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Alright, lets get real for a sec. We've all been there: staring blankly into the fridge, wondering what to make for dinner after a long day. Ordering takeout is tempting, but our wallets and waistlines often scream otherwise. That's where this magical Chicken and Avocado Salad comes in. It's not just a recipe; it's a lifesaver, a time-saver, and a delicious way to eat healthy without sacrificing flavor.
The secret to making this salad freezer-friendly lies in how you prepare and store the avocado. Instead of adding it directly to the salad mixture, we'll freeze it separately in chunks. This prevents it from turning mushy and brown when thawed. And honestly? Sometimes I just throw it in the freezer when I have too many ripe avocados and can't eat them quick enough!. It has saved me so many avocados from the trash can.
And I forgot to mention something, a friend of mine told me, she actually had this salad while on a camping trip and it was so easy to make since most of the ingredients were prepared beforehand. If you're on the go, or just like a good salad you can pack this chicken avocado salad for all of your fun adventures! I'm so happy to share with you guys one of my favorite recipes! I think you will absolutely love this Chicken and Avocado Salad. It's the perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and savory, and it's so easy to customize with your favorite add-ins. Plus, knowing you have a healthy and delicious meal waiting in the freezer is a huge stress reliever.
Required Equipments
Large Bowl
Small Bowl
Whisk
Baking Sheet
Freezer-Safe Bags or Containers
Parchment Paper
Freezer Friendly Chicken and Avocado Salad: Frequently Asked Questions
Freezer Friendly Chicken and Avocado Salad
Looking for a scrumptious and healthy meal prep idea? This freezer-friendly Chicken and Avocado Salad is your answer! Packed with protein, healthy fats, and vibrant flavors, it's perfect for busy weeknights or a quick lunch on the go. Don't worry, I know the word "avocado" and "freezer" might sound alarming, but with the right steps, it's totally doable.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:4 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Cook the Chicken: If you're starting with raw chicken breasts, cook them using your preferred method – baking, grilling, or poaching. I like to poach mine for about 15-20 minutes until cooked through to an internal temp of 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken cool completely.
Dice the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooled, dice it into bite-sized pieces. You can also shred it if you prefer a finer texture. Make sure there are no bone pieces. Once I almost choked on a bone! Eek!
Prepare the Avocado: Gently peel and pit the avocados. Dice them into small chunks, about 1/2 inch in size. It's important that the avocados are still a little firm and not too overly ripe or it will not freeze well.
Freeze the Avocado: Arrange the diced avocado chunks in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flash freeze for about 1-2 hours, or until the avocado is solid. This prevents them from sticking together when stored.
Store the Avocado: Transfer the frozen avocado chunks to a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out any excess air before sealing. Label the bag with the date and contents, so you don't forget what's in there!
Combine Remaining Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, chopped celery, red onion, fresh cilantro, and any other vegetables you're using. You can add other herbs, but my favorites are fresh cilantro and dill.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Mix and Store: Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir gently to combine, ensuring that everything is evenly coated. And I mean gently!!! You don't want to end up with chicken mush.
Freeze the Salad: Transfer the chicken salad mixture to a freezer-safe container. Pack it tightly to minimize air exposure. Be sure to leave about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of the container to allow for expansion during freezing. The container should be air tight.
Thaw and Serve: When ready to eat, thaw the frozen chicken salad in the refrigerator overnight. Stir in the frozen avocado chunks just before serving. And that's it!
📝 Notes
For best results, use high-quality mayonnaise.
Add other vegetables like bell peppers, cucumber, or tomatoes.