Bariatric-Friendly Avocado Chicken Salad
This Bariatric-Friendly Avocado Chicken Salad combines creamy avocado, lean chicken breast, and fresh herbs to create a nutritious, satisfying, and easy-to-digest meal. Perfect for those following a bariatric diet, this salad provides a balanced source of protein and healthy fats, with a refreshing crunch and bright flavors that support weight loss and digestive health.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (if cooking chicken fresh)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 to 1½ cups cooked lean, skinless chicken breast, shredded or diced
Base and Creaminess
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt alternative for dairy-free variation)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 tbsp diced celery
- 2 tbsp chopped green onion
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (or substitute with fresh basil or dill)
Seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Variations
- Dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño for heat
- 1 tbsp chia seeds or chopped walnuts for crunch and omega-3s
- Additional diced cucumber or bell peppers for extra texture and nutrients
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Shred or dice cooked lean chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Use freshly cooked or leftover chicken that is tender and easy to chew.
- Mash the Avocado: Scoop the avocado flesh into a medium bowl and mash it with a fork. Add fresh lemon juice as you mash to maintain vibrant color and add brightness.
- Mix in Greek Yogurt: Stir Greek yogurt into the mashed avocado to create a creamy, light base for the salad.
- Incorporate Veggies and Herbs: Fold diced celery, chopped green onion, and your choice of fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley into the avocado mixture to add flavor and crunch.
- Combine with Chicken and Season: Gently mix the shredded chicken into the avocado mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, balancing flavor without overwhelming the dish.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
Notes
- Use ripe avocados that are soft but not overripe for optimal creaminess.
- For tender and moist chicken, bake or poach rather than frying.
- Control portion sizes to best support your bariatric dietary requirements.
- Fresh herbs enhance aroma and nutritional value significantly.
- Chilling the salad enhances flavor blending and keeps it refreshing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for best taste and texture.
- Freezing is not recommended as avocado texture degrades.
- Serve chilled; reheat chicken separately if a warm option is preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 recipe
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: bariatric diet, avocado chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, low-fat protein, bariatric-friendly, gluten free, weight loss salad
