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Chicken Black Bean Avocado Salad

Chicken Black Bean Avocado Salad
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Chicken Black Bean Avocado Salad is a vibrant, nutritious, and satisfying dish perfect for any meal or snack. Combining tender cooked chicken, creamy ripe avocado, hearty black beans, fresh cilantro, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lime dressing, this salad offers a delicious blend of textures and flavors. It’s quick to prepare, versatile, and packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats for a wholesome and guilt-free eating experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Base

  • 1 to 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, diced
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Cook or shred your chicken breast if not pre-cooked. Rinse and drain the black beans thoroughly. Dice the ripe avocado and cherry tomatoes. Finely chop the red onion and fresh cilantro to ensure even distribution of flavor throughout the salad.
  2. Combine the Salad Base: In a large bowl, gently toss together the cooked chicken, rinsed black beans, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and chopped cilantro. Mix carefully to keep avocado chunks intact for creamy bites.
  3. Dress the Salad: Add freshly squeezed lime juice and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss lightly to coat all ingredients evenly with the zesty dressing.
  4. Taste and Adjust: Sample the salad and adjust seasoning as needed. You can add more lime juice for acidity or a pinch more salt to enhance the overall flavor.
  5. Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest flavor or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully before enjoying.

Notes

  • Use fresh limes for the best flavor; bottled lime juice can’t replicate the brightness.
  • Keep avocado in chunks to maintain a creamy texture contrast rather than mashing it.
  • Ensure chicken is cooked evenly using a meat thermometer or checking slices for doneness to avoid dryness.
  • Rinse canned black beans well to reduce sodium and improve taste.
  • Add avocado just before serving if preparing ahead to prevent browning.
  • Leftovers last up to 2 days in an airtight container in the fridge; store avocado separately if possible.
  • Freezing is not recommended because avocado and fresh vegetables lose texture after thawing.
  • This salad is best served cold or at room temperature; no reheating necessary.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken salad, black bean salad, avocado salad, healthy salad, gluten free, protein-packed salad, quick salad, meal prep

Find it online: https://dailydishez.com/chicken-black-bean-avocado-salad/