Cilantro Chicken Salad in Avocado Bowls
Here’s a full, fresh, and flavorful recipe for Cilantro Chicken Salad in Avocado Bowls – a light, protein-packed dish that blends tender chicken, vibrant cilantro, crunchy veggies, and creamy avocado. Perfect for a healthy lunch or a no-cook dinner option.
Required time
Total Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time (if using raw chicken): 10 minutes
Servings: 4 (2 avocado halves per person)
Ingredients
For the Chicken Salad:
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (grilled, poached, or rotisserie)
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
½ cup celery, finely diced
½ red bell pepper, finely chopped
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
¼ cup Greek yogurt (or mayo for creamier texture)
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt & black pepper to taste
Optional: 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (for heat)
For the Avocado Bowls:
4 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
1 tbsp lime juice, to brush on avocado to prevent browning
Extra cilantro, chili flakes, or lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken Salad:
In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, red onion, celery, bell pepper, cilantro, and jalapeno (if using).
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss until evenly coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
2. Prep the Avocados:
Slice avocados in half and remove the pits.
Use a spoon to slightly scoop out a bit of flesh from the center to enlarge the cavity (optional – you can chop this and add it to the salad if desired).
Lightly brush or squeeze lime juice over the avocado halves to prevent browning.
3. Assemble the Bowls:
Spoon the cilantro chicken salad generously into the center of each avocado half.
Garnish with a sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro, chili flakes, or a squeeze of lime.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with mixed greens, whole grain crackers, or pita chips.
- Great as an appetizer, light meal, or lunchbox option.
Variations:
Spicy Option: Add a dash of hot sauce or diced chipotle peppers.
Southwest Style: Add black beans, corn, or a pinch of taco seasoning.
Make it Vegan: Swap chicken with chickpeas or grilled tofu and use plant-based yogurt.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 430
Protein: 26g
Fat: 30g
Carbs: 14g
Fiber: 9g
Sugar: 2g