Chicken and avocado salad
Our chicken and avocado salad promises bursts of fresh flavours and exciting textures. Every mouthful is a celebration of food, presenting chicken breast, tinned lentils, and wholemeal pasta with delicious seasoning and vibrant vegetables. Creamy avocado brings a delicate smoothness while edamame beans add a little crunch. Enhanced with a sweet chilli skyr dressing, this simple chicken and avocado salad packs a punch and is the perfect meal for an energising lunch or a tasty dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and avocado salad
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150 g
Wholemeal pasta
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5 g
Butter
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1 tsp
Mild paprika
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300 g
Chicken breasts, skinless
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½
Salt
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200 g
Broccoli
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400 g
Tinned green lentils, drained
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250 g
Edamame beans, thawed
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150 g
Fresh spinach
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1
Large avocado, diced
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Skyr dressing
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1 tbsp
Sweet chilli sauce
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Salt (To taste)
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Instructions
Chicken and avocado salad
Skyr dressing
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
Firmness and freshness are key when you want a top-notch salad. There are no sauces or anything to hide behind, so pick the firmest, freshest-looking vegetables to get the best result. The different crunchy, crisp textures will create a perfectly balanced salad with succulent chicken and silky-smooth avocado.
A key part of cooking pasta to perfection is allowing it to boil until it becomes al dente, which means it still has a bit of bite. Follow the cooking instructions on the package and start checking the pasta a few minutes earlier. Whether you are using fusilli, penne, rigatoni, or another type of pasta, you ideally want each piece to retain its shape and texture, even when mixed with the other ingredients.
Slice the chicken against the natural fibres to keep the meat soft and prevent it from becoming stringy once it has cooled. Thin, even slices elegantly spread on top of the salad will invite hungry guests to dive in and get a bit of everything on their plate.
FAQ: Questions about chicken and avocado salad
Our FAQ have everything covered, from storage advice and prepping the salad in advance to recommended pasta types and serving suggestions. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know.
What type of pasta should I use for chicken and avocado salad?
You can use any pasta type you prefer, for example, bowtie, penne, rotini, or fusilli – either in a wholemeal version or a wheat one. Keep in mind that some shapes will meld more with the other ingredients, while others will stand out and claim attention. Both will result in a delicious salad, so it is only up to you and your preferences to decide.
How should I store chicken and avocado salad?
Store chicken and avocado salad in an airtight container and cool to room temperature before refrigerating. The salad will keep for up to 3 days, but it is best enjoyed within 24 hours. Freezing is not recommended, as it can make ingredients soggy and affect texture, taste, and appearance.
Can I prepare chicken and avocado salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad in advance. If you do so, we recommend storing each element separately until right before serving to maintain the best textures and flavours. Place the prepared ingredients in airtight containers to prevent exposure to air. If you choose to combine the salad in advance, keep the avocado separately in a well-sealed container; otherwise, it will quickly start browning.
What should I serve with my chicken and avocado salad?
This easy yet tasty chicken and avocado salad is enjoyable on its own, perhaps with a side of delicious garlic bread or focaccia. It also works wonderfully as part of a big dinner spread, for example, with herby roasted root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, where the natural sweetness complements the freshness of the broccoli, edamame, and avocado.
Nutritional values per serving
Energy:
493 Kcal
| Energy distribution % | Nutritional values per serving | |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre | - | 12.1 g |
| Protein | 36 % | 43.6 g |
| Fat | 25.9 % | 14.4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38.1 % | 46.3 g |
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Enjoy our chicken and avocado salad with pasta
Our chicken and avocado salad bursts with a rainbow of colour, texture, and flavour, where every ingredient is celebrated. Tender paprika-seasoned chicken is paired with velvety avocado, satisfying wholemeal pasta, and a sweet-and-spicy skyr dressing for a meal you will not forget. The pan-fried chicken delivers warmth against the cool avocado and crunchy edamame. At the same time, wholemeal pasta is a familiar, comforting base that soaks up all of the flavours of the salad.
With tender and hearty green vegetables
Even if vegetables are not usually your number one choice, this recipe transforms greens completely. The crispy spinach leaves, crunchy broccoli, and colourful edamame beans unite in colour and flavour. When incorporated with the tender chicken and sweet chilli skyr dressing, the vegetables take on the new flavours like a dream. Green lentils are the ideal choice for bulking up the salad and adding a subtle underlying earthiness.
Coated in a tangy-sweet skyr dressing
Is a salad complete without an indulgent, tangy dressing? We think the dressing of a salad is just as important as the ingredients within in it, so we have created a mouthwatering sweet chilli skyr dressing for our chicken and avocado salad. The tangy sweetness and gentle hint of heat create a perfect harmony of fresh, vibrant notes and a silky-smooth texture. The dressing has a decadent thickness that lets it coat every piece of pasta, chicken, and vegetables with ease.
Quick and easy meal for any occasion
Our salad with avocado and chicken fits effortlessly into any setting or occasion. Serve it as a light lunch alongside fresh fruit juice for a summer picnic or with egg bites or Baked sweet potatoes on the side for a bigger meal. With an inviting appearance and crowd-pleasing ingredients, this salad is sure to impress no matter what you do.
Go off-script with the recipe
One of the beauties of this recipe is its versatility, so once you have gained experience, why not switch things up and experiment with different ingredients and flavours?
Slices of orange or grapefruit bring a refreshing burst of citrus that pairs deliciously with the indulgent avocado and sweet chilli dressing. For chilli lovers, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing or a dusting of red pepper flakes to spice up the chicken.
A honey mustard vinaigrette or a balsamic glaze is ideal for a lighter touch than our sweet chilli skyr option. For a layer of sophistication, toast a handful of nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, before sprinkling them over the salad for a gentle nutty flavour and moreish crunch.
It is also easy to tailor this recipe to any occasion, adding more chicken if lots of people are joining you, or using a few fresh herbs on top for an elegant finish when serving at a festive dinner table.
You might also want to check these 7 delicious high-protein salads or find inspiration for high-protein, high-fibre meals.
