Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and redefine your salad expectations! This Avocado Apple Chicken Salad is not just another recipe – it's a perfect harmony of creamy, crunchy, and savory flavors that will transform your lunch or dinner into an extraordinary dining experience. Imagine the rich, buttery texture of avocado dancing with the crisp sweetness of apple, all complemented by tender, juicy chicken and a satisfying crunch of walnuts. Get ready to fall in love with a salad that's anything but ordinary!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 apple, diced
- 1/4 cup celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by shredding it into bite-sized pieces if not already done. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked and cooled to room temperature.
- Dice the avocado into small, uniform cubes, being careful to remove the skin and pit. Place the cubed avocado in a large mixing bowl.
- Core and dice the apple into similar-sized pieces as the avocado. To prevent browning, immediately toss the apple pieces with lemon juice.
- Finely chop the celery into small, crisp pieces to add texture and freshness to the salad.
- Roughly chop the walnuts to provide a crunchy element to the salad.
- In the mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced avocado, diced apple, chopped celery, and chopped walnuts.
- Add mayonnaise to the mixture, stirring gently to coat all ingredients evenly without mashing the avocado.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled, optionally on a bed of fresh greens or with crackers on the side.
Tips
- Chicken Selection: Use freshly cooked, high-quality chicken for the best flavor. Rotisserie chicken works great as a time-saving option.
- Avocado Freshness: Choose ripe but firm avocados. To prevent browning, add the lemon juice immediately after cutting.
- Apple Variety Matters: Opt for crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that provide a nice crunch and balance of sweetness.
- Chill for Flavor: The 15-20 minute refrigeration is crucial – it allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Customization Hack: Feel free to add extra herbs like fresh dill or chives for an additional flavor dimension.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad can be prepared in advance and keeps well in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve on a bed of mixed greens, in lettuce wraps, or with whole-grain crackers for added texture.Pro Tip: For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangy, protein-rich alternative!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 75mg
