Description
This Avocado Chicken Waldorf Salad combines the classic flavors of a traditional Waldorf salad with creamy avocado and lean protein. The refreshing crunch of apples and celery perfectly complements the richness of avocado and the satisfying texture of diced chicken. A lightened-up Greek yogurt dressing brings everything together for a nutritious, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced (approximately 2 medium breasts)
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 large crisp apple (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), diced
- 3 stalks celery, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup red grapes, halved
- 1/3 cup walnuts, roughly chopped and lightly toasted
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- Mixed greens for serving
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and honey (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, tossing occasionally until fragrant and slightly darker. Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, gently combine the diced chicken, avocado, apple, celery, grapes, and red onion.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Fold in the toasted walnuts and fresh dill if using. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Arrange a bed of mixed greens on plates or in a serving bowl, then spoon the Avocado Chicken Waldorf Salad on top.
Notes
- For meal prep, prepare all ingredients except the avocado and dressing, store separately, then combine just before serving.
- To prevent browning, make sure to toss the diced avocado in lemon juice if not serving immediately.
- Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe if you’re short on time.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the Greek yogurt with additional mashed avocado.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: avocado chicken waldorf salad, healthy chicken salad, chicken avocado salad, waldorf salad with chicken, protein salad, meal prep salad