Chicken Salad Stuffed Avocado
Chicken salad stuffed avocados are a delightful, nutrition-packed meal that has become increasingly popular in recent years. This simple yet sophisticated dish combines the cool, creamy texture of classic chicken salad with the rich, buttery flesh of fresh avocado for a flavor and texture contrast that is simply irresistible.
Whether you’re looking for a satisfying lunch, a light dinner, or a refreshing appetizer, these chicken salad stuffed avocados deliver on all fronts. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is a weeknight-friendly option that can be easily customized to suit your tastes.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What’s not to love about this chicken salad stuffed avocado recipe? The combination of creamy, protein-rich chicken salad and nutrient-dense avocado creates a dish that is both delicious and nutritious. The cool, refreshing flavors of the avocado provide the perfect contrast to the savory chicken salad, making this a truly crave-worthy meal.
Beyond the flavor and texture, this recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to suit your dietary needs, whether you’re looking for a low-carb, dairy-free, or high-protein option. Plus, the make-ahead potential means you can prep these stuffed avocados in advance, making them an ideal choice for busy weekdays or weekend entertaining.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Chicken Salad Stuffed Avocado ❓
• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup diced celery
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
The beauty of this chicken salad stuffed avocado is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of shredded chicken, creamy yogurt and mayonnaise, and fresh herbs and vegetables creates the delicious, [cuisine type]-inspired flavor profile that has made chicken salad recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Chicken Salad Stuffed Avocado Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Season the chicken salad with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 3: Carefully scoop the chicken salad into the avocado halves, dividing it evenly among the 8 halves.
• Step 4: Serve the stuffed avocado halves immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 0 minutes
• Total time: 15 minutes
Compared to traditional chicken salad sandwiches which can take up to 30 minutes to prepare, this chicken salad stuffed avocado recipe saves you 50% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 8 servings):
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 191mg
These chicken salad stuffed avocados provide approximately 30% of your daily protein requirements and 20% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Omit the lemon juice or use a small amount of apple cider vinegar instead to further reduce the carbohydrates.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative like unsweetened coconut or almond milk yogurt.
• Added protein: Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of chopped hard-boiled eggs or diced cooked bacon for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Mix in finely chopped spinach, bell peppers, or diced cucumber for added nutrition and crunch.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 15% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the chicken salad stuffed avocado.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a simple tomato soup or creamy vegetable bisque for a complete meal.
• Complement the chicken salad stuffed avocados with a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade.
• For a brunch menu, serve alongside sliced fresh fruit and mini muffins or croissants.
• Create an appetizer platter with the stuffed avocado halves, crackers, and a selection of crudités.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Dry chicken salad: If the chicken salad is too dry, it can be difficult to scoop and distribute evenly into the avocado halves. Make sure to add enough yogurt and mayonnaise to achieve a creamy, spreadable consistency.
• Skimping on seasoning: Failing to season the chicken salad with salt and pepper can result in a bland filling that doesn’t complement the richness of the avocado.
• Overstuffing the avocado: Piling too much chicken salad into the avocado halves can make them difficult to eat and cause the filling to spill out. Aim for a neat, compact layer of salad in each half.
• Forgetting to chill: Serving the stuffed avocados at room temperature can result in a mushy, unappetizing texture. Always refrigerate the filled avocado halves until ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These chicken salad stuffed avocados retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the chicken salad and scoop it into the avocado halves, then freeze the stuffed avocados on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or resealable bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Freezing baked: Allow the stuffed avocados to cool completely, then wrap each half individually in plastic wrap or foil. Place the wrapped halves in a resealable bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes before serving.
• Reheating: If the stuffed avocados have been refrigerated or frozen, you can gently reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until heated through. This will help to restore the creamy, cohesive texture of the chicken salad filling.
❓ FAQs
Can I prepare the chicken salad stuffed avocados in advance?
Absolutely! The chicken salad can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply scoop the salad into the avocado halves. The assembled stuffed avocados can also be refrigerated for up to 3 days before serving.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes, you can easily substitute the cooked chicken with other proteins like canned tuna, cooked shrimp, or even plant-based options like chickpeas or diced tofu. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning and adjust the quantity as needed to maintain the right texture and flavor balance.
Are these stuffed avocados suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?
Yes, these chicken salad stuffed avocados are an excellent choice for low-carb and keto diets. By using Greek yogurt instead of regular mayonnaise and omitting the lemon juice, you can further reduce the carbohydrate content to make it even more keto-friendly.
What should I do if the chicken salad is too dry?
If the chicken salad filling ends up being too dry, simply add a bit more yogurt or mayonnaise, a teaspoon at a time, until you achieve the desired creamy consistency. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the salad gummy.
Can I add any other mix-ins to the chicken salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the chicken salad with additional ingredients like diced apples, grapes, toasted nuts, dried cranberries, or even a sprinkle of curry powder or smoked paprika. Just be mindful of the overall flavor balance and texture when adding new components.
Conclusion
These chicken salad stuffed avocados represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a light lunch, a refreshing appetizer, or a component of a larger brunch or dinner spread, they’re sure to impress with their creamy, savory filling and cool, buttery avocado exterior. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these chicken salad stuffed avocados demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly. So go ahead and give this delightful dish a try – your taste buds (and your waistline) are sure to thank you!