Zesty Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad in Creamy Avocado Cups
Indulge in a refreshing and flavorful Zesty Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad, served in creamy avocado cups. This dish combines tender cooked chicken breasts with the vibrant flavors of jalapeño, fresh cilantro, and a zesty lime dressing, all nestled in perfectly ripe avocado halves. It’s an ideal meal for warm days, picnics, or light lunches, bursting with nutrients and a hint of spice. Perfectly portioned for two, this delightful recipe is sure to impress your family or guests. Serve chilled for the best flavor experience.
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken breasts
3 (cooked (6-7 ounces each, shredded or diced))
Jalapeño
1 (diced, seeds and membranes removed)
Fresh cilantro
4 tablespoons (coarsely chopped)
Lime
1 (juiced (to taste))
Red onion
1/4 (diced fine (to taste))
Mayonnaise
1/3 cup ((to taste))
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon
Cumin
1 teaspoon
Salt and pepper
to taste
Ripe avocados
2 (cut in half, seed removed)
Instructions
1
Begin by thoroughly drying the cooked chicken breasts using a paper towel. This step ensures the chicken absorbs the dressing flavors well.
2
Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and any additional preferred spices like Mexican seasoning.
3
Place the chicken in a flat, microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely with a splatter lid to avoid mess while cooking.
4
Microwave on high for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to check for doneness. Once cooked through, let it cool slightly, then shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, cumin, lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir until everything is well-mixed.
6
Carefully fold in the finely diced red onion, jalapeño, and coarsely chopped cilantro until evenly distributed.
7
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld together.
8
When ready to serve, cut the ripe avocados in half and remove the seeds. Gently scoop out a little bit of the avocado to create a larger opening.
9
Spoon the chilled chicken salad generously into each avocado half, garnishing with additional cilantro if desired. Enjoy this wholesome dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad in Creamy Avocado Cups?
It is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines tender cooked chicken with jalapeño, cilantro, and a lime-based dressing, all served inside ripe avocado halves.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to provide 2 servings.
How long should I refrigerate the chicken salad before serving?
For the best flavor experience, cover the chicken salad and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes, this recipe is naturally low-carb as it uses protein and healthy fats from avocados instead of bread or wraps.
Is the Zesty Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed, including chicken, fresh vegetables, and avocado, are gluten-free.
How do I prepare the chicken for this salad?
The chicken should be cooked, dried with a paper towel, seasoned with salt and pepper, and then shredded or diced into bite-sized pieces.
Can I cook the chicken in the microwave?
Yes, the instructions suggest placing seasoned chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cooking on high for 5-10 minutes until done.
What is in the dressing for this chicken salad?
The dressing consists of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, cumin, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
How do I prepare the avocado cups?
Cut the ripe avocados in half, remove the seeds, and gently scoop out a small amount of the flesh to create a larger opening for the salad.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a hint of spice from the jalapeño, but you can control the heat by removing all seeds and membranes or adjusting the amount of jalapeño used.
What ingredients are needed for the chicken salad mix?
You will need cooked chicken breasts, jalapeño, fresh cilantro, lime juice, red onion, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and cumin.
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver for this recipe.
How much cilantro is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of coarsely chopped fresh cilantro.
How much mayonnaise is required?
You will need 1/3 cup of mayonnaise, though you can adjust this to your personal taste.
What can I use to season the chicken besides salt and pepper?
The recipe suggests using Mexican seasoning or any additional preferred spices to add more depth to the chicken.
Should the chicken salad be served hot or cold?
This dish is best served chilled to enhance the refreshing flavors of the lime and cilantro.
How many avocados do I need?
You will need 2 ripe avocados, which will provide 4 serving cups total when halved.
Can I make this dish for a picnic?
Yes, it is an ideal meal for picnics, but ensure it is kept in a cooler until ready to serve.
How do I prevent the chicken from making the salad soggy?
Drying the cooked chicken breasts thoroughly with a paper towel before mixing ensures the dressing adheres well and prevents excess moisture.
Is cumin necessary for this recipe?
Cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor that complements the lime and cilantro, but it can be omitted if you prefer.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
While fresh lime juice provides the best zest, bottled lime juice can be used as a substitute if fresh is unavailable.
What should I do with the extra avocado I scoop out?
You can mash the extra avocado and mix it directly into the chicken salad for even more creaminess.
How do I store leftovers?
The chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. However, once put into the avocados, it is best eaten immediately to prevent the avocado from browning.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a common healthy substitute for mayonnaise in chicken salad and will add a nice tang.
How many chicken breasts are used?
The recipe calls for 3 chicken breasts, approximately 6-7 ounces each.
Is red onion a required ingredient?
The recipe uses 1/4 of a red onion for crunch and flavor, but it can be adjusted or omitted to your taste.
Is this a good recipe for a light lunch?
Yes, it is specifically described as an ideal meal for light lunches or warm days.
What should I use to cover the dish when microwaving chicken?
Use a splatter lid to loosely cover the microwave-safe dish to avoid making a mess.
Does this recipe include any sugar?
No, this recipe contains no added sugars, making it a wholesome and savory option.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
The flavor profile is zesty, citrusy, and creamy with a mild spicy kick from the jalapeño and onion.