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Avocado Ranch Chicken Salad

A chicken salad with avocado, ranch, and cashews. Goes best on a pretzel bun.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 1259.1 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Chef's knife For dicing avocado and mincing dill
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Rubber Spatula or Large Spoon For gentle mixing
  • 1 Measuring Spoons For ranch and dill

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 pound diced cooked chicken breast meat
  • ½ cup chopped cashews
  • ½ medium avocado diced
  • 2 ½ tablespoons light ranch dressing
  • 2 ½ tablespoons minced fresh dill
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Mix chicken, cashews, avocado, ranch dressing, dill, salt, and pepper together in a bowl. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

1. Chicken Preparation: Ensure the cooked chicken is completely cooled before mixing to maintain the salad's fresh texture and prevent wilting of the dill. Use uniform dice for best presentation and mouthfeel. 2. Avocado Care: Dice the avocado just before incorporating it to minimize browning. A small squeeze of lime or lemon juice (not in original recipe, but a chef's secret) can also help preserve its vibrant green color and add a bright note. 3. Cashew Enhancement: For an elevated flavor and crunch, lightly toast the cashews in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, then let them cool completely before adding. 4. Chilling: The specified 30-minute chilling period is essential. It allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a more harmonious and refreshing salad. Always taste and adjust seasoning after chilling.