Creamy Chicken & Avocado Salad with Lime Yogurt Dressing

When you need a meal that comes together in minutes but tastes like you put in real effort, this creamy chicken and avocado salad delivers every time. It’s the kind of recipe that solves the eternal “what should I make for lunch?” question without requiring a trip to the grocery store or hours in the kitchen.

This salad brings together tender shredded chicken, buttery avocado, and a tangy lime yogurt dressing that ties everything together with bright, refreshing flavor. It’s light enough for warm weather but satisfying enough to keep you full for hours. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday lunch, meal prep inspiration, or something easy to throw together after a long day, this recipe has you covered.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. Serve it on crispy toast for an elevated open-faced sandwich, wrap it in a tortilla for a portable lunch, or pile it over fresh greens for a complete salad bowl. The ingredients are simple, the method is straightforward, and the results are consistently delicious.

Why This Recipe Works

What makes this chicken salad special is the combination of creamy and bright flavors. The avocado adds natural richness without the heaviness of mayonnaise, while Greek yogurt brings a tangy creaminess that keeps things light. Fresh lime juice cuts through the richness and adds a zesty kick that makes every bite feel fresh and vibrant.

Using canned chicken is a game-changer for busy days. It’s already cooked, already tender, and ready to go straight from the pantry. This means you can have a protein-packed meal on the table in less time than it takes to order takeout. The key is choosing quality canned chicken and draining it well before mixing.

The spices—garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a touch of cumin—add warmth and depth without overpowering the fresh ingredients. They work behind the scenes to elevate the overall flavor profile, making this salad taste complex even though it’s incredibly simple to prepare.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad Base:

• 2 cups cooked canned chicken, shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 large ripe avocado, or two small ones, mashed to your preferred consistency
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (these add pops of sweetness and color, but they’re optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or flat-leaf parsley, whichever you prefer

For the Lime Yogurt Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat both work well)
• Juice of 1 medium lime (about 2 tablespoons fresh juice)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (this adds a subtle warmth, but it’s optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins for Texture and Flavor:

• Diced cucumber for extra crunch and freshness
• Finely chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick
• Thinly sliced red onion for bite
• Crumbled feta cheese for a salty, tangy contrast

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by draining your canned chicken thoroughly. Press it gently with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture, which ensures your salad won’t become watery. Shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces—some people prefer a fine shred, while others like chunkier pieces. Choose what works best for you.

Cut your avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into your mixing bowl. Mash it with a fork to your desired consistency. Some people like it completely smooth and creamy, while others prefer to leave some chunks for texture. Both approaches work beautifully in this recipe.

If you’re using cherry tomatoes, halve them and set aside. Chop your fresh herbs—cilantro brings a bright, citrusy note, while parsley offers a milder, slightly peppery flavor. Use whichever you have on hand or prefer.

Step 2: Make the Lime Yogurt Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cumin if using. Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined. The lime juice will thin the yogurt slightly, creating a dressing that’s creamy but pourable.

Taste the dressing at this stage and adjust as needed. Want more tang? Add a little extra lime juice. Prefer more warmth? Increase the cumin or paprika. This is your chance to customize the flavor before it goes into the salad.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Add the shredded chicken, mashed avocado, tomatoes, and fresh herbs to a large mixing bowl. Pour the lime yogurt dressing over the top. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently fold everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.

Be gentle during this step to avoid completely mashing the avocado or breaking down the tomatoes too much. You want a cohesive mixture that still has some textural variety.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Give your salad a taste and adjust the seasoning. Depending on how salty your canned chicken was, you may need to add a pinch of salt. Freshly ground black pepper adds a nice finishing touch. If the salad seems too thick, you can thin it slightly with an extra squeeze of lime juice or a spoonful of yogurt.

Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. This salad is delicious piled on toasted whole grain bread, wrapped in a flour or whole wheat tortilla, or served over a bed of mixed greens with some crunchy vegetables on the side.

Tips for the Best Results

Choosing the Right Avocado: The avocado should be ripe but not overly soft. You want it to mash easily but still hold some shape. If your avocado is too firm, it won’t incorporate well. If it’s too ripe, it may become mushy and turn brown quickly.

Preventing Browning: Avocado naturally oxidizes and turns brown when exposed to air. The lime juice in this recipe helps slow that process, but if you’re making this ahead, add an extra squeeze of lime and store it in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly against the surface of the salad.

Watch Your Sodium: Many canned chicken brands are packed in salted water, which means your chicken is already seasoned. Always taste before adding additional salt to avoid an overly salty final dish.

Texture Variations: If you prefer a creamier consistency, add an extra tablespoon or two of Greek yogurt. For a chunkier texture, dice the avocado instead of mashing it, and fold it in more gently.

Meal Prep Friendly: This salad holds up reasonably well for 1-2 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. Keep it in a tightly sealed container and give it a good stir before serving, as the ingredients may separate slightly during storage.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This versatile salad works in so many different ways. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

Toast It: Pile the salad on thick slices of toasted sourdough, multigrain bread, or even everything bagels for a hearty open-faced sandwich.

Wrap It: Spread the mixture in a large tortilla with some crisp lettuce, roll it up, and slice in half for a portable lunch.

Bowl It: Serve over a base of mixed greens, spinach, or arugula, and add your favorite salad vegetables like cucumber, bell peppers, or shredded carrots.

Stuff It: Use the salad as a filling for bell peppers, tomatoes, or even lettuce cups for a low-carb option.

Add Crunch: Top with toasted nuts, crispy chickpeas, or crushed tortilla chips for added texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chicken and avocado salad checks all the boxes for a great weekday meal. It’s quick enough for busy mornings, healthy enough to feel good about, and delicious enough that you’ll actually look forward to eating it. The combination of protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the avocado, and fresh flavors from the lime and herbs makes it both nutritious and satisfying.

It’s also incredibly budget-friendly since it relies on pantry staples and affordable ingredients. You don’t need expensive specialty items or hard-to-find produce. Just simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something greater than the sum of their parts.

Whether you’re feeding yourself, packing lunches for the week, or looking for something light but filling after a workout, this creamy chicken and avocado salad delivers. Make it once, and it’ll become a regular in your meal rotation.