This is probably one of the healthiest things that I’ve made and thought actually tasted really GREAT. It’s basically like a chicken guacamole!

Avocados are packed with vitamins, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids (the GOOD fat, as they say). Eating fats actually sends a signal to your brain to turn off your appetite so eating avocado actually helps keep you fuller for longer. On top of the avocado, you get lean protein from the chicken and even more nutrients from the herbs and veggies! There is ZERO mayo in this salad. When I tried it, I was skeptical that it would be dry, but the lime juice and hot sauce take care of that for you.

Yes, hot sauce. You could absolutely make this without hot sauce, but if you have a Trader Joe’s nearby and haven’t already tried the Green Dragon Hot Sauce, stop what you’re doing and add it to your TJ’s grocery list right now. To be honest with you, I don’t get the name at all. The name sounds like it would be an Asian style sauce, but it’s tomatillo based and very much more Hispanic, in my opinion. I use it in everything (obviously when I’m throwing it in chicken salad), but seriously you can use it on eggs, on salads, tacos, enchiladas, add it to anything you want an extra kick of flavor. I think a decent substitute would be a salsa verde, but this hot sauce packs a punch and it’s not chunky.

OK, moving on!

 

I made a sandwich with my chicken salad. I got some locally grown lettuce at the Farmer’s Market this week and am excited to use it! I topped a toasted Brioche Bun with the lettuce, sliced tomatoes and finally my Avocado Chicken Salad. What a satisfying meal. I hope you try this and enjoy it too!

Update: Makes a great wrap too!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P.S. My toddler loved this chicken salad and she’s going through a “picky” stage so I was super excited to see her eating this up. Give it to the kiddos and see what they think!

Let me know how it turns out. Happy Noshing!