Name: Chicken and Avocado Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For Buttermilk Dressing:; 1 tbsp shallots; 2 tbsp lemon juice; ¼ tsp salt; ⅛ tsp ground black pepper; ½ cup mayonnaise; ½ cup buttermilk; 2 tbsp chives; For Garlic Toasts:; 4 slices crusty artisan style bread; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 clove garlic; For Salad:; 2 hearts of romaine; 2 cups leftover chicken; 2 medium ripe avocadoes; 1 small parmesan

This enticing chicken and avocado salad recipe is the perfect blend of flavors and textures, featuring succulent chicken, creamy avocado, crunchy romaine, and a tangy homemade buttermilk dressing. It's a simple yet sophisticated dish that can serve as a light lunch or dinner, or as a satisfying side to any main course.

Photos of Chicken and Avocado Salad Recipe

Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, but there are a few you might need to look out for. The leftover chicken can be from any previous meal - roast, grilled, or even poached chicken. You'll need hearts of romaine, which are the tender inner leaves of romaine lettuce and have a sweet and mild flavor. Ripe avocados are essential for their creaminess, and Parmesan cheese adds a savory touch. The dressing calls for buttermilk, which is a tangy dairy product widely available in most supermarkets. If it's not available, you can also make your own by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for about 10 minutes.

Ingredients for Chicken and Avocado Salad Recipe

shallots: Small onions with a mild flavor, shallots are great for adding a subtle, sweet taste to dressings.

lemon juice: Adds a fresh, zesty flavor to the buttermilk dressing.

mayonnaise: Gives a rich and creamy consistency to the dressing.

buttermilk: Adds a tangy flavor that balances the richness of the mayonnaise in the dressing.

chives: These tiny green herbs bring a mild onion-like flavor to the buttermilk dressing.

bread: Used to make the garlic toasts that can be served alongside the salad.

olive oil: Adds a slightly fruity, bitter taste to the garlic toasts.

garlic: Gives the toasts a powerful, warm flavor.

romaine: The crunchy base of the salad.

chicken: Adds a hearty, savory element to the salad.

avocadoes: Brings a creamy, smooth texture to the salad.

parmesan: Adds a sharp, umami flavor to the salad.

One reader, Bernete Kunz says:

This chicken and avocado salad recipe is a game-changer! The combination of fresh ingredients and the tangy buttermilk dressing is simply divine. The garlic toasts add a delightful crunch. It's a healthy and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. Highly recommend trying it out!

Bernete Kunz

Key Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Salad

How to make buttermilk dressing: Combine shallots, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Let it stand for 5 minutes, then add mayonnaise and buttermilk. Whisk to combine and add chives. Adjust the seasoning if needed.

How to make garlic toasts: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Brush bread slices with olive oil and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and crispy. Rub the garlic clove over each slice.

How to assemble the salad: Divide the romaine between 4 bowls or plates. Top each with avocado, chicken, and parmesan. Drizzle with the prepared buttermilk dressing and serve with the garlic toasts.

How To Make Chicken and Avocado Salad

Left-over chicken combined with avocado salad, parmesan cheese, and topped with dressing creates a meal that can fill you up without being too heavy.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

For the Buttermilk Dressing:

1tbspshallots,finely chopped
2tbsplemon juice
¼tspsalt
⅛tspground black pepper
½cupmayonnaise
½cupbuttermilk
2tbspchives,chopped

For the Garlic Toasts:

4slicescrusty artisan style bread
2tbspolive oil
1garlic clove,peeled

For the Salad:

2hearts of romaine,leaves torn in half, or any other crunchy leafy salad green
2cupsleftover chicken,shredded or sliced
2medium ripe avocadoes,sliced
1small parmesan,shaved with a vegetable peeler

Instructions

Buttermilk Dressing:

In a small mixing bowl or a jam jar, combine the shallots, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Let stand for 5 minutes. Add the mayonnaise and buttermilk, and whisk to combine.
Add the chives. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.

Garlic Toasts:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Brush the bread slices with oil and place on a rimless baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden and crispy on the outside.
Remove from the oven and cool them on the pan. Rub the garlic clove over each slice.

To assemble the salad:

Divide the romaine between 4 bowls or plates. Top each with avocado, chicken, and Parmesan. Drizzle with the dressing.
Serve with the garlic toasts.

Nutrition

Calories: 707.78kcal
Fat: 57.25g
Saturated Fat: 10.73g
Trans Fat: 0.08g
Monounsaturated Fat: 25.38g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 18.82g
Carbohydrates: 29.75g
Fiber: 10.69g
Sugar: 5.80g
Protein: 22.78g
Cholesterol: 68.60mg
Sodium: 657.33mg
Calcium: 202.64mg
Potassium: 1055.64mg
Iron: 3.59mg
Vitamin A: 599.32µg
Vitamin C: 20.79mg

Expert Tip for Elevating Your Salad Game

When preparing the garlic toasts, it's crucial to rub the garlic clove on the bread while it's still warm. This allows the bread to absorb the garlic's flavor more effectively, resulting in a more robust and aromatic toast. Additionally, for an even richer flavor, consider using a high-quality extra virgin olive oil when brushing the bread before baking. This not only enhances the taste but also contributes to a beautifully golden and crispy texture.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Chicken and Avocado Salad

Prep ahead: Prepare the buttermilk dressing and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, so it's ready to use whenever you need it.

Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken from scratch.

Multi-task: While the garlic toasts are baking in the oven, you can prepare the salad ingredients to save time.

Invest in a good knife: A sharp, quality knife will make chopping and slicing ingredients much quicker and easier.

Organize your workspace: Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients and tools are easily accessible to streamline the cooking process.

Substitute Ingredients For Chicken and Avocado Salad Recipe

buttermilk - Substitute with plain yogurt mixed with a little lemon juice: Plain yogurt mixed with a little lemon juice can provide the tangy flavor and creamy texture similar to buttermilk.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise, providing a creamy texture and tangy flavor.
romaine lettuce - Substitute with mixed greens: Mixed greens can be used as a substitute for romaine lettuce, providing a variety of textures and flavors to the salad.
chicken - Substitute with grilled tofu or tempeh: Grilled tofu or tempeh can be used as a plant-based alternative to chicken, providing a similar protein-rich component to the salad.
avocado - Substitute with mango: Mango can be used as a substitute for avocado, providing a sweet and creamy texture to the salad.
parmesan - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast can be used as a vegan alternative to parmesan, providing a cheesy flavor to the salad.

Presentation Tips for a Stunning Avocado Salad

Elevate the salad with a unique plating: As a chef, I would carefully arrange the romaine, avocado, and chicken in an artful and visually appealing manner on the plate. The goal is to create a stunning presentation that showcases the vibrant colors and textures of the ingredients.
Incorporate contrasting textures: I would focus on creating a balance of textures in the salad. For instance, I might sprinkle crispy parmesan crisps over the top to add a delightful crunch to each bite, while also enhancing the visual appeal of the dish.
Highlight the dressing as a work of art: The buttermilk dressing is a crucial component of the dish. I would drizzle the dressing in a decorative pattern around the salad, using a delicate hand to create an elegant and appetizing design on the plate.
Garnish with fresh herbs: To add a touch of freshness and fragrance, I would delicately scatter freshly chopped chives over the salad. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a pop of vibrant green to the presentation.
Create a symphony of flavors: As a chef aiming for Michelin-star quality, I would ensure that each component of the salad is seasoned to perfection, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that tantalizes the taste buds with every bite.
Consider the plate as a canvas: When plating, I would treat the plate as a canvas, carefully considering negative space and using it to enhance the overall visual impact of the dish. This approach ensures that the salad becomes a work of art on the plate.
Emphasize precision and attention to detail: Every element of the dish, from the arrangement of the ingredients to the placement of the garlic toasts, would be meticulously executed with precision and care, reflecting the dedication to culinary excellence.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Salads

Cutting board: A flat, sturdy surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing various ingredients.
Mixing bowl: Used for combining and mixing ingredients together.
Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending and mixing ingredients until smooth.
Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking and roasting foods in the oven.
Olive oil: A staple cooking oil used for sautéing, roasting, and dressing salads.
Garlic press: A tool used to crush and mince garlic cloves.
Rimless baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal pan without raised edges, used for baking and roasting foods in the oven.
Food processor: A versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
Jam jar: A glass container used for mixing and storing dressings and sauces.
Buttermilk: A fermented dairy product used in dressings and marinades to add tanginess and creaminess.
Grater: A kitchen tool used to grate or shred ingredients like cheese, vegetables, or citrus zest.
Lemon squeezer: A tool used to extract juice from lemons and other citrus fruits.
Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking recipes.
Salad bowls or plates: Used for serving and presenting salads.
Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking and roasting foods.
Stove: A cooking appliance used for stovetop cooking methods such as sautéing and simmering.
Refrigerator: Used for storing and preserving perishable ingredients and prepared foods.

Storing and Freezing Chicken and Avocado Salad

The chicken and avocado salad is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
If you want to prepare the salad ahead of time, store the dressing, garlic toasts, and salad components separately in the refrigerator.
The buttermilk dressing can be made ahead and kept refrigerated for about a week.
To keep the avocado from turning brown, squeeze some lemon juice over the cut surfaces before storing.
It's not recommended to freeze this salad, as the lettuce and avocado will become soggy and lose their texture upon thawing.
If you have leftover cooked chicken, you can freeze it separately for up to 3 months and use it in future salads or recipes.
The garlic toasts can be made ahead and stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, or frozen for up to 1 month. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes, or until crispy.

Reheating Leftover Chicken and Avocado Salad

The best way to reheat leftover chicken and avocado salad is to separate the components and reheat them individually. This will ensure that each ingredient maintains its optimal texture and flavor.
Start by removing the chicken from the salad and place it in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to prevent the chicken from drying out. Microwave the chicken on high for 1-2 minutes, or until it reaches your desired temperature.
If you prefer, you can also reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan and cook the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it's heated through.
For the avocado, it's best to use fresh avocado if possible. If you must use leftover avocado, make sure it's not overly brown or mushy. Slice the avocado and add it to the salad just before serving.
The romaine lettuce should not be reheated, as it will wilt and become soggy. If the lettuce has become limp, you can try reviving it by soaking it in cold water for a few minutes, then patting it dry with a paper towel.
To reheat the garlic toasts, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the toasts on a baking sheet and heat them for 5-7 minutes, or until they're crispy and warmed through. Alternatively, you can use a toaster oven for quicker reheating.
Once all the components are reheated, reassemble the salad by placing the romaine lettuce in a bowl, topping it with the warm chicken, fresh avocado slices, and parmesan cheese. Drizzle the buttermilk dressing over the salad and serve with the crispy garlic toasts on the side.

Interesting Trivia About Chicken and Avocado Salad

The chicken and avocado salad recipe is a great source of healthy fats and lean protein. Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats, which are good for heart health, and they also contain more potassium than bananas. Additionally, chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. This salad is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients.

Budget-Friendly: Making Chicken and Avocado Salad at Home

The cost-effectiveness of this chicken and avocado salad recipe largely depends on the availability and prices of the ingredients in your location. While chicken and avocadoes can be relatively affordable and nutritious, the cost may vary based on the quality and seasonality. The dressing ingredients and additional items like parmesan can add to the overall cost. Considering the nutritional value and versatility of the ingredients, this recipe can be a good investment for a household. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8/10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20-$25.

Is This Chicken and Avocado Salad Healthy?

This chicken and avocado salad recipe has both healthy and unhealthy elements. Let's break it down:

Healthy aspects:

Avocados are nutrient-dense, providing healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals
Chicken is a lean protein source
Romaine lettuce is low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals
Lemon juice adds vitamin C and helps balance flavors
Chives and garlic offer antioxidants and potential health benefits

Unhealthy aspects:

The dressing contains mayonnaise, which is high in calories and fat
Buttermilk, while lower in fat than regular milk, still adds calories
Parmesan cheese is high in saturated fat and sodium
The garlic toasts are made with crusty bread, which may be high in refined carbohydrates

To make this recipe healthier, consider these suggestions:

Swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or mashed avocado to reduce calories and fat while maintaining creaminess
Use whole-grain bread for the garlic toasts to increase fiber and nutrients
Reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese or opt for a lower-fat alternative
Add more vegetables to the salad, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers, to increase fiber and nutrient density
Use a lean cooking method for the chicken, such as grilling or baking, to minimize added fats

Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Salad Recipe

This chicken and avocado salad recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The buttermilk dressing adds a creamy tanginess, while the garlic toasts provide a satisfying crunch. The use of ripe avocado and leftover chicken ensures a delicious and hearty salad. The balance of flavors and the simplicity of the recipe make it a versatile and satisfying dish for any occasion.

Enhance Your Chicken and Avocado Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges: Seasoned with paprika and garlic for a smoky flavor

Grilled Asparagus Spears: Tossed in olive oil and balsamic glaze for a tangy kick

Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing: Fresh and colorful mix of seasonal fruits with a zesty dressing

Similar Salad Recipes to Try

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinate the vegetables in a flavorful herb and garlic mixture before grilling them to perfection on skewers.

Mango Salsa Chicken: Top grilled chicken with a refreshing and tangy mango salsa for a burst of tropical flavor.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: Simmer ripe tomatoes and fresh basil in a creamy broth for a comforting and satisfying soup.

Berry Crisp: Combine fresh berries with a crunchy oat topping for a delightful and easy dessert that's perfect for any occasion.

Perfect Appetizers and Desserts to Complement This Salad

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory mushrooms filled with a rich and creamy cheese mixture, topped with breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch.

Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with a flavorful mixture of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic, drizzled with balsamic glaze for a burst of tangy sweetness.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Berry Parfait: Layered with fresh berries, creamy yogurt, and crunchy granola, this berry parfait is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors. It's a light and refreshing dessert option for any occasion.

Why trust this Chicken and Avocado Salad Recipe:

This recipe features a delightful combination of chicken and avocado that promises a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The homemade buttermilk dressing adds a creamy and tangy element, while the addition of garlic toasts provides a satisfying crunch. The use of fresh romaine and ripe avocadoes underscores the commitment to quality and wholesome ingredients. The inclusion of parmesan further elevates the dish with its rich and savory profile. With a well-balanced dressing and thoughtfully selected components, this recipe offers a trustworthy and delectable dining experience.

Share your thoughts on the Chicken and Avocado Salad Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any tips or variations to enhance this delightful dish.

FAQ:

How long can I store the buttermilk dressing in the refrigerator?

You can store the buttermilk dressing in the refrigerator for about a week.

Can I prepare the dressing in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dressing in advance. It can be made ahead and kept refrigerated for about a week.

Can I use a different type of bread for the garlic toasts?

Yes, you can use a different type of bread for the garlic toasts if you prefer.

Can I use a different type of lettuce for the salad?

Yes, you can use a different type of lettuce for the salad if you prefer.

How can I make the garlic toasts if I don't have an oven?

If you don't have an oven, you can toast the bread slices in a toaster or on a stovetop griddle with a little oil until they are golden and crispy. Then, rub the garlic clove over each slice.