Dinner

Healthy Mashed Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe

ByNoah Steele August 23, 2025August 23, 2025

If you’re craving a dish that’s creamy, fresh, and bursting with vibrant color, look no further than this Healthy Mashed Avocado Chicken Salad. It’s hearty enough for lunch, light enough for a snack, and packed with flavor from juicy chicken, velvety avocado, crisp veggies, and a zesty touch of dill and lemon. Whether you’re meal prepping or assembling something in a hurry, this salad brings together whole-food goodness and irresistible taste in every bite.

Healthy Mashed Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you’ll transform simple staples into a crave-worthy meal. Each addition brings something special to this Healthy Mashed Avocado Chicken Salad – from texture and color to lively pops of taste.

Cooked Chicken: Use leftover rotisserie or any cooked chicken for effortless prep, adding protein and heartiness.
Garlic Clove (minced): This tiny aromatic ingredient brings big savory notes that meld perfectly with creamy avocado.
Large Avocado: The star! Its rich, buttery texture binds everything together, making the salad lush and satisfying.
Chopped Dill: Fresh dill lifts the flavor, bringing a garden-bright fragrance that ties the salad together.
Chopped Bell Pepper: Adds crunch and a sweet, juicy contrast that makes every forkful interesting.
Chopped Carrot: Sweet, crisp carrot offers both color and refreshing bite to the mix.
Olives (pitted and chopped): A handful of olives infuse bold, briny flavor for a Mediterranean twist.
Red Onion (chopped): Red onion’s gentle sharpness punches up the flavor and adds gorgeous color.
Cherry Tomatoes: Tomatoes bring juicy, sun-ripened freshness and a pop of red in every bite.
Lemon (juice of 1/2): A squeeze of lemon brightens all the flavors and helps keep the avocado vibrantly green.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings are essential, so season to taste for perfect balance.

How to Make Healthy Mashed Avocado Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prep All Your Veggies and Chicken

Start by chopping all your veggies and shredding the cooked chicken. Slice the tomatoes, chop the carrots and bell pepper, mince the garlic, and dice the red onion, dill, and olives. Having everything prepped makes assembly a breeze and ensures that every bite of Healthy Mashed Avocado Chicken Salad gets a little of everything.

Step 2: Mash the Avocado and Garlic

Grab a large mixing bowl and add the ripe avocado and minced garlic. Using a fork or potato masher, mash them together until you reach a smooth, creamy consistency. The garlic infuses the avocado with a savory foundation that makes this salad extra zippy.

Step 3: Mix in the Chicken and Veggies

Add the shredded chicken, chopped bell pepper, carrot, olives, red onion, dill, and halved cherry tomatoes to your mashed avocado mixture. Squeeze in the juice from half a lemon, then sprinkle in a little salt and pepper. Use a large spoon or spatula to combine everything thoroughly. This step brings all the flavors and colors together in perfect harmony.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Give your Healthy Mashed Avocado Chicken Salad a taste, and adjust for seasoning as needed. Add a pinch more salt, a crack of black pepper, or an extra squeeze of lemon if you love extra zest. When it tastes just right, you’re ready to dig in!

How to Serve Healthy Mashed Avocado Chicken Salad

Garnishes

Top your salad with a sprinkle of extra fresh dill, a dusting of cracked black pepper, or a few elegant avocado slices. If you’re feeling fancy, a scatter of microgreens or toasted seeds delivers lovely crunch and even more nutrition.

Side Dishes

Pair your Healthy Mashed Avocado Chicken Salad with crisp whole grain crackers, toasted sourdough, or nestle it on top of a bed of fresh greens. It’s equally delicious scooped up with vegetable sticks or tucked into lettuce wraps for a lighter twist.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this salad in halved avocado shells for an adorable presentation, spoon it into endive leaves for a party-friendly bite, or layer it inside a wrap with extra veggies. For a fun brunch, let everyone build their own with a spread of crackers, sliced cucumbers, and toasted pitas alongside.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Healthy Mashed Avocado Chicken Salad left, transfer it to an airtight container and press a piece of plastic wrap directly against the surface before sealing with the lid. This helps minimize browning from the avocado and keeps your salad wonderfully fresh for up to two days in the fridge.

Freezing

While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, freezing isn’t recommended — avocado may change texture and become watery once thawed. For the best results, make only what you’ll eat within a day or two to enjoy its creamy and vibrant qualities.

Reheating

Healthy Mashed Avocado Chicken Salad is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. In fact, the cool creaminess is part of its refreshing appeal!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and works beautifully in Healthy Mashed Avocado Chicken Salad. Just shred it and toss it into the mix.

What can I substitute for dill if I don’t have any?

If you’re out of dill, try fresh parsley, cilantro, or even a little chopped chives for a burst of freshness that pairs well with the other ingredients.

Can I make Healthy Mashed Avocado Chicken Salad vegan?

Definitely! Swap in cooked chickpeas or white beans for the chicken to create a plant-based version that’s just as creamy and delicious.

How do I keep the avocado from browning?

Aside from mixing in fresh lemon juice, keep the salad covered tightly with plastic wrap pressed against the surface in the fridge. This reduces air exposure and helps preserve that lovely green color.

Can I double or triple this recipe for a crowd?

Yes! This recipe scales up easily, making it a perfect choice for potlucks, meal prep, or family lunches. Just chop a few extra veggies and add more avocado for a generous batch.

Final Thoughts

Give this Healthy Mashed Avocado Chicken Salad a try and experience just how satisfying and flavorful quick, wholesome dishes can be! It’s my go-to for a refreshing lunch or effortless entertaining, and I hope it becomes a new favorite in your kitchen too.