This high protein chicken salad is one of those easy throw-together meals that somehow tastes like you put in effort. It's made with canned chicken, mashed avocado, Greek yogurt, and lime juice, so it's creamy, fresh, and full of flavor without any mayo. You can keep it simple or load it up with extras like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or jalapeños. I make this when I want something quick, filling, and actually good. Eat it with a fork, in a wrap, or piled onto toast, it works for whatever mood you’re in.
How to Make High Protein Chicken Salad
To make this chicken salad, you'll just mash up a ripe avocado in a bowl, toss in your canned chicken, then stir in the Greek yogurt, lime juice, and seasonings. That's the base. You can stop right there and it's already good. Everything mixes up fast and you don't even have to cook a thing, just open, dump, mix, done. It's especially handy for those "I forgot to meal prep" days or when you're staring into the fridge hoping something will magically appear.
The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to customize. If you like it spicy, dice up a jalapeño or add a few dashes of hot sauce. For crunch, toss in chopped cucumber, celery, or even a handful of crushed-up pork rinds if that's your thing. Cherry tomatoes give it a little sweetness and color, but they're totally optional. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley brighten things up and make it feel just a little more put together.
You can serve this high protein chicken salad so many different ways. Scoop it over a bed of lettuce, stuff it into a low carb wrap, spread it on toast, or pile it into a halved avocado for extra avocado-on-avocado action. It's one of those recipes that fits into whatever you've got going on that day. Whether you're eating low carb, high protein, or just trying to get through lunch without making a mess, this one is it.
Ingredients You'll Need For This Recipe
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Step By Step Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and serve however you like, over greens, in a wrap, or on toast.
FAQ
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, but it's best eaten fresh due to the avocado. If prepping in advance, add the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
- What kind of chicken works best? Rotisserie, canned, poached, grilled, or leftover baked chicken all work well. Just avoid heavily seasoned or sauced chicken.
- How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Avocado may brown slightly but will still taste good.
- Can I make this dairy-free? Absolutely! Replace Greek yogurt with mashed avocado or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
- What can I serve this with? Great on whole grain toast, in a lettuce wrap, stuffed into pita, or served over greens for a light salad bowl. Whatever fits for your lifestyle!
I hope you give this high protein chicken salad a try, it's a super easy win every time. Let me know how you make it your own or what you serve it with. Enjoy! xoxo Olivia
PIN FOR LATER!
High Protein Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked canned chicken shredded or chopped
- 1 large ripe avocado or two small ones, mashed
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- Juice of 1 lime
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon cumin (optional)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- diced cucumber or jalapeño for crunch or heat (optional)
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and serve however you like, over greens, in a wrap, or on toast.
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