Chicken Salad in an Avocado Bowl

My paternal grandmother was an artist and an amazing cook. One of my favorite things she served was chicken salad. But, this was no ordinary chicken salad. She made it with a ton of goodies mixed in – like fruit, veggies and nuts. She'd serve it with a green salad as well as different types of bread and crackers. It was a perfect family style meal because there was something for everyone. Even at a young age, I remember thinking that I would make this dish when I was grown up.

I'm not sure if I'm a grown up or not yet, but I love re-creating her chicken salad recipe. I often modify it depending on what's in our fridge and cabinets. And, like my grandma, I enjoy experimenting with different ways to serve the salad.

Currently I've been neglecting the bread completely and instead scoop the chicken salad into an avocado. Although I'm a total carb-o-holic, I don't miss the bread at all in this dish. There is so much going on – different textures and flavors – but it's protein-packed and therefore super filling at the same time. A win, win, in my book.

Next time you have leftover chicken at dinner, whip up some chicken salad in an avocado bowl. Wrap it up and tomorrow's lunch is all set, and guaranteed to be soggy-free (is there anything worse than soggy sandwich bread? Ugh.) Tested and approved in our household.

Chicken Salad in an Avocado Bowl

Makes 4 servings

1 cooked chicken breast (or use canned chicken or tuna)
1 celery stock, diced
1/2 diced apple
1/4 cup diced dried apricots
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/4 cup diced red onion
2 T diced green onion
1/4 cup mayonaise
Salt + pepper
2 ripe avocados

Cube chicken breast into small pieces, and toss in a bowl along with celery, apple, dried apricots, almonds, and red and green onion. Mix in the mayo until covered evenly, and add salt and pepper to taste.

Cut both avocados in half length wise and remove pit. Line avocado halves on a plate and use an ice cream scoop to spoon a large scoop of chicken salad onto each avocado half. Serve cold.