Someone recently said that the reason millennials can not buy homes (what?) is because we eat too much avocado toast (see article here) and I just really do not see the correlation. Could excessive avocado toast consumption be part of a larger theme of generally poor spending and saving habits? Sure. Not everyone has their priorities in check. I get it. But don't single out avocados when they've been nothing but good to us! Case in point: avocados, also known as butter pears have elevated a classic chicken salad dish from questionable nutritional value to #healthyeating. The result is a creamy crunchy avocado chicken salad that is paleo, Whole 30 compliant, and gluten-free but still tastes too good to be true.
Rather than using mayo, we're going to smash a few avocados to get the creamy texture we all know and love. But we won't stop there. Let's throw walnuts into the mix for crunch, red onion for a little kick, and fresh lemon juice for bright flavor. The chicken in this chicken salad is from GoodHeart Brand and comes pre-grilled, diced, and ready to eat. I love that it's minimally processed and free of the things you'd normally worry about with ready-to-eat foods. Start to finish, you're looking at less than ten minutes to bring this dish together and there's no need to turn on an oven or stove. Easy, cold dishes like this one are perfect for a simple breakfast, dinner, or lunch and great as part of a spread for company. So, to recap: this isn't like a regular chicken salad. It's a cool chicken salad. 🙂
As for eating it, you can approach this like you would a normal chicken salad: scoop it up with crackers, spread it between two slices of bread for a sandwich, or even eat it by the spoonful. Maybe even stick it to The Man by spreading it on your toast at the next fiscally irresponsible brunch! This was a big hit at our Mother's Day Brunch a few weeks back and I don't think it kept anyone away from their dream home. I hope this creamy crunchy avocado chicken salad helps you save time in the kitchen and keep your cool this summer. Thanks for reading!
Chicken provided by the GoodHeart Brand. As always, all opinions are my own.
Creamy Crunchy Avocado Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 5 avocados skinned and seeded
- 6 ounces walnut pieces
- 1 pound grilled chicken thighs diced
- ¼ red onion minced
- juice of 1 lemon
- sea salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Smash avocados to desired consistency in a large bowl.
- Add remaining ingredients except salt and pepper. Mix well then season to taste.
That New Girl says
Lol I think what the gentleman meant was what you later on said; that cutting back on certain 'luxury' purchases can go towards saving for a home. I don't think he meant any ill-will against the adored avocado. And he's Australian so was probably speaking on an Australian phenom.
This looks delish (and quick to make!), I would have it along with a greens-based salad instead of crackers, cause I can't do too much carbs, after many pleas from my waistline?
Jazz says
Thanks for pointing that out. This would be great with a salad, too!
Life with Larissa says
This sounds amazing!! Well, everything except for the walnuts. I'm a big chicken salad fan, and I love coming across different variations. This might be the best one yet, as I'm one of those millenials that absolutely love avocado. I'll have to try this recipe out this summer!
scenesfromcedarstreet says
Yum this sounds so amazing!! And different for a chicken salad, definitely going to have to try it!
Halle Belle says
I love avocado. Have to try soon!
circleskirtsandpetticoats says
This sounds incredible, healthy and refreshing for summer time! I can't wait to give this a try!
xo, Helene
http://www.circleskirtsandpetticoats.wordpress.com
Susie Liberatore says
You post the BEST recipes. I never thought about this one before! I am going to try this for lunch tomorrow, thanks for sharing.
Jazz says
Thanks so much, Susie. I hope you love it!
Taylor Ann says
Oh my gosh. This sounds amazing! I am going to make this (once I can move back into my kitchen)!
Be You and Thrive says
Omygoodness! This is amazing. Thanks for sharing the recipe!!
Cheyenne says
I love avocado! Can't wait to try this!!!
karyld2016 says
I love avocados, and eat them almost every day. Have you tried avocado oil mayo? I recently did, and am a huge fan. It's like getting mayo and avocado in one! I'm not a walnut fan, but everything else in this chicken salad sounds wonderful. Will have to give it a try
Jazz says
No, I haven't but I'll look into it. Thanks for sharing!
Anna says
I love avocado, I can't wait to try this recipe. My family will love this .