritious masterpiece!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken Salad:
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup celery, finely diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup grapes, halved or quartered (optional, but adds a nice sweetness!)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• Pinch of paprika (for color and a hint of flavor)
• For the Stuffed Avocados:
• 4 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
• Lemon juice (to prevent browning)
• Optional garnishes: chopped chives, extra paprika, a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning

Preparing the Chicken Salad:

Okay, let’s get started with the heart of this recipe – the chicken salad! This is where you can really customize things to your liking, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients.

1. Prepare the Chicken: If you’re starting with whole cooked chicken, shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. I often use leftover rotisserie chicken because it’s super convenient and flavorful. You can also poach chicken breasts or thighs for a leaner option. Just make sure the chicken is completely cooled before you start mixing the salad.

2. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, add the shredded or diced chicken, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, grapes (if using), parsley, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and paprika.

   A note about mayonnaise: I prefer using a good quality mayonnaise for the best flavor. You can also use Greek yogurt or a combination of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for a lighter version. If you’re using Greek yogurt, start with a smaller amount and add more until you reach your desired consistency.

3. Mix Well: Gently mix all the ingredients together until everything is evenly combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the chicken salad mushy. You want to maintain some texture.

4. Taste and Adjust: This is the most important step! Taste the chicken salad and adjust the seasonings as needed. Does it need more salt? A little more lemon juice for brightness? Maybe a pinch more pepper for a bit of a kick? Don’t be afraid to add a little bit at a time until it tastes perfect to you.

5. Chill (Optional but Recommended): For the best flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes before stuffing the avocados. This allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken salad to chill properly. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step.

Preparing the Avocados:

Now, let’s get those avocados ready to be stuffed! Choosing the right avocados is key to this recipe. You want them to be ripe but not too soft.

1. Choose Ripe Avocados: Gently squeeze the avocados. They should yield slightly to pressure but not feel mushy. If they’re rock hard, they’re not ripe enough. If they’re very soft, they’re probably overripe. Look for avocados with a dark green to black skin color.

2. Halve and Pit: Carefully cut the avocados in half lengthwise, going around the pit. Twist the two halves to separate them. To remove the pit, gently tap a sharp knife into the pit and twist. The pit should come out easily. Be careful not to cut yourself!

3. Prevent Browning: Avocados tend to brown quickly once they’re cut. To prevent this, brush the cut surfaces of the avocados with lemon juice. This will help keep them looking fresh and green.

4. Slightly Scoop (Optional): If you want to create a larger well for the chicken salad, you can gently scoop out a small amount of the avocado flesh. Be careful not to scoop out too much, or the avocado halves will become too thin and won’t hold the chicken salad as well. You can save the scooped-out avocado flesh for another use, such as guacamole or smoothies.

Assembling the Chicken Salad Stuffed Avocados:

This is the fun part – putting everything together! Get ready to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal.

1. Fill the Avocados: Spoon the chicken salad into the hollows of the avocado halves. Pack it in firmly, but be careful not to overfill them. You want the chicken salad to be neatly arranged on top of the avocados.

2. Garnish (Optional): This is where you can get creative! Sprinkle the stuffed avocados with chopped chives, a pinch of paprika, or a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.

3. Serve Immediately: For the best flavor and texture, serve the chicken salad stuffed avocados immediately. If you need to prepare them ahead of time, cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate them for up to a few hours. However, keep in mind that the avocados may brown slightly over time, even with the lemon juice.

4. Enjoy!: Grab a fork and dig in! These chicken salad stuffed avocados are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a side salad, crackers, or toasted bread.

Tips and Variations:

Here are some extra tips and ideas to make this recipe your own:

• Add Some Crunch: For extra crunch, add some chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the chicken salad. You can also sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs on top of the stuffed avocados.

• Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken salad. You can also use a spicy mayonnaise.

• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or white beans for a vegetarian version. Mash the chickpeas or beans slightly to create a similar texture to the chicken.

• Add Different Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the chicken salad, such as bell peppers, carrots, or cucumbers. Just make sure to dice them finely.

• Use Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs, such as dill, tarragon, or basil. Each herb will add a unique flavor to the chicken salad.

• Serve as a Sandwich Filling: If you don’t have avocados, you can use the chicken salad as a sandwich filling. Spread it on your favorite bread or crackers.

• Make it a Salad Topping: You can also use the chicken salad as a topping for a green salad. It’s a great way to add protein and flavor to your salad.

• Meal Prep Friendly: The chicken salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just wait to stuff the avocados until you’re ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side of mixed greens for a light and refreshing lunch.
• Pair with whole-grain crackers for a satisfying snack.
• Offer as an appetizer at your next gathering.

Storage Instructions:

Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to store the chicken salad separately from the avocado halves to prevent the avocados from browning. If you have leftover stuffed avocados, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. However, keep in mind that the avocados may brown slightly over time.

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another lunch recipe; it’s a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying experience. The creamy avocado perfectly complements the tangy and savory chicken salad, creating a textural and taste sensation that will leave you wanting more. I truly believe this Chicken Salad Stuffed Avocado is a must-try for anyone looking for a healthy, delicious, and easy meal option. It’s a fantastic way to elevate your lunchtime routine and impress your friends and family with your culinary creativity.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I’ve shared my favorite version, feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your taste. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken salad. If you’re a fan of sweetness, try incorporating some chopped grapes or dried cranberries. You could even add a sprinkle of toasted almonds or pecans for extra crunch.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* For a lighter meal: Serve the stuffed avocado on a bed of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette.
* For a heartier meal: Pair it with a side of whole-wheat crackers or a slice of toasted bread.
* For a potluck or party: Prepare the chicken salad ahead of time and stuff the avocados just before serving to prevent browning. You can even arrange them artfully on a platter for a stunning presentation.
* Vegetarian option: Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or white beans for a delicious and equally satisfying vegetarian version. Mash them slightly to mimic the texture of the chicken.
* Spice it up: Add a finely chopped jalapeño to the chicken salad for a fiery kick.
* Make it Mediterranean: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese into the chicken salad for a Mediterranean twist.

I’m confident that once you try this recipe, it will become a regular in your rotation. It’s quick, easy, and packed with nutrients, making it the perfect choice for a busy weekday lunch or a light and refreshing weekend meal. The combination of healthy fats, protein, and fiber will keep you feeling full and energized for hours.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and personalize the recipe to your liking. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to create your own signature Chicken Salad Stuffed Avocado.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and give this recipe a try! I’m so excited for you to experience the deliciousness of this Chicken Salad Stuffed Avocado. And most importantly, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Please share your photos, comments, and variations in the comments section below. Let me know what you think and how you made it your own. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to see what you create!