Chicken Salad with Strawberries and Avocado
Chicken salad is a perennial lunchtime favorite, but sometimes it can feel a bit, well, ordinary. That’s why we’ve given this classic dish a vibrant twist with the addition of juicy strawberries and creamy avocado. The result is a flavor-packed salad that’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings, or just as a satisfying midday meal.
What makes this Chicken Salad with Strawberries and Avocado so special? Let’s dive in and find out!
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, with a winning combination of textures and flavors that keep you coming back for more. The tender chicken, crisp celery, and crunchy walnuts provide a delightful contrast to the soft, velvety avocado and sweet, juicy strawberries. Plus, it’s a nutritional powerhouse, packed with protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.
What’s more, this salad is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it on a bed of fresh greens, tucked into a sandwich, or scooped up with crisp crackers or pita chips. It’s also a breeze to prepare, making it the perfect option for busy weekdays or weekend gatherings.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Chicken Salad with Strawberries and Avocado ❓
• 1 cup diced strawberries
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
The beauty of this Chicken Salad with Strawberries and Avocado is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of tender chicken, juicy strawberries, and creamy avocado creates a refreshing and flavorful salad that has made chicken salad recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Chicken Salad with Strawberries and Avocado Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 3: Pour the dressing over the chicken and fruit mixture and gently toss to combine, being careful not to mash the avocado too much.
• Step 4: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Step 5: Serve the Chicken Salad with Strawberries and Avocado on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or with crackers or pita chips.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Chilling time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
Compared to traditional chicken salads that can take up to an hour to prepare, this Chicken Salad with Strawberries and Avocado saves you 25% of your cooking time while delivering a more vibrant and nutritious twist on the classic.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 23g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 340mg
These Chicken Salad with Strawberries and Avocado provide approximately 30% of your daily protein requirements and 20% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Omit the strawberries and replace with additional avocado or diced cucumber.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use a dairy-free mayonnaise or vegan yogurt-based dressing.
• Added protein: Mix in cooked quinoa, chopped hard-boiled eggs, or grilled chicken breast.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or chopped spinach.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 15% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Chicken Salad with Strawberries and Avocado.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a side of whole-grain crackers or toasted pita bread for a satisfying snack.
• Complement with a tangy vinaigrette-dressed salad for a complete meal.
• For a picnic or potluck, serve the salad in lettuce cups or on mini croissants.
• Create a colorful platter with additional fresh fruit, nuts, and cheese for an elegant appetizer.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Using too much dressing: Start with a smaller amount of the mayonnaise-based dressing and gradually add more, as you don’t want the salad to become soggy.
• Not chilling the salad: Make sure to refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the ingredients to chill.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Chicken Salad with Strawberries and Avocado retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing: While the salad can be frozen, the texture of the avocado may become compromised. For best results, freeze the chicken salad mixture without the avocado, then thaw and fold in the diced avocado just before serving.
• Reheating: This salad is best served chilled, but if you prefer it slightly warmer, you can gently heat it in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, being careful not to overheat.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this chicken salad in advance?
Yes, you can absolutely make this salad up to 3 days in advance. Simply prepare the salad as directed, omitting the avocado. Store the chicken salad mixture and the diced avocado separately in the refrigerator. Just before serving, fold the avocado into the salad to prevent it from browning.
Can I substitute the chicken for another protein?
Absolutely! You can use cooked and shredded turkey, canned tuna, or even cooked and crumbled tofu or tempeh in place of the chicken. Each substitution will lend a slightly different flavor profile, but the overall dish will still be delicious.
Is this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free?
Yes, this Chicken Salad with Strawberries and Avocado is naturally gluten-free. To make it dairy-free, simply use a dairy-free mayonnaise or a plant-based yogurt-based dressing instead of the traditional mayonnaise.
What if I don’t like walnuts?
No problem! You can easily swap the walnuts for another crunchy nut, such as pecans, almonds, or even toasted pumpkin seeds. The nuts add a nice textural contrast, but they are completely optional if you have a nut allergy or preference.
Can I add any other mix-ins to this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is highly versatile, so feel free to get creative. Some tasty additions could include diced cucumber, crumbled feta or goat cheese, fresh herbs like basil or cilantro, or a sprinkle of paprika or cayenne for a little kick.
Conclusion
These Chicken Salad with Strawberries and Avocado represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a refreshing lunch or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, they’re sure to impress with their vibrant colors and delightful textural contrasts. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Chicken Salad creations demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly. So, what are you waiting for? Give this delightful salad a try and experience the joy of a delicious, nutritious, and visually appealing meal.
