High Protein Chicken Avocado Salad – The Ultimate Power Meal Guide
Introduction
High protein chicken avocado salad is more than just a recipe in my kitchen—it’s my go-to when I need something quick, wholesome, and deeply satisfying. As a homegrown chef and mom of two outside Asheville, I find joy in crafting meals that nourish without fuss. This high protein chicken avocado salad came together on a hectic afternoon, blending creamy avocado, lean chicken, and a tangy yogurt dressing. It reminded me of my grandmother’s no-frills cooking in her tiny New York apartment—simple, honest, and full of love. Now, it’s a weekly staple for energy-packed lunches that taste as good as they feel.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
High Protein Chicken Avocado Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This high protein chicken avocado salad is creamy, fresh, and packed with over 30 grams of protein. Perfect for meal prep, wraps, toast, or lettuce cups—ready in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- 1 large ripe avocado, cubed
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 1/4 cup chopped celery or red onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp hemp seeds or sliced almonds (optional)
Instructions
- Add chicken, avocado, yogurt, mustard, lime juice, and celery to a large mixing bowl.
- Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any optional mix-ins like hemp seeds.
- Gently fold until everything is evenly coated—don’t mash the avocado too much unless you want a creamier texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve chilled or immediately in wraps, toast, lettuce cups, or bowls.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- To prep ahead, mix everything except avocado and add it right before serving.
- Pairs well with toast, crackers, or added to grain bowls.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: SALAD
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 72mg
The Flavorful Story Behind My High Protein Chicken Avocado Salad
From Grandma’s Kitchen to My Carolina Table
I didn’t grow up dreaming of protein macros or balanced bowls. I learned to cook standing on a step stool, watching my grandma coax magic out of cast iron. She believed in butter, patience, and feeding people like it mattered. Decades later, when I tossed together this high protein chicken avocado salad on a chaotic Tuesday afternoon—leftover chicken, a perfectly ripe avocado, some lime, and yogurt—I thought of her.
There I was, one kid napping, one painting on the porch, and me, eating straight from the mixing bowl. It wasn’t fancy, but it was real. It was fuel. And it felt like home.
A Salad That Satisfies and Sustains
This salad hits every note: creamy avocado, juicy grilled chicken, a bright zing of lime, and just enough crunch from celery or pepitas. But more than that, it’s got substance. A typical portion (about 1½ cups) packs over 30 grams of protein, thanks to the chicken, Greek yogurt, and optional extras like hemp seeds or cottage cheese.
That’s why I make it almost weekly. It powers me through dance pickups, emails, and the dinner-hour tornado. Plus, it pairs beautifully with so many meals from high protein mousse to a slice of sourdough toast. This one’s for the days when you need lunch to work for you.
Building the Perfect High Protein Chicken Avocado Salad
Clean Ingredients That Work Hard for You
The beauty of this high protein chicken avocado salad lies in its short, powerful ingredient list. Every bite delivers protein, fiber, healthy fats, and flavor. Here’s what I always start with:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 large ripe avocado, cubed
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or swap with cottage cheese)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Juice of half a lime
- Salt and cracked pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped celery or red onion for crunch
- Optional: 1 tablespoon hemp seeds or slivered almonds for extra protein
You can toss everything in a bowl and serve it straight up or chilled. It holds beautifully in the fridge for 2–3 days, making it an ideal make-ahead meal. If you’re a fan of savory breakfasts, it even pairs well with this sourdough breakfast toast or scooped into lettuce cups.
Smart Variations That Keep It Fresh
What I love most about this salad is how flexible it is. Once you know the base, you can make it your own:
- Add halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for a caprese-style version.
- Swap chicken for canned tuna or shredded turkey if needed.
- Use mashed avocado for a creamier, dip-like texture.
- Want more fiber? Add chopped kale or shredded cabbage.
- Craving extra protein? A scoop of cottage cheese egg bake on the side makes a hearty meal.
These tweaks keep the dish exciting, and with a protein count that can climb above 35 grams per serving, this high protein chicken avocado salad earns a spot in your weekly rotation.
How to Serve High Protein Chicken Avocado Salad Like a Pro
Easy Ways to Serve It (That Aren’t Just a Bowl)
Sure, you can eat this high protein chicken avocado salad right out of the mixing bowl—I’ve done it more than once—but there are some easy ways to turn it into a full meal with a little flair.
Try tucking it into whole grain wraps with spinach and cucumber for an on-the-go lunch. Or pile it onto a thick slice of toasted sourdough and top with a jammy egg for a protein-loaded breakfast. For low-carb days, spoon it into butter lettuce cups or hollowed-out bell peppers. I’ve even served it over creamy cottage cheese pasta as a high-protein topping—and it worked like a charm.
These ideas keep things interesting without adding time or effort.
Make-Ahead, Store Smart & Stay Fresh
Meal prep with high protein chicken avocado salad is easy—as long as you’re mindful of the avocado. I recommend mixing everything except the avocado if you plan to store it more than 24 hours. Just add freshly cubed avocado before serving for the best color and texture.
You can also pack individual servings in mason jars or sealed containers for grab-and-go lunches. If you’re adding greens, keep them separate to avoid sogginess.
For busy weeks, I often pair this salad with high-protein snacks like the Snickers protein smoothie or a spoonful of cottage cheese chocolate mousse for a full day of satisfying meals that actually hold me over.
Conclusion
This high protein chicken avocado salad is the kind of recipe that meets real life where it’s at: hungry, rushed, and craving something fresh. With just a few ingredients and endless variations, you can prep it ahead, pack it up, or serve it in new ways each time. Whether it’s scooped into wraps, piled high on toast, or packed into your lunchbox next to a high protein egg bake, it keeps you full and focused—without any fuss.
Give it a try this week. I bet it’ll earn a permanent spot in your fridge just like it did in mine.
FAQs About High Protein Chicken Avocado Salad
How much protein is in avocado chicken salad?
It depends on what you include, but a standard 1½ cup serving of this high protein chicken avocado salad has around 30–35 grams of protein. Most of that comes from the cooked chicken breast and Greek yogurt, while avocado adds a small boost along with healthy fats. Add hemp seeds, hard-boiled eggs, or pair it with a deviled egg macaroni salad and your protein count can go even higher.
Do chicken and avocado go well together?
Absolutely. The richness of avocado balances the leanness of chicken perfectly. The textures contrast just enough to make every bite satisfying. Add something tangy like lime or mustard, and it all comes alive. I often serve this combo on a recipes board with crisp veggies and crackers for a light dinner.
Is avocado chicken salad healthy?
Yes, especially when made with simple ingredients like grilled chicken, plain Greek yogurt, avocado, and fresh herbs. This salad is high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats with minimal carbs. It’s gluten-free and naturally low in sugar, making it a smart option whether you’re fueling up post-workout or planning family lunch.
How much protein is in an avocado salad?
Without chicken or other protein add-ins, a basic avocado salad has about 3 grams of protein per serving (from the avocado alone). But turn it into a high protein chicken avocado salad, and you’re adding 25–30 grams or more. The difference is huge—and it’s why this salad has become a go-to in my home.