After a long day, nothing feels better than sinking my spoon into something fresh and creamy. That’s why this Quick & Creamy Stuffed Avocado Chicken Salad has become my go-to recipe. Picture this: ripe avocados bursting with flavor, cradling a rich mixture of shredded rotisserie chicken, crunchy celery, and sweet red grapes. It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes, dressed in a zesty blend of yogurt and honey Dijon mustard that brings everything together wonderfully.
This dish is a lifesaver for busy days, taking only 15 minutes to whip up. With its playful crunch and wholesome ingredients, it’s not just about feeding the stomach; it’s about nourishing the soul. Plus, it’s both meal prep-friendly and versatile—ideal for lunch or as a light dinner when you need something satisfying yet healthy. Ready to dive into a bowl of pure deliciousness? Let’s get started on crafting this vibrant salad that’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Why will you love this Stuffed Avocado Chicken Salad?
Healthful Delight: Packed with nutrients from avocados and lean rotisserie chicken, this salad is as nourishing as it is delicious.
Quick Prep: Whip up this meal in just 15 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or last-minute lunches.
Flavor Explosion: The creamy yogurt and honey Dijon dressing blend beautifully, enhancing the fresh ingredients with a zesty punch.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make a larger batch and enjoy it throughout the week; it stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days!
Colorful Presentation: The vibrant colors and textures make every bowl a feast for the eyes, sure to impress family and friends at the dining table.
Crowd-Pleaser: This dish appeals to everyone, from health enthusiasts to those just looking to enjoy a satisfying meal.
Stuffed Avocado Chicken Salad Ingredients
For the Chicken Salad
• Rotisserie Chicken – Provides protein and convenience; use pre-cooked for quick prep.
• Avocados – Adds creaminess and healthy fats; choose ripe avocados for the best texture.
• Celery – Offers crunch and freshness; can substitute with diced cucumber for a lighter flavor.
• Green Onion/Purple Onion – Adds sharpness and color; interchangeable based on preference.
• Red Grapes – Provides sweetness; can use dried fruit or apple chunks as a substitute.
• Candied Pecans/Normal Pecans – Adds crunch and nutty flavor; replace with walnuts or omit if nut-free.
• Dried Cranberries – Incorporates sweetness and chew; raisins can be used if cranberries are unavailable.
• Parsley – Enhances freshness; can substitute with cilantro or omit.
For the Dressing
• Plain Yogurt – Acts as a creamy base and adds tang; Greek yogurt can enhance protein content.
• Mayonnaise – Adds creaminess; use light mayo for a lower-calorie option.
• Honey Dijon Mustard – Adds flavor and depth; can substitute with regular Dijon mixed with honey.
• Lemon Juice – Provides acidity; fresh lemon is preferred for potency.
• Black Pepper & Salt – Enhances flavors; adjust to taste preferences.
• Sugar – Optional to balance flavors; consider using maple syrup for a natural sweetness.
This Stuffed Avocado Chicken Salad is not just a quick meal; it’s a flavorful journey that nourishes your body and delights your taste buds!
How to Make Stuffed Avocado Chicken Salad
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Shred the rotisserie chicken and place it in a mixing bowl. This pre-cooked chicken makes the preparation swift, giving you a great base for your salad.
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Chop the celery, green onions, and parsley, then halve the grapes. Each of these ingredients brings its own unique crunch and flavor, enhancing the overall texture of your dish.
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Whisk together the yogurt, mayo, honey Dijon mustard, lemon juice, black pepper, salt, and optional sugar in a separate bowl. This creamy dressing is what ties everything together beautifully!
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Combine the shredded chicken, chopped veggies, grapes, nuts, cranberries, and dressing in the mixing bowl. Mix until everything is well-coated, ensuring that every bite is full of flavor.
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Cut the avocados in half and carefully remove the pit. Stuff each half with the delicious chicken salad mixture, allowing the creaminess of the avocado to cradle the flavorful filling.
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Garnish your stuffed avocados with chopped onion or parsley before serving. This little touch adds a pop of color and freshness that’s irresistible.
Optional: Add a few extra candied pecans on top for an added crunch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Stuffed Avocado Chicken Salad?
Looking to elevate your meal experience? Here are some delightful pairings to complement your creamy stuffed avocado chicken salad.
- Crisp Garden Salad: A fresh mix of greens adds a refreshing crunch that contrasts the creamy salad beautifully.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their sweetness adds a lovely depth, creating a satisfying balance of flavors on your plate.
- Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty quinoa contributes protein and a chewy texture, making the meal even more filling and hearty.
- Chilled White Wine: A glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio enhances the salad’s freshness and brings out its zesty elements.
- Garlic Bread: The warm, buttery crunch of garlic bread perfectly complements the vibrant flavors and adds a homely touch to your meal.
For dessert lovers, consider a light fruit sorbet. A scoop of refreshing raspberry or mango sorbet will cleanse the palate and provide a sweet finish to your light and satisfying meal.
Make Ahead Options
These Stuffed Avocado Chicken Salad are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the chicken salad mixture, including shredded rotisserie chicken, veggies, and dressing, up to 3 days in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. However, be sure to cut and stuff the avocados just before serving to prevent browning. To keep the avocados fresh longer, rub lemon juice on the cut surfaces. When you’re ready to serve, just stuff the halved avocados with the prepped chicken salad, and you’ll have a delightful meal that’s just as delicious, saving you valuable time on busy weeknights!
Stuffed Avocado Chicken Salad Variations
Feel free to make this recipe your own with these delightful twists and substitutions!
- Vegetarian Option: Replace rotisserie chicken with canned chickpeas or tofu for a protein-packed plant-based version.
- Nut-Free Twist: Swap out pecans for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to maintain crunch without the nuts.
- Fruit Fusion: Experiment with mango or diced apples instead of grapes for a sweet and juicy pop of flavor.
- Creamy Contrast: For extra creaminess, add diced avocado or use a blend of Greek yogurt and cream cheese instead of regular yogurt.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to give your chicken salad a zesty heat that tantalizes the taste buds.
- Herb Variation: Try fresh dill or basil in place of parsley for a refreshing twist that brightens the entire dish.
- Whole Grain Addition: Include cooked quinoa or brown rice for added texture and a hearty touch to your salad.
- Citrus Splash: Add orange or lime juice to the dressing for a citrusy brightness that complements the avocados beautifully.
Each of these variations brings something unique to the table, inviting you to explore flavors and textures that suit your palate!
How to Store and Freeze Stuffed Avocado Chicken Salad
- Fridge: Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This keeps it fresh and ready to enjoy for quick meals!
- Whole Avocados: Stuffed avocados are best eaten immediately. If you must store them, wrap tightly in plastic to minimize browning, but consume within a few hours.
- Freezer: Avoid freezing the stuffed avocados, as they will lose their texture. Instead, freeze only the chicken salad (without avocado) for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Reheating: If enjoying the chicken salad cold, allow it to come to room temperature before serving. For a warm option, gently heat in the microwave, stirring to combine again.
Expert Tips for Stuffed Avocado Chicken Salad
• Choose Ripe Avocados: Select avocados that yield slightly to pressure for the best texture and flavor in your salad.
• Prep Ahead: Shred your rotisserie chicken and chop vegetables in advance to make assembling the stuffed avocado chicken salad a breeze!
• Lemon Juice Hack: To prevent avocado browning, squeeze lemon juice on cut surfaces just before serving, keeping your dish vibrant and fresh.
• Storage Savvy: Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container for 3-5 days in the fridge, but stuff avocados just before eating to maintain freshness.
• Customize Ingredients: Feel free to swap pecans with sunflower seeds for a nut-free version, or use diced apples instead of grapes for a twist.
Stuffed Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe avocados for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for avocados that yield gently when pressed. They should be a dark green color, free from dark spots all over. If they’re too firm, leave them out at room temperature for a day or two until ripe.
What’s the best way to store leftover chicken salad?
Very good question! Keep the leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. This ensures it stays fresh and ready for your next meal. Just remember to avoid storing stuffed avocados for too long.
Can I freeze the stuffed avocado chicken salad?
I often recommend against freezing the stuffed avocados themselves, as they can lose their creamy texture. However, you can freeze the chicken salad without the avocado for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
What if my chicken salad is too dry?
Not to worry! If you find your chicken salad is a bit too dry, simply add a touch more yogurt or mayonnaise until you achieve your desired creaminess. Mixing in a splash of lemon juice can also help brighten the flavors.
Are there any common allergies to consider with this recipe?
Yes! This recipe contains nuts (pecans) and dairy (yogurt and mayonnaise), which are common allergens. If you’re preparing this for guests, I recommend using sunflower seeds instead of nuts for a nut-free version and checking for lactose-free yogurt and mayo options to accommodate those with dairy sensitivities.
How can I keep my avocados from browning?
Great question! To keep your avocados vibrant, try rubbing a bit of lemon juice on the cut surfaces just before serving. This will help preserve their color and keep everything looking fresh!
Stuffed Avocado Chicken Salad: Creamy, Quick & Guilt-Free Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Shred the rotisserie chicken and place it in a mixing bowl.
- Chop the celery, green onions, and parsley, then halve the grapes.
- Whisk together the yogurt, mayo, honey Dijon mustard, lemon juice, black pepper, salt, and optional sugar in a separate bowl.
- Combine the shredded chicken, chopped veggies, grapes, nuts, cranberries, and dressing in the mixing bowl.
- Cut the avocados in half and carefully remove the pit. Stuff each half with the chicken salad mixture.
- Garnish with chopped onion or parsley before serving.