Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is one of the best shortcuts for this recipe. It's flavorful, saves on prep time, and blends perfectly with the creamy avocado and lemony dressing.

How can I keep the avocado from turning brown?

Toss the diced avocado in the lemon dressing immediately after cutting. The citrus slows oxidation. If storing, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the salad surface to minimize air contact.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prep most ingredients in advance, but add avocado and dressing just before serving for the best texture and color. Mix everything else ahead, and the salad will come together in a flash at mealtime.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, every ingredient in this salad is naturally gluten-free—as long as your bacon is gluten-free, which most are. Always double-check packaging if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe

Name: Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large cooked chicken breasts, shredded or chopped; 2 large avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced; 1 cup corn (from 1 cooked cob); 6 oz lean bacon, cooked and chopped; 1/4 cup chives or green onion, chopped; 2 Tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or to taste); 2 hard-boiled eggs (optional), halved or quartered; 3 Tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed; 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 tsp sea salt (or to taste); 1/8 tsp black pepper

Meet your new go-to dinner for those nights when you want something wholesome, fresh, and ready in a snap: Avocado Chicken Salad. This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights or spontaneous weekend lunches—it’s loaded with creamy avocados, juicy chicken, sweet pops of corn, and savory bacon, all brought together with a zesty lemon dressing. In just 15 minutes, you can have a vibrant, protein-packed salad that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious. Trust me, once you try this combination of flavors and textures, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning Fast and Effortless: You can truly have this salad ready in under 20 minutes—perfect for nights when you’d rather not spend time hovering over a stove.
Incredible Flavor and Texture: Creamy avocados, savory chicken, crisp bacon, sweet corn, and that light, punchy lemon dressing—each bite is truly irresistible.
Nutritious and Filling: With lean protein, healthy fats, and a decent serving of veggies (plus an optional egg for even more protein), it’ll nourish and satisfy you.
So Flexible & Forgiving: Feel free to use leftover chicken, swap in whatever herbs you have, or add whatever veggies are in your fridge. This salad welcomes improvising!

Ingredients You’ll Need

No need for fancy pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need, plus some tips and notes on why each one matters:

Cooked Chicken Breast: Shredded or chopped; leftover roast chicken or rotisserie makes things even quicker.
Avocado: The star ingredient—perfectly ripe avocados add creamy richness and healthy fats.
Corn: Sweet, juicy kernels bring freshness and crunch. Fresh-off-the-cob is best, but canned or frozen (thawed) will do the trick if it’s what you have.
Bacon: Crisp, salty, and smoky; adds a satisfying bite that brings everything together.
Chives or Green Onion: Bright and mild—use whichever you have for a lovely oniony lift.
Fresh Dill: Adds herbal freshness; use parsley or basil if you prefer another flavor profile.
Egg (Optional): Hard-boiled eggs bring extra protein and creaminess—particularly nice if you want to make this salad a complete meal on its own.
Lemon Juice: Essential for that tangy, fresh dressing; bottled works in a pinch, but fresh is always best.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Gives body to the dressing and adds its own subtle fruitiness.
Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Season to taste—be generous to make all the flavors pop!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This Avocado Chicken Salad is a dream for anyone who loves to play with their food. Try some of these twists:

Add a Kick: A pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce in the dressing will wake up your taste buds.
Cheesy Moment: Crumbled feta or goat cheese adds a rich, tangy component.
Make it Veg-Friendly: Swap in chickpeas or white beans for the chicken and skip the bacon for a vegetarian version.
Use Different Herbs: Parsley, cilantro, or basil would each change the flavor profile in a delightful way.
Switch Up the Veggies: Toss in chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or even roasted red peppers for added color and crunch.

How to Make Avocado Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Avocado

Place your shredded or chopped cooked chicken in a large mixing bowl. Peel and pit the avocados, dice into bite-sized chunks, and add them to the bowl.

Step 2: Add the Veggies and Bacon

Add your sweet corn kernels, chopped chives or green onions, crispy chopped bacon, and freshly chopped dill. If a hard-boiled egg is your thing, quarter or halve it and set aside for topping.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the dressing is well-emulsified.

Step 4: Toss It All Together

Drizzle the lemon dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything to coat evenly—be careful not to mash the avocados too much! Top with hard-boiled eggs for the final flourish if you like.

Serve immediately for best flavor and texture. That’s it—dinner is served in no time!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Fresh, Ripe Avocados: Avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure are just right. Too soft and your salad will turn to mush; too firm and it won’t blend well.
Don’t Overmix: Toss gently so the avocado doesn’t become a purée. Chunky is good here!
Cool Your Chicken: Warm chicken might wilt the avocado or dull the fresh flavors; let it come to room temperature first.
Dressing First, Avocado Last: If making ahead, toss all ingredients except avocado and dressing; add both just before serving to keep things vibrant and fresh.

How to Serve

This salad is a meal unto itself—hearty enough for lunch yet elegant enough for a light dinner. Here’s how to serve it:

On Its Own: Pile into bowls for a satisfying, fork-and-knife meal.
With Bread: Serve alongside crusty bread, pita, or even fill a soft wrap or lettuce cups for a handheld option.
On Greens: Spoon over mixed salad greens or arugula for extra color and a peppery bite.
As a Picnic Star: It’s fantastic as part of a picnic spread, paired with fresh fruit and sparkling water.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. Best enjoyed within 24 hours, as the avocado may brown, though a little lemon juice helps slow this down.

Freezing

This salad isn’t ideal for freezing. Both avocado and eggs change texture once thawed, which can make the salad less appetizing.

Reheating

No reheating needed—enjoy this salad cold or at room temperature. If you do have leftovers, let them sit on the counter for a few minutes to take the chill off before serving.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is one of the best shortcuts for this recipe. It’s flavorful, saves on prep time, and blends perfectly with the creamy avocado and lemony dressing.
How can I keep the avocado from turning brown?

Toss the diced avocado in the lemon dressing immediately after cutting. The citrus slows oxidation. If storing, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the salad surface to minimize air contact.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prep most ingredients in advance, but add avocado and dressing just before serving for the best texture and color. Mix everything else ahead, and the salad will come together in a flash at mealtime.
Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, every ingredient in this salad is naturally gluten-free—as long as your bacon is gluten-free, which most are. Always double-check packaging if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Final Thoughts

Give this Avocado Chicken Salad a try—you’ll be hooked by how quickly it comes together and how utterly satisfying each bite is. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself reaching for whenever time is tight but you want something fresh, flavorful, and nourishing. So grab your avocados, raid the fridge for some chicken, and enjoy this delightful salad any day of the week!