Tahini Ranch Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe

Embrace the freshness and wholesome flavors of this tahini ranch avocado chicken salad. This salad combines the creaminess of avocado and tahini, the robustness of ranch dressing, and the succulent pieces of chicken for a delightful meal that is both healthy and hearty.

Photos of Tahini Ranch Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe

While most of the ingredients are commonplace, tahini and pepitas might not be readily available in every pantry. Tahini, a paste made from sesame seeds, is often found in the international or health food sections of supermarkets. Pepitas, or pumpkin seeds, are usually located in the nuts and seeds aisle. When purchasing, ensure the tahini is well-stirred and the pepitas are raw and unsalted.

Ingredients for Tahini Ranch Avocado Chicken Salad

Mixed greens: These will serve as the base of your salad. You can use any mix you prefer, such as spinach, romaine, or arugula.

Cooked chicken: This can be any type of cooked chicken. Grilled, roasted or even leftover rotisserie chicken would work.

Avocado: Avocado will add creaminess and healthy fat to the salad.

English cucumber: Chunks of cucumber bring a refreshing crunch to the blend.

Red onion: Thinly sliced red onion gives a pungent kick and color.

Pepitas: These add a pleasant crunch and extra nutrition.

Tahini ranch dressing: This dressing adds a rich, tangy, and creamy element to the salad.

One reader, Brande Haley says:

This tahini ranch avocado chicken salad recipe is a game-changer! The combination of creamy avocado, tender chicken, and the flavorful tahini ranch dressing is simply divine. It's a refreshing and satisfying dish that's perfect for a healthy and delicious meal. Highly recommend trying it out!

Brande Haley

Key Techniques for Preparing Tahini Ranch Avocado Chicken Salad

How to dice cooked chicken: Cut the cooked chicken into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution in the salad.

How to dice an avocado: Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and then carefully dice the flesh while still in the skin. Then, scoop out the diced avocado with a spoon.

How to dice a cucumber: Cut the cucumber into small, uniform pieces to add a refreshing crunch to the salad.

How to dice a red onion: Peel the red onion, then cut it into small, uniform pieces to add a mild, sweet flavor to the salad.

How to drizzle dressing evenly: Slowly pour the tahini ranch dressing over the salad ingredients, ensuring that it is distributed evenly throughout the salad.

How to toss a salad: Gently mix the salad ingredients and dressing together, ensuring that everything is well combined without crushing the delicate ingredients.

How To Make Tahini Ranch Avocado Chicken Salad

This chicken salad recipe leans more toward earthier flavors, thanks to the addition of avocados and the sweet and bitter taste of the tahini ranch.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking:

Total: 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

5ozmixed greens
3cupsdiced cooked chicken
1pcripe avocadopeeled and diced
½cupEnglish cucumber,thinly sliced
½cupred onionpeeled and thinly sliced
½cuppepitas
1cuptahini ranch dressing

Instructions

Arrange the salad greens, chicken, avocado, cucumber, onion, and pepitas in a large salad bowl. Drizzle evenly with dressing and toss to combine.
Serve and enjoy immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 608.28kcal
Fat: 48.37g
Saturated Fat: 8.43g
Trans Fat: 0.34g
Monounsaturated Fat: 15.37g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 20.87g
Carbohydrates: 13.26g
Fiber: 5.19g
Sugar: 4.68g
Protein: 33.25g
Cholesterol: 94.35mg
Sodium: 636.50mg
Calcium: 62.54mg
Potassium: 755.85mg
Iron: 3.30mg
Vitamin A: 156.28µg
Vitamin C: 10.39mg

Pro Tip for Perfecting the Texture of Tahini Ranch Dressing

When preparing your avocado, make sure to choose one that is ripe but not overly so. It should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not be mushy. This will ensure that your avocado adds a creamy texture to the salad without becoming mushy or overpowering the other ingredients.

Time-Saving Tips for Making This Chicken Salad Recipe

Prep ahead: Cook and dice the chicken, chop the vegetables, and make the dressing in advance to save time when assembling the salad.

Use a rotisserie chicken: Save time by using a store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking and dicing the chicken yourself.

Invest in a good quality pre-made tahini ranch dressing: Using a pre-made dressing can save time and still deliver great flavor.

Multi-task: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the other ingredients to make the most of your time in the kitchen.

Organize your ingredients: Having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go will streamline the salad-making process.

Batch cooking: Cook extra chicken to use in other recipes throughout the week, saving time on future meal prep.

Efficient chopping: Use efficient chopping techniques to quickly dice the avocado, cucumber, and onion for the salad.

One-pot cooking: Consider using one-pot cooking methods to cook the chicken and any accompanying ingredients simultaneously, saving time and cleanup.

Substitute Ingredients For Tahini Ranch Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe

tahini ranch dressing - Substitute with Greek yogurt mixed with tahini and ranch seasoning: This substitute provides a similar creamy and tangy flavor to the original dressing, while reducing the overall fat content.
avocado - Substitute with hummus: Hummus provides a creamy texture and a nutty flavor that can complement the salad, offering a similar richness to the dish.
pepitas - Substitute with sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds offer a similar nutty crunch and texture to pepitas, adding a delightful contrast to the salad.
english cucumber - Substitute with regular cucumber: Regular cucumber can be used as a substitute for English cucumber, providing a similar fresh and crisp texture to the salad.
red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can be used as a substitute for red onion, offering a milder flavor and a hint of sweetness to the salad.

How to Beautifully Present Tahini Ranch Avocado Chicken Salad

Elevate the salad greens: Arrange the mixed greens in a visually appealing manner, ensuring they are evenly spread and create a vibrant base for the dish.
Highlight the diced cooked chicken: Arrange the chicken in a neat and structured manner, ensuring it is evenly distributed and showcases its succulent texture.
Showcase the ripe avocado: Slice the avocado into elegant, fan-like shapes and position them strategically to draw attention to their creamy texture and rich flavor.
Artfully arrange the English cucumber: Slice the cucumber into delicate rounds or ribbons and position them in an eye-catching pattern to add a refreshing crunch to the dish.
Incorporate the red onion: Slice the red onion thinly and scatter it across the dish, adding a pop of color and a hint of sharpness to complement the other flavors.
Sprinkle with pepitas: Generously sprinkle the pepitas over the salad, ensuring they are evenly distributed to add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
Drizzle with tahini ranch dressing: Use a delicate hand to drizzle the tahini ranch dressing over the salad, creating an artistic pattern that enhances the overall presentation without overwhelming the ingredients.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Recipe

Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for chopping, pureeing, and blending ingredients. It's great for making sauces, dressings, or even grinding nuts and seeds for the tahini ranch dressing in the recipe.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the salad ingredients and dressing. It's where you'll toss the greens, chicken, avocado, cucumber, onion, and pepitas with the tahini ranch dressing.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Tahini Ranch Avocado Chicken Salad

This chicken salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you want to prepare the salad in advance, store the mixed greens, diced chicken, cucumber, red onion, and pepitas separately in the refrigerator. Slice the avocado and dress the salad just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting and the avocado from browning.
To keep the avocado fresh and prevent browning, squeeze a little lemon juice over the surface and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before storing it in the refrigerator.
If you have leftover tahini ranch dressing, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Give it a good stir before using it again, as the ingredients may separate over time.
This salad is not suitable for freezing due to the delicate nature of the mixed greens and avocado. However, you can freeze the diced chicken for up to 3 months in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator before using it in the salad.

How To Reheat Leftover Tahini Ranch Avocado Chicken Salad

The best way to reheat leftover tahini ranch avocado chicken salad is to remove the avocado and reheat the chicken, onion, and pepitas in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. This will help to preserve the texture and flavor of the ingredients.
If you prefer a cold salad, you can simply remove the avocado and store the remaining ingredients in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, dice a fresh avocado and add it to the salad along with a fresh drizzle of tahini ranch dressing.
For a quick and easy reheat, you can also microwave the leftover salad (minus the avocado) in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Be sure to stir the salad between intervals to ensure even heating.
If you want to get creative with your leftovers, try using the chicken salad as a filling for a wrap or sandwich. Simply warm the chicken, onion, and pepitas in a skillet, then spoon the mixture onto a tortilla or bread along with some fresh greens and diced avocado. Drizzle with extra tahini ranch dressing for added flavor.

Interesting Trivia About Tahini Ranch Avocado Chicken Salad

Tahini ranch avocado chicken salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that combines the creaminess of avocado with the savory flavors of chicken and tahini ranch dressing. This salad is packed with protein, healthy fats, and a variety of nutrients, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal option. Avocado is a great source of potassium and fiber, while chicken provides lean protein. The combination of these ingredients creates a flavorful and filling salad that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. Additionally, the tahini ranch dressing adds a unique and tangy flavor to the dish, making it a standout recipe for any occasion.

Budget-Friendly: Is This Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?

The cost-effectiveness of this tahini ranch avocado chicken salad recipe largely depends on the availability and prices of the ingredients. The use of chicken and avocado might make it slightly more expensive, but the dish offers a good balance of protein and healthy fats. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20-$25. The dish's versatility and nutritional value make it a solid choice for a healthy meal, earning a verdict of 8 out of 10 for its taste and health benefits.

Is This Chicken Salad Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

The tahini ranch avocado chicken salad recipe is a healthy and nutritious meal option. Here's why:

Mixed greens provide a variety of vitamins, minerals, and fiber
Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein
Avocado offers healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber
Cucumbers and red onions add crunch and additional nutrients
Pepitas (pumpkin seeds) provide healthy fats, protein, and minerals
Tahini ranch dressing, depending on the recipe, can be a healthier alternative to traditional ranch dressing

However, there are a few ways to make this salad even healthier:

Use a homemade tahini ranch dressing with Greek yogurt as a base to reduce calories and increase protein
Add more colorful vegetables like cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, or bell peppers to boost the nutrient profile
Opt for organic, free-range chicken to ensure higher quality protein and fewer additives
Reduce the amount of dressing used, or serve it on the side, to control calorie intake
Consider adding a whole grain, such as quinoa or farro, to increase fiber and complex carbohydrates

By incorporating these suggestions, you can elevate the already healthy tahini ranch avocado chicken salad into an even more nutrient-dense and satisfying meal that supports overall health and well-being.

Editor's Opinion on the Flavors of This Dish

This tahini ranch avocado chicken salad recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The creamy avocado, tender chicken, and crunchy pepitas are perfectly complemented by the tangy and savory tahini ranch dressing. The addition of cucumber and red onion adds a refreshing crunch and a pop of color. This salad is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a perfect choice for a light and satisfying meal. The flavors come together beautifully, creating a dish that is both satisfying and refreshing. It's a wonderful option for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.

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

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus: Toss asparagus in olive oil, garlic, and parmesan cheese, then roast until tender and crispy.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Sauté carrots in a honey glaze until they are caramelized and tender, then sprinkle with fresh herbs for a pop of flavor.

Mango Salsa: Combine diced mango, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro for a refreshing and sweet salsa to complement the savory chicken salad.

Creamy Mashed Cauliflower: Steam cauliflower until soft, then mash with butter, cream, and seasonings for a healthier alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Enjoy This Chicken Salad

Spicy Beef Stir-Fry: This spicy beef stir-fry is a perfect combination of tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and a flavorful sauce that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: Indulge in this creamy and tropical mango coconut chia pudding that is not only delicious but also packed with healthy nutrients.

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl: Enjoy a hearty and nutritious meal with this roasted vegetable quinoa bowl, filled with colorful veggies and protein-packed quinoa for a satisfying dish.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Treat yourself to a zesty and savory lemon garlic shrimp pasta that is quick and easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Berry Almond Crisp: Satisfy your sweet tooth with this warm and comforting berry almond crisp, featuring juicy berries and a crunchy almond topping for the perfect dessert.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Tahini Ranch Avocado Chicken Salad

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory and indulgent, these stuffed mushrooms are the perfect bite-sized appetizer for any occasion. Filled with a delicious mixture of cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs, they are sure to impress your guests.

Crispy Zucchini Fries: These crispy zucchini fries are a healthier alternative to traditional french fries, but just as delicious. Coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture and baked to perfection, they are the perfect appetizer to satisfy any craving.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant and decadent dessert experience.

Berry Parfait: Layer juicy mixed berries with creamy Greek yogurt and crunchy granola for a refreshing and satisfying parfait that is perfect for a light and healthy dessert option.

Why trust this Tahini Ranch Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful combination of tahini ranch dressing and avocado, providing a creamy and flavorful base for the salad. The addition of diced cooked chicken ensures a satisfying and protein-packed meal. The use of english cucumber and red onion adds a refreshing crunch and a pop of color. The inclusion of pepitas provides a nutty and crunchy texture. With these fresh and wholesome ingredients, this recipe promises a delightful and nourishing dining experience.

Share your thoughts on this Tahini Ranch Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any tips or variations to suggest!

FAQ:

What is tahini ranch dressing?

Tahini ranch dressing is a creamy and flavorful dressing made with tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds, combined with traditional ranch dressing ingredients such as buttermilk, mayonnaise, and herbs. It has a rich and nutty flavor with a hint of tanginess from the buttermilk.

Can I use a different type of dressing for this salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any dressing of your choice. A lemon vinaigrette, balsamic vinaigrette, or even a simple olive oil and vinegar dressing would work well with this salad.

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Of course! You can easily substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, chickpeas, or even sliced steak. The salad will still be delicious and satisfying with your preferred protein.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and consider adding more vegetables or protein alternatives such as tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas to make it a hearty and satisfying vegetarian salad.

Can I prepare the salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the salad components in advance, but it's best to wait to add the dressing until just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp. If you need to prepare it ahead of time, store the components and dressing separately and combine them just before serving.