• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to footer navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

RecipeTin Eats

Fast Prep, Big Flavours

Small book

My cookbook "Dinner" now available!

  • My RecipeTin
  • My cookbook!
  • Recipes
  • Recipes By Category
    • Cookbook recipes
    • Iconic + cult classics
    • Mains
      • Chicken
        • Chicken mince
      • Beef Recipes
        • Ground Beef (Mince)
      • Pork
      • Lamb
      • Turkey
      • Shrimp / Prawns
      • Salmon
      • Fish
      • Salad Meals
    • Quick and Easy
    • Soups
    • One Pot
    • Stews
    • Slow Cooker
    • Sides
      • All
      • Salads & veg
      • Show Off Salads
      • Rice (all)
      • Fried rice recipes
      • Rice (plain)
      • Potato
    • Pasta
      • All
      • Pasta bakes
      • Pasta salads
    • Sweet
      • Cakes
      • Cheesecakes
      • Cupcakes & Muffins
      • Cookies
      • Puddings & Cosy Desserts
      • Bite Size
      • Pies
      • Slices & Bars
      • Frosting & Icing
      • Ice cream
    • Cuisine
      • Asian
        • All
        • Stir fries
        • Noodles
        • Soups
        • Chinese
        • Japanese
        • Korean
        • Thai
        • Vietnamese
      • French
      • Greek
      • Indian
      • Italian
      • Mediterranean
      • Mexican
      • Middle Eastern
      • South American
    • Dietary
      • Gluten Free
      • Low Calorie
      • Vegetarian
    • Other Categories
      • BBQ
      • Breakfast
      • Burgers
      • Cocktails
      • Easter
      • Party Foods
      • Rice Recipes
      • Roasts
      • Sandwiches & Sliders
  • Collections
  • About
    • Me
    • RecipeTin Meals
    • Free Recipe Books
    • Contact
    • Nitty Gritty
      • Policy: Use of Recipes & Images
      • Privacy & Disclosure
Home Quick and Easy

Chicken Salad with Avocado Dressing

By:Nagi
Published:9 Mar '16Updated:12 Feb '21
105 Comments
Recipe v

This Chicken Salad with Avocado Dressing is made with a seasoned, juicy chicken with a colourful salad, and tossed with an awesome creamy avocado dressing that tastes just like guacamole. Avocados are cholesterol free and full of nutrition – we need to get MORE in our diet!

Chicken Salad with Avocado Dressing, with corn, tomatoes, onion and lettuce.

Gasp, shock horror, I’m finally posting a salad! Long overdue….so much for my New Years’ resolution to post more green things here on RecipeTin Eats.🙌🏼

Can I be honest? I’ve actually made and photographed a handful of salads….salads with oomph, not wimpy ones. I mean salads that are healthy but still truly satisfying to have as meals.

I write up the recipe and even schedule it to publish….then I get distracted by something I’m even more excited about. Like that Baked Chinese Sesame Chicken I shared a couple of weeks ago. I actually had the slot reserved for a Buffalo Chicken Salad, but it got bumped at the last minute because I made the Sesame Chicken the day before and I got overly excited about it.

Oops. So much for a professional editorial calendar. I could never run a proper magazine. Can you imagine?? Changing my mind at the last minute like that!

But today I’m sticking to my guns because Chicken Salad with Avocado Dressing is seriously worthy of having as meal. And it all comes down to this – the creamy avocado dressing. 🙌

Chicken Salad with Avocado Dressing - The creamy, healthy avocado dressing is the star of this!

Avocado dressing ingredients in food processor

Beautiful ripe avocado and a handful of other ingredients to make a luscious avocado dressing that actually tastes like avocado.

I used to make avocado dressing with buttermilk, using that to thin it out to a dressing consistency. But then one day my sister was around, and in her usual form, she opened the fridge and started poking around for things to eat. Spied a tub of avocado dressing, stuck her finger in for taste, scrunched up her nose and said “This doesn’t taste like avocado.”

In response to which, I instantly stuck my finger in for a taste, ready to argue….and realised….it didn’t. At least, not enough like avocado.

Buttermilk was the problem. The flavour was too intense, it overpowered the avocado. So I fixed my recipe. 🙂

I make this salad with a tasty chicken which is seasoned for extra flavour. I really think it is worth making a basic spice rub to flavour chicken for salads. Makes salads extra interesting!

Spiced chicken for Chicken Salad with Avocado Dressing

And it’s carb free. And cheese free. Miracle of miracles! 🙂

I promise to share more healthy, lower calorie meals in 2016. My recipes aren’t typically cream / butter heavy unless it’s for a special treat. But I have a whole repertoire of lower calorie, more nutrition dense recipes.

I am seriously thinking about increasing my weekly recipe posts from 3 to 4, and making the extra recipe a healthy one.

What do you think? Do you want to see more healthy recipes here on RecipeTin Eats?

– Nagi x

PS That’s healthy…..without compromise! I can’t compromise flavour for calories…I just can’t. It’s not in my DNA!!!


MORE CHICKEN SALADS YOU’LL LOVE

  • Lemon Chicken Salad

  • Chicken Pasta Salad

  • Hawaiian Chicken Salad

  • Chinese Chicken Salad

  • Thai Chicken Salad

  • Mexican Avocado Chicken Salad

  • More giant Salads for Meals

Closeup of Chicken Salad with Avocado Dressing

Overhead photo of Chicken Salad with Avocado Dressing

Hungry for more? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates.

Chicken Salad with Avocado Dressing, with tomatoes, corn, lettuce and onion

Chicken Salad with Avocado Dressing

Author: Nagi | RecipeTin Eats
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 5 mins
Total: 20 mins
Salad
4.79 from 23 votes
Servings2
Tap or hover to scale
Print
  • 657
A scrumptious, healthy salad that's satisfying enough to have as a meal. The star of this is the creamy avocado dressing - full of nutrients, flavour and so delicious!

Ingredients

Avocado Dressing

  • 1/2 large or 1 small ripe avocado
  • 1 garlic clove , minced
  • 2 tbsp diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup cilantro , stems and leaves, not packed in
  • 1/2 tbsp olive oil (optional)
  • 1 tbsp plain low fat yoghurt (I use Greek)
  • 3 tbsp lime juice
  • 3 - 5 tbsp low fat milk
  • 1/4 tsp onion or garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Black pepper

Chicken

  • 5 - 7 oz / 250 - 300g chicken breast , skinless boneless (I had 1 large one)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Spice Rub

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp each onion powder , garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt
  • 2 tbsp plain flour
  • Black pepper

Salad

  • 1/2 cup diced red onion
  • 1 corn , steamed, kernels cut off (or 3/4 cup cooked kernels)
  • 3/4 cup cherry tomatoes , halved or quartered
  • 5 cups chopped lettuce

Instructions

  • Avocado Dressing: Place the ingredients in a small food processor and whizz until smooth. Use MILK to adjust consistency, and adjust salt to taste. (Note 1)
  • Spice Rub: Combine ingredients and scatter on a plate.
  • Chicken: Slice into 4 - 5 thin steaks on the diagonal, then coat both sides with Spice Rub.
  • Cook Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add chicken and cook both sides until dark brown. Remove onto a plate and cover loosely with foil. Rest for 5 minutes then slice thickly.
  • Pile the Salad ingredients onto a serving platter then place the chicken on the side.
  • Serve with Avocado Dressing.

Recipe Notes:

1. I like to puree it a lot so the cilantro/coriander becomes pureed into the dressing because it adds to the green colour of the dressing. But you could puree it less so you have more specks of green in the dressing. It doesn't affect the flavour, it's just aesthetics!
This makes more dressing than you will need. It's hard to make less. The leftovers are fantastic to use as a sauce for other proteins, use as a dip or to spread on toast! It thickens when you refrigerate it.
2. Nutrition per serving. Approximately 150 calories of this is attributable to the avocado dressing - and it assumes you use all of it, which you probably will not. So the chicken and salad is around 350 calories. Avocados are fairly high in calories BUT it is good fat. Remember that!!! 🙂
Chicken Salad Avocado Dressing Nutrition

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 501gCalories: 505cal (25%)Carbohydrates: 32g (11%)Protein: 46.9g (94%)Fat: 22.7g (35%)Saturated Fat: 3.5g (22%)Cholesterol: 110mg (37%)Sodium: 767mg (33%)Potassium: 1165mg (33%)Fiber: 7.4g (31%)Sugar: 9.1g (10%)Vitamin A: 1350IU (27%)Vitamin C: 35.5mg (43%)Calcium: 120mg (12%)Iron: 7mg (39%)
Did you make this recipe?I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at @recipe_tin.

PS I have included Chicken Salad with Avocado Dressing in the RecipeTin LITE category (which is only for recipes <500 calories) on the basis that I doubt you will use all the avocado dressing. 🙂

Previous Post
Beef Fajitas
Next Post
Italian Fish with Salsa

Hi, I'm Nagi!

I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative!

Read More

Free Recipe eBooks

Join my free email list to receive THREE free cookbooks!

Related Posts

Freshly made Ham and Cheese Omelette

Ham and cheese omelette

Close up of Xinjiang Cumin Lamb Stir Fry

Xinjiang Cumin Lamb Stir Fry

Picking up No bowl choc nut bars

No-bowl Chocolate Nut Bars

More Quick and Easy

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Cooked this? Rate this recipe!




105 Comments

  1. Sarah says

    March 13, 2016 at 6:27 pm

    Ooh… I love the idea of an avocado dressing! I eat so many avocados (I have a 12-a-month subscription), and am always looking for new ways to use them up!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      March 15, 2016 at 8:21 am

      An avocado subscription….????

      Reply
  2. Marie-Charlotte Chatelain says

    March 12, 2016 at 5:00 am

    5 stars
    This salad looks AMAZING, so colorful and delicious! And that avocado sauce…I’m pretty sure I would use all of it. I don’t care about the fat haha. Like you said, it’s good-for-you fat!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      March 12, 2016 at 3:59 pm

      EXACTLY! 😉

      Reply
  3. Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says

    March 11, 2016 at 9:36 pm

    5 stars
    That’s a doozy of a salad and the dressing is one that’s similar to one I make and we LOVE it. We agree that flavour and satisfaction comes before reduced calories but thankfully it’s possible to do both.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      March 12, 2016 at 3:56 pm

      I know….we need to balance both…and I’m on a war path to find and share MORE food that tastes great but just happens to be lower calories! N x

      Reply
  4. Jimela says

    March 11, 2016 at 10:19 am

    Presented this delicious salad last night. Top marks for an attractive, healthy and flavoursome meal which was enhanced by the beautiful avocado dressing. A keeper recipe for next summer. Keep the creative posts coming.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      March 12, 2016 at 3:51 pm

      ? Thank you Jimela! You just made my day – I think you’re the first person who has tried it to leave feedback!! I am SO GLAD you enjoyed it! N x

      Reply
  5. Johlene Orton says

    March 10, 2016 at 8:10 pm

    Nagi I love this avo dressing recipe! Pinned! And yes I would love to see more healthy recipes because I´m always looking for healthy recipes that actually taste good (no compromising for me either!)

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      March 12, 2016 at 3:47 pm

      ME TOO!!!! N x

      Reply
  6. Ntombi says

    March 10, 2016 at 5:31 pm

    4 stars
    Your receipies looks good every time thank you Nagi!!!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      March 12, 2016 at 3:47 pm

      Aww, thank you Ntombi! <3 N x

      Reply
  7. Ntombi says

    March 10, 2016 at 5:29 pm

    I going to do it, it looks very delicious thank you Nagi for your receipes

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      March 12, 2016 at 3:47 pm

      Thank you Ntombi! I do hop you enjoy it!

      Reply
  8. Sue says

    March 10, 2016 at 3:40 pm

    I love your blog. This recipe looks amazing. Can I substitute the milk with another liquid or water?

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      March 12, 2016 at 3:47 pm

      Hi Sue! I would just use water 🙂 I hope you enjoy it!! I literally just had leftover dressing on a salad for lunch today!

      Reply
  9. Evelyne CulturEatz says

    March 10, 2016 at 12:37 pm

    Ha ha editorial calendar! I suck at that right now, missing a bunch, life is a bit overwhelming right now. How did you know I am such a fan of avocados lol, loving this dressing. I was all in for the buttermilk until you said it was so much flavor.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      March 12, 2016 at 3:45 pm

      Avocados are the BOMB! It is such a shame that they are so expensive here in Australia at the moment…..I am hanging for Avocado season! They should hit the stores in July or so I believe…. I have inside intel!

      Reply
  10. ruth says

    March 10, 2016 at 12:17 pm

    Hi Nagi I love all your recipes so please don’t hesitate in posting more! I am eagerly awaiting your kung pou chicken! !! Your sweet n sour dip in your wings book is amazing!!!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      March 12, 2016 at 3:43 pm

      Oh wow Ruth, thank you so much for your lovely message! This is the 3rd message I’ve received about kung pao chicken this weekend – I didn’t realise it was so popular! I’ll bring it forward and post it soon – N x Have a wonderful weekend Ruth.

      Reply
  11. Dhanya Samuel says

    March 10, 2016 at 11:58 am

    4 stars
    That’s a beautiful salad Nagi; definitely planning it next week for the lunch boxes

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      March 12, 2016 at 3:42 pm

      Thank you so much Dhanya! What a fantastic lunch to take in to work!

      Reply
  12. Sam says

    March 10, 2016 at 10:31 am

    5 stars
    I have been meaning to say a massive thankyou to you ever since I stumbled across your cookbooks last year. My husband loves that you came into our lives as he was always complaining that we had the same meals ALL the time. Now he is blown away at meal times. Your recipes are so easy to follow and taste amazing. I am forever passing on your recipes to my family and friends. Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou. Oh and thankyou for introducing my mum and I to Prosecco – just an added bonus (even though we can’t find Ricadonna Prosecco in Melbourne) 🙂

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      March 12, 2016 at 3:39 pm

      Awwww….thank you Sam! You just made my day! 🙂 No Ricadonna in Melbourne??? I’m so surprised, I thought it would be everywhere in Australia! PS How’s the endless summer in Melbourne? Still 32C everyday here in Sydney!

      Reply
  13. Kevin | Keviniscooking says

    March 10, 2016 at 9:44 am

    5 stars
    At first I thought you pounded those chicken breasts then reading the recipe it said one large. That must have been one big chicken! I appreciate that spice rub first and that last overhead photo before the recipe is so beautiful. Gotta try your dressing, sounds delish.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      March 12, 2016 at 3:38 pm

      It was GIANT. Actually, it was bigger than what I listed in the ingredients – it was seriously abnormally large!

      Reply
  14. Josie says

    March 10, 2016 at 9:39 am

    5 stars
    I can hardly wait to make this YUM!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      March 12, 2016 at 3:37 pm

      Hope you love it Josie!! N x

      Reply
  15. Vera says

    March 10, 2016 at 9:35 am

    Love your chicken salad! More salad receipts Please . During hot , hot summer I live on salads, ‘casuse am Not good with hot weather, don’t Eat Or sleep Well so Light salads are perfect . Some New ideas much appriciated. Thank YOU kindly. Regards, Vera.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      March 12, 2016 at 3:34 pm

      OK!! More salads COMING UP! <3 N x

      Reply
  16. cheri says

    March 10, 2016 at 9:15 am

    5 stars
    Hi Nagi, love your site, everything you make is picture perfect. An extra post with a healthy recipe would be nice.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      March 12, 2016 at 3:34 pm

      I’ll do it Cheri!!! 🙂 Thank you so much for your lovely message! N x

      Reply
  17. Kathy says

    March 10, 2016 at 8:53 am

    YES! I am looking forward to more of your healthy, creative and flavorful recipes. 🙂

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      March 12, 2016 at 3:33 pm

      Thanks for your feedback Kathy! So YES! I will start!!! 🙂

      Reply
  18. Marissa says

    March 10, 2016 at 7:52 am

    5 stars
    I had to laugh at Helen’s comment about her editorial calendar…that’s pretty much how I roll too, though I’m working on being more scheduled. 😉

    I’m all about big, beautiful, hearty salads like this and I can never have enough avocado. So, perfection!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      March 12, 2016 at 3:30 pm

      BA HA HA!!! The only reason I have one is because I’m travelling a bit nowadays so I have to schedule in advance!!! N x

      Reply
  19. Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says

    March 10, 2016 at 7:34 am

    5 stars
    I clicked on “5” and got a 4 🙁

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      March 12, 2016 at 3:29 pm

      🙂 No worries! N x

      Reply
  20. Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says

    March 10, 2016 at 7:34 am

    4 stars
    Oh Nagi!! You are my muse!! Not only to your recipes sound and look fantastic, you inspire me in so many ways. I’ve already come up with several ideas for salads. Now all I have to do is master the pour shot. I’m going to reread your suggestions so I don’t end up having a lot of creamy stuff all over 🙂

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      March 12, 2016 at 3:29 pm

      Oooh! I bet you do amazing salads Marisa!!! 🙂 Go the pour shot!!! I used to practice with water a lot! 🙂

      Reply
Newer Comments
Older Comments

Primary Sidebar

Hi, I'm Nagi!

I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative! Read More

Free Recipe eBooks

Join my free email list to receive THREE free cookbooks!

Meet Dozer

Official taste tester of RecipeTin Eats! Meet Dozer
As Featured On

What's for Dinner?

Close up of beef enchiladas in a baking dish, fresh out of the oven

Beef Enchiladas

Butter Chicken served over basmati rice in a bowl, ready to be served

Butter Chicken

Overhead photo of 2 black bowls with Chinese Chicken Salad with Asian Dressing, ready to be eaten

Chinese Chicken Salad

Salisbury Steak recipe in skillet.

Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

Vietnamese Coconut Caramel Chicken - 7 ingredient magic. The coconut fragrance is heavenly! recipetineats.com

Vietnamese Coconut Caramel Chicken

Fast prep. Big flavours!

Never miss a recipe

Back to Top
  • Related
  • RecipeTin Japan
  • Food Bloggers Center
  • Help
  • Contact Us
  • Image Use
  • Privacy Policy & Terms
Site Credits Maintained by Zao Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled © RecipeTin Eats 2023 · All Rights Reserved Back to Top