Avocado Chicken Salad Bowl

This high-protein avocado chicken salad has transformed my weekday lunches from boring to extraordinary. Packed with nutrient-dense ingredients, it delivers a perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables in every bite.

I created this recipe during a particularly busy work week when I needed something quick yet satisfying. Now it's become my go-to recommendation whenever friends complain about lackluster lunch options.

Ingredients

• Cooked chicken breast: Provides lean protein that keeps hunger at bay while supporting muscle maintenance
• Avocado: Contributes creamy texture and healthy monounsaturated fats that improve nutrient absorption
• Hard-boiled egg: Adds extra protein and a satisfying richness
• Fresh tomatoes: Bring juicy sweetness and lycopene for heart health
• Spinach: Creates a nutrient-dense base with minimal calories
• Scallions: Offer mild onion flavor without overwhelming other ingredients
• Cucumber: Delivers refreshing crunch and hydration
• Chopped olives: Contribute briny depth and heart-healthy fats
• Olive oil: Forms the base of our dressing with its fruity notes
• Fresh garlic: Provides immune-boosting compounds and aromatic punch
• Lemon juice: Brightens all flavors and helps preserve the avocado color
• Optional sesame oil: Introduces a subtle nutty dimension to the dressing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create the Foundation:

Arrange fresh spinach as your base layer. The leafy greens create a nutrient-rich foundation that will soak up the flavorful dressing. Make sure to use fresh spinach leaves for optimal texture and nutrition.

Build the Salad Components:

Thoughtfully position tomatoes, cucumber chunks, avocado slices, and olives around the bowl. This arrangement ensures every bite contains a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The vibrant colors create an appetizing presentation.

Add Protein Elements:

Place your cooked chicken pieces and halved hard-boiled egg strategically throughout the bowl. This ensures protein is distributed evenly throughout the salad, making each forkful satisfying and complete.

Finish with Aromatics and Seasonings:

Sprinkle scallions across the top and add a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. The scallions provide a mild onion flavor that complements the richness of the other ingredients without overpowering them.

Create the Dressing:

Combine olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and optional sesame oil in a small bowl. Whisk thoroughly until emulsified. The garlic should be minced very finely to distribute its flavor evenly throughout the dressing.

Dress and Season:

Pour the dressing evenly over the salad and gently toss all ingredients to combine. After mixing, taste and add salt accordingly. The salt should enhance the natural flavors without making the salad taste salty.

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The hard-boiled egg is actually my favorite component in this recipe. I discovered its importance accidentally when I added leftover Easter eggs to the salad years ago. The rich yolk creates a silky quality that enhances the avocado creaminess in the most delightful way.

Meal Prep Magic

This salad can be prepared up to two days in advance with a simple trick: layer ingredients strategically in your container with spinach on bottom, proteins in the middle, and avocado separated until serving time. Keep dressing in a small separate container and combine everything when ready to eat. This prevents soggy greens and browning avocado.

Clever Substitutions

Don't have chicken breast on hand? This recipe adapts beautifully to leftover rotisserie chicken, canned tuna, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version. When avocados aren't perfectly ripe, substitute with a tablespoon of Greek yogurt mixed with a splash of olive oil for similar creaminess. For a different flavor profile, try baby kale or arugula instead of spinach for more peppery notes.

Serving Suggestions

This salad shines as a complete meal on its own, but also pairs wonderfully with a slice of toasted sourdough bread or a cup of chilled gazpacho in summer months. For entertaining, consider portioning into individual mason jars for an elegant presentation at picnics or informal gatherings. The flavors complement light white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with cucumber slices.

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By incorporating Mediterranean flavors, this salad demonstrates how clean eating can be nutritious, delicious, and satisfying. Enjoy every bite!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long does this avocado chicken salad keep in the refrigerator?

For best results, consume within 2 days of preparation. If meal prepping, store the dressing separately from the salad components and only slice the avocado just before eating to prevent browning. The chicken, egg, and vegetables can be prepped up to 3 days ahead.

→ Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Absolutely! This versatile salad works well with grilled shrimp, canned tuna, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just maintain similar quantities to keep the protein content high. Turkey breast is another excellent alternative that pairs beautifully with the avocado.

→ Is this salad keto-friendly?

Yes, this salad is perfect for keto diets as it's high in healthy fats from avocado and olive oil while being very low in carbohydrates. The protein from chicken and egg helps maintain muscle mass while following a ketogenic eating plan.

→ What's the best way to cook the chicken breast for this salad?

For the juiciest chicken, poach boneless breasts in simmering water for about 10-12 minutes until they reach 165°F (74°C), or use leftover rotisserie chicken. You can also grill or bake the chicken with a little olive oil, salt and pepper for added flavor.

→ How can I add more flavor to this salad?

Try adding fresh herbs like cilantro, basil or dill. A sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese works wonderfully if you're not strictly paleo. For heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. You can also incorporate different spices like cumin or smoked paprika to the chicken.

→ What can I serve with this salad to make it more filling?

While this salad is quite satisfying on its own, you can serve it with a side of roasted sweet potatoes, quinoa, or a slice of grain-free bread for additional staying power. These additions make it perfect for very active individuals who need more carbohydrates for energy.