If you’re looking for a vibrant, hearty dish that combines freshness with satisfying protein, you’ve hit the jackpot with this Easy Chicken Black Bean Avocado Salad Recipe. It’s a glorious mix of tender chicken, creamy avocado, and zingy lime dressing, all tossed with colorful black beans, corn, and juicy cherry tomatoes. Whether you need a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a crowd-pleasing picnic treat, this salad is bursting with flavors and textures that make every bite a delight. Plus, it’s so simple to whip up that you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this delicious Easy Chicken Black Bean Avocado Salad Recipe, you’ll want to gather fresh, wholesome ingredients that each bring something special to the party—whether it’s a pop of color, a burst of flavor, or a satisfying texture.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast: Shredded or chopped, this protein-packed base keeps the salad hearty and filling.
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans: Rinsed and drained for a creamy, earthy balance and extra fiber.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes: Halved to add juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 avocado: Diced for that rich, buttery texture that makes the salad luxuriously smooth.
- ½ cup corn: Fresh, canned, or thawed—corn adds a subtle sweetness and satisfying crunch.
- ¼ cup red onion: Finely chopped for a gentle sharpness and a little zing.
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro: Chopped to infuse a bright, herby kick.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: The perfect base for your dressing, adding richness and helping to meld the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: For that essential citrus brightness that lifts the entire salad.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Adds warm, earthy notes that play beautifully with the black beans and chicken.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: A gentle garlic flavor without overpowering the freshness of the ingredients.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To season perfectly and enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Easy Chicken Black Bean Avocado Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and toss together your cooked chicken, black beans, cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, corn, finely chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro. This colorful medley forms the heart of your salad, a satisfying blend of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds sing.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This dressing is where the magic happens—bringing a zesty, earthy, and slightly tangy flavor that ties everything together with ease.
Step 3: Dress and Toss Gently
Pour your freshly made dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together, taking care not to mash the avocado. You want every bite to have a perfect balance of creaminess, zest, and freshness. If you want, chill the salad for about 15 to 30 minutes to let the flavors mingle beautifully.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Black Bean Avocado Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of extra cilantro or a few lime wedges on the side for guests to add a fresh squeeze. A dash of chili flakes or some sliced jalapeños can also bring a fun spicy twist if you like a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
This salad shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with warm tortilla chips for scooping, a side of quinoa for extra sustenance, or even some grilled veggies for a colorful, wholesome plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Feel like mixing it up? Serve this salad in crunchy lettuce cups to make finger-friendly bites, layer it over a bed of leafy greens for a hearty main salad, or even stuff it into whole wheat pita pockets for a quick handheld lunch. Its versatility is one of the reasons this Easy Chicken Black Bean Avocado Salad Recipe is such a keeper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To keep the avocado from browning too quickly, add an extra squeeze of lime juice before sealing. The salad will stay fresh and tasty for up to two days.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh because the avocado’s creamy texture doesn’t freeze well. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken and black beans separately if you want to prepare ahead, then combine everything fresh when ready to serve.
Reheating
Since this is a no-cook salad, reheating isn’t necessary, nor recommended. Instead, simply give your salad a gentle stir after it’s been chilled and enjoy the fresh, bright flavors as they are.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken adds fantastic flavor and saves you prep time, making this Easy Chicken Black Bean Avocado Salad Recipe even easier to throw together on busy days.
Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, but keep in mind avocado may brown over time. To prevent this, add the avocado fresh or toss the entire salad with additional lime juice just before serving.
Can I add other veggies to the recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in diced bell peppers, cucumber, or even some shredded carrots to boost crunch and color.
What can I substitute for black beans if I don’t have any?
Pinto beans or kidney beans work well and provide a similar texture and taste profile in this salad.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients in this Easy Chicken Black Bean Avocado Salad Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious choice.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something that’s quick, fresh, and packed with vibrant flavors, this Easy Chicken Black Bean Avocado Salad Recipe is a must-try. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a hug in a bowl—comfy, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. I promise once you make it, this salad will become a regular go-to for lunches, dinners, or when you want to impress guests without the fuss. Give it a whirl and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Easy Chicken Black Bean Avocado Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Chicken Black Bean Avocado Salad is a quick, nutritious, and flavorful no-cook meal perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Featuring tender chicken breast, creamy avocado, black beans, and fresh vegetables, it’s tossed in a zesty lime and cumin dressing that brings out vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors. Ready in just 15 minutes, this salad is perfect for those seeking a healthy, gluten-free option packed with protein and fiber.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 avocado (diced)
- ½ cup corn (fresh, canned, or thawed from frozen)
- ¼ cup red onion (finely chopped)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooked chicken, black beans, halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, corn, finely chopped red onion, and chopped fresh cilantro. Mix gently to combine.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well blended, creating a zesty and aromatic dressing.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to coat everything evenly, taking care not to mash the avocado for the best texture.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste, or chill it in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and deepen before serving.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, use grilled or rotisserie chicken instead of plain cooked chicken.
- This salad can be enjoyed on its own as a filling meal or served over greens for added freshness.
- It also works well in lettuce wraps or paired with tortilla chips for a fun and easy appetizer or snack.
