Chicken Salad with Avocado and Apple
A fresh, creamy chicken salad loaded with chunks of tender chicken, buttery avocado, and crisp sweet apple. A bright squeeze of lemon keeps everything vibrant while Greek yogurt adds tang without heaviness. Perfect scooped onto greens, stuffed into a sandwich, or enjoyed straight from the bowl — ready in minutes and naturally protein-packed.
For 4 servings
- prep
Dice the chicken, avocado, apple, and celery.
1.Dice cooked chicken breast into bite-sized chunks.2.Halve avocados, remove pit, and dice the flesh.3.Core the apple and dice into small cubes.4.Finely dice celery stalks and red onion.TIPKeep apple cubes a similar size to the chicken so every bite is balanced. - mix
Make the creamy dressing.
1.In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt and fresh lemon juice until smooth.2.Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. - mix
Fold everything together.
In a large mixing bowl, combine diced chicken, avocado, apple, celery, and red onion. Pour the yogurt dressing over and fold gently until evenly coated, taking care not to mash the avocado.
TIPFold with a silicone spatula using a light hand — ripe avocado breaks easily. - rest · ~10 min
Chill briefly before serving.
Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors come together. Serve chilled on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or with crackers.
TIPThis salad is best eaten the same day. The lemon juice keeps the apple and avocado from browning for a few hours.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pat the cooked chicken dry before dicing to avoid a watery salad.
- 2Use a crisp, tart apple like Granny Smith to contrast the creamy avocado.
- 3Fold the avocado in last to keep chunks intact and prevent mushiness.
- 4Let the salad rest 10 minutes in the fridge so flavors meld without the avocado oxidizing.
- 5Add the lemon juice just before serving for the brightest flavor and best color.
- 6For meal prep, keep diced apple and avocado separate and add right before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
High-protein
Swap half the Greek yogurt for cottage cheese (blended smooth) and add a tablespoon of chopped almonds for extra protein and crunch.
low fatLow-fat
Replace the avocado with an equal amount of diced cucumber and use non-fat Greek yogurt to reduce fat while keeping the creamy texture.
jainJain
Omit the red onion and celery (both avoided in Jain diets) and add chopped raw mango and pomegranate seeds for sweetness and crunch.
gluten free & dairy freeGluten-free & dairy-free
Use a dairy-free coconut or almond yogurt instead of Greek yogurt and serve on gluten-free crackers or lettuce cups.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Lean Protein
Chicken breast provides lean, high-quality protein that supports muscle repair and satiety without excess saturated fat.
Rich in Heart-Healthy Fats
Avocado delivers monounsaturated fats and potassium, which support cardiovascular health and help maintain healthy blood pressure.
Good Source of Fiber
The apple, celery, and avocado contribute dietary fiber to aid digestion and promote fullness.
Probiotic Support
Greek yogurt contains live active cultures that can support gut health and digestion.
Frequently asked questions
Yes—rotisserie chicken (skin removed, shredded) works well. Canned chicken can be used but should be well-drained to avoid a watery salad.
