Zesty Chicken Salad Avocado Bowls

Craving a meal that’s both incredibly satisfying and exceptionally good for you? Look no further than this delightful **Stuffed Avocado Chicken Salad**. It’s the ultimate healthy lunch or light dinner, marrying the rich, creamy texture of perfectly ripe avocados with a vibrant, flavorful homemade chicken salad. Forget bland, boring meals; this recipe is packed with zesty notes of Dijon mustard and lime, a hint of sweetness from red grapes, and a satisfying crunch from candied pecans. Best of all, it comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a dream for busy weekdays.

This Stuffed Avocado Chicken Salad recipe represents the ideal culinary balance: it’s wholesome, remarkably quick to prepare, and bursts with fresh, unforgettable flavors. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of creamy, tangy, sweet, and savory elements, making it a complete and fulfilling meal. It’s not just a dish; it’s a gourmet experience designed for the health-conscious food lover who refuses to compromise on taste or time.

If your love for avocados runs deep and you’re eager to explore more innovative ways to enjoy them, be sure to check out my other fan-favorite recipes like Avocado Egg Rolls and the refreshing Avocado Mango Salad. These creations highlight the versatility of this incredible superfood and are guaranteed to add a delicious twist to your menu.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Stuffed Avocado Chicken Salad

Prepare to add this incredible dish to your regular rotation. Here’s why this Stuffed Avocado Chicken Salad stands out and will quickly become a household favorite:

• Irresistibly Delicious Homemade Chicken Salad: The star of this dish is undoubtedly the chicken salad filling. Made with tender rotisserie chicken, enveloped in a dreamy, creamy dressing, it’s a flavor explosion. The zesty kick of lime juice, the tangy warmth of Dijon mustard, and the delightful burst of sweetness from juicy red grapes create a profile that is truly addictive. You’ll find yourself craving this perfect blend of textures and tastes.
• Effortless and Quick Preparation: In today’s fast-paced world, quick meals are essential. This recipe is a lifesaver, going from pantry to plate in a mere 15 minutes! Utilizing pre-cooked rotisserie chicken drastically cuts down on prep time, making it an ideal choice for a last-minute lunch or a speedy weeknight dinner.
• A Wholesome and Complete Meal: This isn’t just a snack; it’s a robust, well-rounded meal designed to keep you energized. Packed with lean protein from chicken and healthy fats, fiber, and essential nutrients from the avocado, it offers sustained satiety. At approximately 126 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free pleasure that supports a balanced lifestyle.
• Nutrient-Rich Superfood Powerhouse: Avocados are celebrated for their incredible health benefits, including healthy monounsaturated fats, potassium, and vitamins K, C, B6, and E. Pairing this superfood with lean protein and fresh vegetables creates a dish that nourishes your body from the inside out.
• Perfect for Meal Prep and Customization: While best assembled fresh, the chicken salad can be prepared ahead of time, making your meal assembly even faster. It’s also incredibly versatile – easily adaptable to your taste preferences or whatever fresh ingredients you have on hand.

Essential Ingredients for Your Stuffed Avocado Chicken Salad

Gathering these simple, fresh ingredients is the first step to creating this culinary masterpiece. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layered flavors and appealing textures of this salad:

• Rotisserie Chicken: The foundation of our salad. Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a brilliant shortcut, ensuring a quick and tender protein base without the need for extensive cooking. You’ll need one whole chicken breast (both sides), shredded.
• Avocados: The star vessel for our chicken salad. Six whole avocados, cut in half with pits removed, will provide the perfect creamy base and healthy fat content.
• Fresh Vegetables:
  • Celery: Two stalks, petite diced, add a delightful crispness and refreshing flavor.
  • Green Onion: Four stalks, chopped, or 1/4 cup purple onion for a mild, savory bite.
• Red Grapes: One cup, cut in halves or quarters, introduces a surprising burst of sweetness and juicy texture that complements the savory chicken beautifully.
• Candied Pecans: One cup, lightly candied or plain, provides a wonderful crunchy contrast and nutty flavor.
• Dried Cranberries: Half a cup of dried cranberries adds another layer of tangy sweetness and a chewy texture.
• Parsley: 1/4 cup, finely chopped, for fresh herbaceous notes and a vibrant garnish.
• Creamy Dressing Components:
  • Plain or Greek Yogurt: 3/4 cup (such as Fage), forms the creamy base of the dressing, offering a lighter alternative to excessive mayonnaise.
  • Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup, adds richness and a classic chicken salad creaminess.
  • Honey Dijon Mustard: Two tablespoons, for a tangy, slightly sweet, and zesty depth of flavor.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice: One teaspoon, to brighten the dressing and add a fresh, acidic lift.
  • Seasonings: One teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste), and an optional 1 teaspoon of sugar if you prefer a slightly sweeter dressing.

Simple Steps to Craft Your Stuffed Avocado Chicken Salad

Creating this delicious and healthy meal is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these easy steps to assemble your stuffed avocados in no time:

• Prepare the Chicken: Start by shredding your rotisserie chicken breast. Ensure it’s in bite-sized pieces that will easily blend with the other ingredients and fit well into the avocado halves. Place the shredded chicken in a large mixing bowl.
• Chop Your Veggies and Fruit: Dice the celery into small, uniform pieces. Chop the green onion (or purple onion, if using). Halve or quarter your red grapes for even distribution of sweetness throughout the salad. Finely chop the parsley. Add all these prepared ingredients to the bowl with the shredded chicken.
• Whisk the Dressing: In a separate smaller bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients: plain or Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, fresh ground black pepper, salt, and optional sugar. Whisk thoroughly until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – perhaps a little more salt or a dash of sugar to balance the flavors to your preference.

• Combine and Mix: Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken, vegetables, grapes, pecans, and cranberries in the large mixing bowl. Gently fold all the ingredients together until everything is thoroughly coated in the creamy dressing. Make sure to scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure a cohesive mixture.
• Prepare and Stuff Avocados: Carefully cut each avocado in half lengthwise and remove the pit. Using a spoon, gently scoop the homemade chicken salad mixture into the hollows of the avocado halves. Don’t be shy; load them up generously!
• Garnish and Serve: For an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal, garnish your stuffed avocados with some freshly chopped green onion or parsley. Serve immediately and savor every delicious bite!

Expert Tips for the Best Stuffed Avocado Chicken Salad

Elevate your Stuffed Avocado Chicken Salad from great to extraordinary with these helpful notes and tips:

• Embrace Rotisserie Chicken: This is your secret weapon for speed! Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is not only convenient but also incredibly flavorful and tender, saving you valuable cooking time.
• Onion Options: Feel free to use either green onions for a milder flavor or purple (red) onion for a slightly sharper, more pungent kick that adds a beautiful color contrast.
• Pecan Perfection: If candied pecans aren’t readily available, regular toasted pecans work just as wonderfully, providing a fantastic nutty crunch. You can lightly toast them yourself in a dry pan for a few minutes to enhance their flavor.
• Sweetness Balance: The optional teaspoon of sugar in the dressing is there to balance the tanginess of the Dijon mustard and lime. Adjust according to your preference for a sweeter or tarter profile.
• Freshness is Key for Lemon: Always opt for fresh lemon juice over bottled. The difference in brightness and aroma is significant and truly elevates the dressing.
• Yogurt Choice: Both plain yogurt and Greek yogurt work well in this recipe. Greek yogurt will yield a slightly thicker, tangier dressing, while plain yogurt will be a bit lighter. Use what you prefer or have on hand.
• Season Your Avocados: This is a crucial step often overlooked! A sprinkle of salt and pepper on the avocado flesh before stuffing prevents it from tasting bland against the flavorful chicken salad. For an extra layer of flavor, a tiny dusting of paprika can be a delightful addition.
• Preventing Avocado Browning: Avocados notoriously brown quickly once cut. For the best presentation, aim to cut and stuff your avocados just before serving.
• Temporary Browning Solution: To slightly delay the browning process, you can lightly rub the cut surfaces of the avocado halves with a thin layer of lemon juice. While it helps, it’s not a long-term solution, so prompt serving is still recommended.
• Steady Serving: To prevent your beautiful stuffed avocados from rolling over on the plate, make a very thin, small slice on the rounded bottom of each avocado half. This creates a stable flat base.
• Creative Garnishes: Beyond the suggested chopped onion and parsley, consider a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle heat, or even a few thin cucumber slices for extra crunch.
• No Waste Guacamole: If you find yourself with any leftover avocado halves that didn’t get stuffed (or if you simply love guacamole), mash them up with a little lime juice, salt, and chopped cilantro for a quick and delicious dip!

Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffed Avocado Chicken Salad

How do I select the perfect ripe avocado?

Choosing a ripe avocado is key to enjoying this dish. The best way to tell if an avocado is ripe and ready to eat is by gently pressing it. If it yields slightly to firm, gentle pressure, it’s perfect. While many ripe avocados have a darker color, their color can vary by type, so relying on feel is more reliable than color alone. A ripe avocado should feel lightly soft but not “squishy” or overly soft, which can indicate it’s overripe. It should be ready to enjoy that same day.

Is it okay to eat an underripe avocado?

Technically, yes, you can eat an underripe avocado, but it’s generally not recommended for recipes like this. An unripe avocado will have a firm, somewhat rubbery texture and a much blander flavor compared to a ripened one. You won’t get that desirable creamy consistency. Unripe, firm, or green avocados typically need four to five days to ripen at room temperature. If you’re in a hurry to speed up the ripening process, you can place the avocado in a brown paper bag with a banana or apple for two to three days; the ethylene gas emitted by these fruits will help accelerate ripening.

Can I make this Stuffed Avocado Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This recipe yields 12 stuffed avocado halves, making it great for entertaining or meal prepping. While it’s always best to cut and stuff the avocados just before serving to prevent browning and maintain optimal freshness, you can certainly prepare the chicken salad filling ahead of time. Simply mix all the chicken salad ingredients, cover the bowl tightly, or transfer it to an airtight container. The chicken salad will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. When you’re ready to serve, just slice your avocados and spoon in the pre-made salad for a quick assembly.

Delicious Variations to Customize Your Stuffed Avocado Chicken Salad

While the classic recipe is fantastic, don’t hesitate to get creative with your Stuffed Avocado Chicken Salad. Here are a few ideas to inspire your culinary adventures:

• Mediterranean Twist: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, a sprinkle of feta cheese, and fresh oregano to the chicken salad. Swap out some of the yogurt for a touch of olive oil and red wine vinegar in the dressing.
• Spicy Southwest Flair: Incorporate diced jalapeños, corn, black beans, and cilantro into the chicken salad. A dash of hot sauce or chili powder in the dressing will add a delightful kick.
• Herb Garden Fresh: Boost the herb content with fresh dill, chives, and tarragon. A squeeze of fresh lemon and a touch of extra virgin olive oil can enhance these delicate flavors.
• Crunch Factor Elevated: For extra texture, consider adding finely diced red bell peppers, cucumber, or even some shredded carrots to the chicken salad. Toasted almonds or walnuts can replace or supplement the pecans.
• Protein Swap: While chicken is traditional, this salad would also be excellent with flaked canned tuna, cooked shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

Serving Your Stuffed Avocado Chicken Salad

Beyond serving them simply on a plate, here are some ideas to present your stuffed avocados:

• Elegant Platter: Arrange the stuffed avocado halves on a bed of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette for a sophisticated touch.
• Light Appetizer: For smaller portions, scoop the chicken salad onto avocado slices or serve with gluten-free crackers and cucumber rounds.
• Lunch Box Hero: Pack the chicken salad and avocado halves separately, then assemble just before eating to maintain freshness.
• Lettuce Wraps: If you’re looking for an alternative to the avocado “bowl,” serve the chicken salad in crisp lettuce cups.

More Irresistible Chicken Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you’re a fan of flavorful and versatile chicken dishes, explore these other delicious recipes that are sure to impress:

• Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe
• Creamy Alfredo Chicken Pasta
• Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta
• Creamy Sundried Tomato Chicken Thighs

I genuinely hope you enjoy creating and savoring this incredible Stuffed Avocado Chicken Salad recipe, along with all the other culinary delights I share. Your feedback is invaluable, so please, give it a try, rate it, and share your delicious creations with friends and family!

If you prepare this recipe and love it as much as I do, please share it with me on INSTAGRAM using my hashtag for a chance to be featured in my story! Also, make sure to follow Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST for all my latest social updates and tempting new recipes.

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Stuffed Avocado Chicken Salad

By: Mariam Ezzeddine

Stuffed Avocado Chicken Salad – creamy homemade chicken salad loaded into avocados, so delicious!

Average Rating: 5 out of 5 stars from 1 vote

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

• 1 whole rotisserie chicken breast (both sides), shredded
• 6 whole avocados, cut in half, pit removed
• 2 stalks celery, petite diced
• 4 stalks green onion, chopped (or 1/4 cup purple onion)
• 1 cup red grape, cut in halves or quarters
• 1 cup lightly candied pecans (or normal pecans)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped

Dressings

• 3/4 cup plain yogurt (or Greek yogurt, Use Fage)
• 1/4 cup mayo
• 2 tbsps. honey Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp fresh ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp. sugar, optional (if you like it a little sweet)

Instructions

1. Shred the chicken and place in a large mixing bowl.
2. Chop and dice the veggies, grapes, and pecans. Add them to the chicken bowl along with dried cranberries and parsley.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the dressing ingredients: yogurt, mayo, honey Dijon mustard, lemon juice, black pepper, salt, and optional sugar. Whisk until smooth.
4. Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken mixture in the bowl and mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
5. Cut each avocado in half, remove the pit, and gently scoop the homemade chicken salad into the hollows of the avocado halves.
6. Garnish with some freshly chopped onion or parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• Use rotisserie chicken to make this recipe super quick!
• You can use green or purple onion for varied flavor and color.
• If you can’t get hold of candied pecans, normal pecans work perfectly and add a great crunch.
• To balance the zest and mustard, you can add a touch of sugar to the dressing if you prefer a sweeter profile.
• Ideally, always use fresh lemon juice for the best and brightest flavor.
• Either plain yogurt or Greek yogurt can be used in the dressing. Greek yogurt will make it thicker.
• Make sure to season the avocado flesh itself with a touch of salt and pepper before stuffing; this prevents the avocado from tasting bland. A sprinkle of paprika can also add depth.
• For optimal freshness and to avoid browning, ideally cut and stuff your avocado just before serving.
• To slightly prolong the browning process of the avocado, you can rub a little lemon juice on the cut surfaces, but this effect is temporary.
• Make a very thin slice on the rounded bottom of the avocado half to help it stand steadily on the plate without rolling over.
• Garnish with fresh chopped onion or parsley for a final flourish.
• If you have any leftover avocado, don’t let it go to waste – turn it into a quick and delicious guacamole!

Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate)

• Calories: 126 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 4mg
• Sodium: 141mg
• Potassium: 83mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 11g
• Vitamin A: 199 IU
• Vitamin C: 3mg
• Calcium: 34mg
• Iron: 1mg

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