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Avocado Lime Low Carb Chicken Salad - Fresh, Zesty, and Satisfying

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Cooked chicken (3 cups, chopped or shredded; rotisserie works great)
  • Ripe avocados (2 medium)
  • Fresh lime (2 limes for juice and zest)
  • Red onion (1/4 cup, finely diced)
  • Celery (2 stalks, finely chopped)
  • Cucumber (1/2 cup, diced; optional for crunch)
  • Fresh cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped; or parsley if preferred)
  • Greek yogurt or mayo (2–3 tablespoons; optional for extra creaminess)
  • Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
  • Garlic (1 small clove, minced) or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Ground cumin (1/4 teaspoon)
  • Smoked paprika (1/4 teaspoon; optional)
  • Jalapeño (1 small, seeded and minced; optional for heat)
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • Romaine or butter lettuce leaves (for serving; optional)
  • Lime wedges (for serving; optional)

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: If using fresh chicken, poach or bake until cooked through, then cool and shred. Otherwise, remove skin and bones from rotisserie chicken and chop or shred into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Mix the dressing: In a large bowl, mash the avocados with the lime juice and zest until mostly smooth. Stir in olive oil, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add Greek yogurt or mayo if you like a silkier texture.
  3. Add the crunch: Fold in red onion, celery, cucumber, and jalapeño (if using). Mix gently to coat everything with the dressing.
  4. Bring in the chicken: Add the chicken and toss until evenly coated. Adjust the consistency with a splash of lime juice or a drizzle of olive oil if it feels too thick.
  5. Herb it up: Stir in cilantro. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and lime. More lime brightens the whole salad, so don’t be shy.
  6. Chill (optional): Cover and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and the texture firm up slightly.
  7. Serve your way: Spoon into lettuce cups, pile onto a bed of greens, or enjoy straight from the bowl. A sprinkle of extra cilantro and a squeeze of lime on top makes it pop.