When you head to your next big BBQ this summer, instead of bringing Mom’s world famous potato salad (maybe we exaggerated that a bit, her fame hasn’t exactly gone international just yet), opt for this creamy chicken avocado salad. It is packed with protein, delicious flavor and healthy monounsaturated fats. You’ll like it so much, you’ll want to lick the bowl!
Since chicken is the most popular poultry in the world, it’s healthy benefits aside from being high in protein, can often be ignored. They are rich in vitamins and minerals like B6, Niacin, Zinc and Iron. It also helps to control blood pressure, relieves stress and can boost testosterone levels.
Avocados are one of nature’s superfoods. About 75% of it’s calories come from monounsaturated fats. The majority of the fat is in the form of Oleic acid which has been linked to reduced inflammation and potentially harmful cholesterol and may combat heart disease. They’re also abundant in antioxidants that protect cells from nasty free radicals and they are a good source of dietary fiber, copper, folate and essential vitamins like K, C, B5, B6 and E. They’re also loaded with potassium, which is an important mineral for water balance, electrolytic functions and even muscle strength.
Garlic is another ingredient in this recipe worth noting. It’s high in a sulfur compound called allicin, which is also found in onions. Allicin is the phytochemical that makes it so pungent; it’s strong in other ways as well – it has antimicrobial properties by inhibiting bacteria and viruses, and also yeasts. In addition to improving the immune system, garlic has been shown to decrease the risk of cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. For you gym goers, garlic also enhances protein synthesis, which means more lean muscle for you!
Finally, limes aren’t just a sweet and sour medley in your mouth, they have a number of benefits, too. They aid in digestion, relieve constipation, aid in weight loss, useful for eye health and rejuvenate skin. It is one of the most popular citrus fruits used for medicinal purposes.
Ingredients:
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
2 avocados, diced
¼ cup celery, chopped
2 green onions, chopped
½ teaspoon garlic powder or 1 teaspoon minced garlic
½ teaspoon seasoning salt
¼ teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon dijon mustard
1½ tablespoons reduced fat mayo or paleo alternative
1½ tablespoons fat free plain greek yogurt
Fresh lime juice to taste
Optional: lettuce and tomatoes.
For you bread lovers, try this on a hoagie roll or pita. It also mixes great with jasmine rice or quinoa.
Directions:
- Add garlic powder, seasoning salt, sugar, dijon mustard, mayo, greek yogurt, and lime to a medium bowl. Stir to combine.
- Add chicken, avocados, celery, and onions and stir to coat well. Add additional toppings such as lettuce and tomatoes.
- Optional: Spread mixture onto hoagie rolls or stuff into pita pockets. Enjoy!
