Healthy Chicken, Avocado and Bean Salad
This Mexican-inspired black bean salad is sure to be a hit. Who can say no to tender chicken, black beans, creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and fresh cilantro? Certainly not me. You definitely won’t miss the lettuce in this awesome lettuce-less salad that’s perfect for your next lunch, healthy and naturally gluten-free dinner, or for a casual backyard get-together. The avocado chicken salad is easy, ready in 20 minutes, and has so much flavor thanks to cumin, chili powder, garlic, lime juice, cilantro, and more. And between the protein in the chicken, the fiber in the black beans, the healthy fats in the avocado, and all the veggies, this Mexican black bean salad will keep you satisfied for hours!
What’s in the Black Bean Avocado Salad?
Here’s what you’ll need to make the chicken and avocado bean salad:
Olive oil Chicken breasts Cumin and chili powder Garlic Black beans Cherry or grape tomatoes Green onions Avocado Fresh cilantro Lime juice Apple cider vinegar Agave or honey
How to Make Chicken Black Bean Avocado Salad
This is an easy bean, chicken, and avocado salad recipe that’s good to have on hand. To make this chicken avocado black bean salad, first cook the diced chicken in a skillet with some olive oil, cumin and chili powder (this should only take about 5 minutes). Add the garlic to the pan and sauté for a minute, or until it becomes fragrant. Add the black beans to the skillet and season with salt and pepper, to taste. You only need to cook the beans until they’re slightly warmed through! Transfer the contents of the skillet to a large bowl, and stir in the remaining ingredients. This Mexican black bean salad is best enjoyed right away, but it will keep in the fridge for up to three days. The avocado will likely brown, but it’ll still be okay to eat!
Can I Make Changes to This Recipe?
Yes! This bean and avocado chicken salad is a very flexible recipe, and you can add extra ingredients based on what you have and enjoy. Add some shredded cheese, queso fresco, or cotija cheese. Or swap out the green onions for red onions. Try red bell peppers instead of tomatoes. And if you have fresh summer corn, it would be great in this black bean avocado salad. Some crumbs from the bottom of the bag of tortilla chips, Doritos, or Fritos? They would add awesome crunch, texture, and a salty pizazz.
Tips for Making the Bean, Chicken and Avocado Salad
Want to bulk it up and feed a crowd? Add a half pound of cooked pasta, like bowtie or ziti. You dress up this salad so many different ways depending on your mood! Another key thing to note: when you’re mixing the salad together, based the exact quantities of ingredients you’re using (i.e. 2 avocados rather than 1, closer to 1.25 pounds of chicken rather than 1), if your salad seems drier than you like, you may want to add an additional drizzle of olive oil, and/or extra lime juice or vinegar to coat everything nicely. I didn’t have to, but just in case I wanted to share that tip (I hate dry food). Finally, it’s important to season the salad properly so that all the ingredients taste their best. Salt and pepper are your friends, so don’t be afraid to add them if necessary.
More Healthy Mexican Recipes:
Avocado Black Bean Mexican Salad – EASY, ready in 10 minutes, and there’s so much FLAVOR from the lime-cumin-chili vinaigrette!! Great for lunch or a meatless Monday dinner! Accidentally vegan, gluten-free, HEALTHY, and DELISH!! Tried this recipe? Leave a review! Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes!
Grilled Corn Salad with Chicken — An EASY salad that’s ready in 15 minutes and you won’t be able to stop eating it!! Tender chicken, juicy corn, crisp bell peppers and tomatoes, creamy avocado, cilantro, and fresh lime juice for the WIN!!
Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad – An EASY and HEALTHY salad that’s ready in 10 minutes and you won’t be able to stop eating it!! Juicy corn, creamy avocado, cilantro, and fresh lime juice is a FIESTA in your mouth!!
Avocado, Black Bean and Corn Salad with Lime-Cumin Vinaigrette – Everything tastes better with avocado! Easy, healthy and tons of flavor!
Grilled Chicken With Watermelon Mango Mint Salsa – The chicken is tender, juicy, and the easy salsa made with watermelon, mango, and mint adds so much fresh flavor! Healthy, fast, easy, zero cleanup, perfect for backyard barbecues or easy weeknight dinners!
Skinny Mexican Bean and Corn Salad – Two kinds of beans, juicy corn, tomatoes, peppers, and more tossed in a light chili-lime-cumin vinaigrette! Healthy, easy, ready in 5 minutes, and loaded with flavor!!
Taco-Stuffed Avocados – Like avocados? Then you are going to love these taco stuffed avocados with ground beef, cheese, and more! Easy. ready in 15 minutes, a family favorite, and perfect for busy weeknights!
Originally published August 13, 2018 and republished July 8, 2020 with updated text.
