Chicken Salad with Avocado and Apple
A refreshing and hearty chicken salad packed with flavor and texture. Creamy avocado, crisp apple, and crunchy walnuts are tossed with tender chicken and a light lemon vinaigrette over a bed of fresh greens. A perfect, satisfying lunch.
For 2 servings
Poach and shred the chicken.
- Place the chicken breasts in a saucepan and add enough water to cover them by an inch.
- Bring the water to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the water, let it cool slightly, then shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces.
TIPPoaching keeps the chicken incredibly moist and tender, perfect for a salad.Prepare the chicken salad mixture.
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, avocado oil mayonnaise, diced celery, and diced red onion. Gently mix until everything is well coated.
Make the lemon vinaigrette.
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
TIPMaking the dressing separately allows you to control how much you add and prevents the greens from getting soggy too quickly.Assemble the salad bowls.
- Divide the mixed greens evenly between two large bowls.
- Top the greens with the chicken salad mixture.
- Arrange the diced apple and sliced avocado around the chicken salad.
- Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the top.
Dress and serve immediately.
Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over each salad just before serving. Enjoy this fresh and filling meal right away.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra flavor, toast the walnuts in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes until fragrant before adding them to the salad.
- 2To prevent the apple and avocado from browning, toss them with a little lemon juice before adding to the salad.
- 3You can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days for quick meal prep.
- 4Feel free to use leftover roasted or grilled chicken instead of poaching fresh chicken.
- 5For a different flavor profile, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the chicken salad mixture.
Adapt it for your goals.
Dairy free
This recipe is naturally dairy-free. Ensure your mayonnaise is certified dairy-free.
gluten freeGluten free
This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels to ensure no hidden gluten.
low carbLow carb
To make this lower in carbs, omit the apple and use a low-carb friendly mayonnaise. The net carbs will be significantly reduced.
high proteinHigh protein
Increase the amount of chicken breast to 200g per serving to boost the protein content further.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Avocado, olive oil, and walnuts provide monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which support cardiovascular health and can help lower bad cholesterol levels.
High in Fiber
With mixed greens, apple, and celery, this salad is a good source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and providing a feeling of fullness.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
This salad offers a range of micronutrients, including Vitamin K from greens, Vitamin C from lemon, and antioxidants from apples and walnuts.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this chicken salad is very healthy. It's packed with lean protein from chicken, healthy fats from avocado, olive oil, and walnuts, and fiber from the greens, apple, and celery. The dressing is light and free of added sugars.