Name: Healthy Greek Yogurt Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded or cubed cooked chicken; 1 medium ripe avocado; ½ cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 teaspoon fresh dill (or ½ teaspoon dried); ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon lime juice; ½ teaspoon fine sea salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 74 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a fresh, creamy, and wholesome chicken salad that doesn’t skimp on flavor or nutrition, you’re going to love this Healthy Greek Yogurt Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe. It’s my go-to for when I want a light but satisfying meal that feels indulgent without all the guilt. The combo of ripe avocado and tangy Greek yogurt makes it irresistibly smooth and healthy, perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a picnic snack. Stick with me and I’ll share exactly how to nail it every time, plus some tips and twists I swear by!

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Why This Recipe Works

Creamy & Light: Greek yogurt and avocado team up to create a rich, creamy texture without tons of mayo or heavy dressings.
Flavor Balance: The lime juice and dill bring bright, fresh notes that cut through the creaminess beautifully.
Protein-Packed & Nourishing: Loaded with shredded chicken, it’s both filling and good-for-you, perfect for clean-eating lovers.
Easy Prep & Versatile: Ready in under 40 minutes and perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or bowls for any meal.

Healthy Greek Yogurt Avocado Chicken Salad, healthy chicken salad, avocado chicken salad, Greek yogurt chicken salad, light healthy lunch ideas - A brown bowl filled with a creamy, light green mixture that has a chunky texture with visible pieces of shredded white meat mixed inside. The bowl is placed on a wooden board, which rests on a white marbled surface. Behind the bowl, there are two halves of a lime, one facing up showing the green juicy interior, and the other turned to the side. A metal spoon is partially inserted into the mixture in the bowl. The scene is bright and fresh. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Healthy Greek Yogurt Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe is a simple harmony of creamy texture and zesty flavors. Each ingredient plays a special role, and choosing ripe avocado and fresh seasonings will really take your salad up a notch. Here are my top tips for picking and prepping the key ingredients you’ll need:

Chicken: Use cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed—boiling lightly with spices gives it more flavor than plain cooked.
Avocado: Choose a perfectly ripe avocado—that slightly soft touch is crucial for creamy texture and that buttery taste.
Plain Greek Yogurt: This adds creaminess and protein; I love the balance it brings without overpowering the dish.
Fresh Dill: Dill is classic here for brightness; fresh is best, but freeze-dried works well if you don’t have any on hand.
Onion Powder: A subtle way to add mild onion flavor; you can swap for minced onion if you like a crunch.
Garlic Powder: A little punch of garlic flavor without the sharp bite fresh garlic sometimes gives.
Lime Juice: This zesty citrus not only adds flavor but helps keep the avocado from browning too quickly.
Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors perfectly.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I truly believe recipes are meant to be personalized — and this Healthy Greek Yogurt Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe is no exception. Over time, I’ve learned to play around with the flavors to suit whatever mood I’m in or what I have on hand. Don’t hesitate to tweak it!

Adding Crunch: Sometimes I toss in diced celery or chopped apples for an extra textural layer, which adds a fun freshness you might enjoy too.
Herbs Galore: Besides dill, fresh parsley or chives can be wonderful substitutions or additions—I love switching it up seasonally.
Spice it Up: If you like heat, a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika gives a subtle kick that balances the creaminess nicely.
Dietary Switches: For a dairy-free twist, you can replace Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt, though texture changes slightly.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Healthy Greek Yogurt Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken the Flavorful Way

I like to simmer chicken breasts gently in water or broth seasoned with a pinch of garlic powder, salt, pepper, and herbs until it’s tender enough to shred easily. This step takes about 20-30 minutes, but it’s worth the wait because the chicken comes out juicy and flavorful, not dry like some pre-cooked options. Once shredded, I chill it in the fridge while I prepare the rest.

Step 2: Mash the Avocado & Mix the Dressing

In a large bowl, mash that ripe avocado until creamy — slight lumps are okay because they add texture. Stir in the Greek yogurt until everything’s smooth and combined. Then pop in the fresh dill, onion powder, garlic powder, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. This blend becomes your delicious, tangy dressing base.

Step 3: Combine Chicken and Chill for Flavor Fusion

Add the cooled shredded chicken to your avocado-yogurt mixture and fold it all together gently. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, although I often leave it an hour or more. This resting time lets the flavors meld and deepen, so don’t skip it. When you’re ready, give it one last stir and you’re good to go!

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Pro Tips for Making Healthy Greek Yogurt Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe

Pick Ripe Avocados: I always do the gentle squeeze test to avoid under-ripe or overly mushy avocados which affect texture badly.
Chill Time Is Key: Don’t skip chilling — it helps those flavors really come together, making every bite taste harmonious.
Use Fresh Lime Juice: Bottled sometimes tastes flat; fresh lime juice lifts the flavors and also helps slow browning.
Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold in the chicken to keep pieces intact and avoid a mushy salad texture.

How to Serve Healthy Greek Yogurt Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top mine with some freshly chopped parsley or an extra sprinkle of dill for that fresh green pop. A few red pepper flakes add a fun color and gentle heat that wakes up the palate. Sometimes I like scattering toasted sunflower seeds or sliced almonds for a bit of crunch — it’s all about balance!

Side Dishes

This salad is fantastic served alongside crisp cucumber slices or sweet cherry tomatoes to echo the freshness. I also love pairing it with crunchy whole grain crackers or wrapped in a spinach tortilla for a quick, wholesome meal. On lighter days, a simple bed of mixed greens underneath turns it into a colorful salad bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, try serving this chicken salad in small avocado halves or stuffed into mini bell peppers for colorful bites that impress! I’ve also used it as a topping on toasted slices of sourdough with a drizzle of olive oil for a fancy yet casual snack. It’s great fun to experiment and dress it up according to the occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Healthy Greek Yogurt Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe in an airtight container and press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing to minimize browning from the avocado. It usually keeps fresh in the fridge for up to one day—longer than that, and you might notice color changes, but it’s still fine to eat.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this chicken salad because the avocado and yogurt don’t hold up well to freezing—they tend to separate and get watery. If you want to batch cook, freeze the cooked shredded chicken separately and mix fresh with the avocado-yogurt dressing when you’re ready.

Reheating

Since this salad is meant to be served chilled, I don’t reheat leftovers. If you want a warm meal, use the shredded chicken warmed up separately and prepare the avocado-yogurt mix fresh as a creamy topping or side.

FAQs

Can I make this Healthy Greek Yogurt Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and dressing components ahead, but I recommend assembling the salad just before serving or shortly before to keep the avocado bright and fresh. If mixed early, store tightly sealed in the fridge and consume within 24 hours to avoid browning.
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt in this recipe?

If you’re not a fan of Greek yogurt or need a dairy-free option, try a creamy plant-based yogurt or sour cream. Just keep in mind that texture and tanginess might vary slightly, but the salad will still be delicious and creamy.
How do I prevent the avocado from browning in this chicken salad?

The lime juice in the recipe helps slow browning, but the best trick is to cover the salad tightly with plastic wrap pressed directly onto its surface before sealing the container. Eating it within a day ensures it stays vibrant and fresh.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut and works just fine. If using, shred it and adjust the seasoning as rotisserie chicken can sometimes be more seasoned already.

Final Thoughts

I’ve made this Healthy Greek Yogurt Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe countless times, and it never gets old. It’s that perfect mix of creamy, tangy, and satisfying that feels like a little treat but is actually really nourishing. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding your family, or just want a quick healthy lunch, this recipe’s got your back. Give it a try, tweak it your way, and you’ll soon find it’s one of those kitchen staples you turn to again and again.

Healthy Greek Yogurt Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe