These Chicken Avocado Salad Pinwheels are a fresh and flavorful snack or appetizer, featuring tender chicken, creamy avocado, and crisp veggies wrapped in soft tortillas. They’re perfect for a quick lunch, a party platter, or a refreshing grab-and-go snack that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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3 large flour tortillas
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1 overripe avocado
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½ cup mayonnaise
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Black pepper, to taste
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1 ½ cups shredded cooked chicken
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1 celery rib, finely diced
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1 green onion, diced
Directions
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Dice the celery and green onion.
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In a medium bowl, mash the avocado until smooth.
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Stir the mayonnaise and black pepper into the mashed avocado.
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Fold the shredded chicken into the avocado mixture, ensuring it’s well coated.
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Spread the chicken avocado mixture evenly over each tortilla.
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Sprinkle the diced celery and green onion over the filling.
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Starting from one end, tightly roll each tortilla into a log shape.
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Wrap each roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour or until ready to serve.
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Once ready, remove the plastic wrap and use a bread knife to slice each roll into 1-inch pieces, discarding (or snacking on) the ends.
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Arrange the pinwheels flat on a platter and serve!
Nutrients
Note: These are approximate values per serving (assuming 6 servings):
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Calories: ~230 kcal
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Protein: ~11g
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Fat: ~18g
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Carbohydrates: ~8g
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Fiber: ~2g
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Sugar: ~1g
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Sodium: ~400mg
Why Chicken Avocado Salad Pinwheels Are So Popular
The popularity of Chicken Avocado Salad Pinwheels stems from their perfect blend of taste, texture, and nutrition. Avocado lends a rich, buttery flavor and smooth consistency that pairs perfectly with the hearty, savory notes of cooked chicken. Fresh vegetables like celery and green onion add a necessary crunch, creating a balance that keeps every bite interesting. Their portability, ease of preparation, and vibrant presentation make them a versatile favorite for lunches, meal prep, snack trays, and appetizers. At a time when people are seeking fresher, healthier meal options that don’t sacrifice flavor, these pinwheels offer the ideal solution.
Perfect for Any Meal or Occasion
One of the greatest strengths of Chicken Avocado Salad Pinwheels is their incredible versatility. They are hearty enough to be a standalone lunch, light enough for an afternoon snack, and elegant enough to be part of a larger appetizer spread. These pinwheels shine at baby showers, brunches, potlucks, and picnics, offering a colorful and satisfying choice among typical party fare. Because they can be made ahead and served cold, they’re a stress-free option for hosts who want to provide homemade food without last-minute fuss. Whether served at a casual picnic or an upscale gathering, these pinwheels adapt beautifully to any setting.
Adaptability and Flavor Variations
Chicken Avocado Salad Pinwheels are easily customizable, making them suitable for a range of tastes and dietary preferences. For an extra kick, you can add a few dashes of hot sauce or diced jalapeños into the avocado mixture. Substituting Greek yogurt for mayonnaise provides a tangy, protein-rich alternative that slightly lightens the dish. Adding finely chopped herbs like cilantro, parsley, or dill enhances freshness and brings in new layers of flavor. Some might prefer adding a sprinkle of shredded cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for a more indulgent twist. You can even swap the traditional flour tortillas for whole wheat, spinach, or gluten-free varieties, ensuring this dish fits seamlessly into different eating plans.
Health and Nutritional Highlights
These pinwheels offer a more nutritious option compared to many other grab-and-go snacks. Avocados are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, potassium, and a variety of essential vitamins. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, supporting muscle health and keeping you fuller longer. Celery provides a hydrating crunch with very few calories while contributing important antioxidants and fiber. The addition of green onions adds a mild, savory flavor and offers beneficial compounds that support immune health. When wrapped in a tortilla, this combination delivers a well-rounded balance of macronutrients, making it an excellent choice for energy and satiety throughout the day.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Avocado Salad Pinwheels
For the best results, it’s important to use a fully ripe, soft avocado that mashes easily and creates a creamy base for the filling. Overripe avocados are perfect for this purpose, blending seamlessly with the mayonnaise and seasonings. When preparing the chicken, shredding it finely ensures it mixes thoroughly with the avocado, leading to a consistent texture in every bite. Be sure to dice the celery and green onion finely to avoid large chunks that could cause the pinwheels to tear when rolling. Rolling the tortillas tightly and chilling them before slicing helps maintain their shape and creates clean, attractive pinwheel slices. Using a sharp serrated knife when cutting the rolls ensures neat, professional-looking pieces for your platter.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Avocado Salad Pinwheels are stunning when arranged in concentric circles on a large serving tray. You can garnish the platter with sprigs of fresh herbs, thinly sliced radishes, or wedges of lemon for a pop of color and extra freshness. For a heartier meal, consider serving the pinwheels alongside a green salad, a quinoa bowl, or a light vegetable soup. They also make a fantastic addition to lunchboxes, offering a nutrient-dense alternative to traditional sandwiches. If desired, you can serve these pinwheels with a side of ranch dressing, avocado crema, or salsa verde for dipping, enhancing the flavor profile even further.
The Rise of Avocado-Based Dishes
Avocado’s rise to culinary stardom over the past decade has made it a staple in kitchens around the world, and recipes like Chicken Avocado Salad Pinwheels highlight why. Avocado’s creamy texture and mild flavor make it a versatile ingredient that easily enhances both sweet and savory dishes. Health-conscious eaters, foodies, and busy families alike have embraced avocado as a quick and wholesome ingredient. Incorporating it into dishes like pinwheels not only improves the nutritional value but also taps into the current trend of vibrant, fresh, visually appealing foods that are as nourishing as they are beautiful. With the ongoing demand for wholesome, easy-to-make meals, it’s no surprise that avocado-centric recipes remain immensely popular.
Reasons to Love Chicken Avocado Salad Pinwheels
There are countless reasons why these pinwheels have won over so many hearts and taste buds. They are easy to prepare, requiring minimal equipment and no cooking if using leftover cooked chicken. They pack a nutritious punch, offering healthy fats, lean protein, and fiber in every serving. Their colorful presentation and bright flavors make them instantly inviting. Their make-ahead nature means you can prepare them hours before serving, reducing stress when entertaining. Most importantly, they strike a perfect balance between indulgence and healthfulness, making them a snack or meal option that feels both satisfying and smart. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or planning a celebratory brunch, Chicken Avocado Salad Pinwheels deliver.
Conclusion
Chicken Avocado Salad Pinwheels are the ultimate example of how fresh ingredients and simple preparation can come together to create something truly special. With their combination of creamy avocado, tender chicken, crisp celery, and soft tortillas, they deliver both delicious flavor and a satisfying texture in every bite. Versatile, nutritious, and visually appealing, they are perfect for quick lunches, elegant party platters, or healthy snacks on the go. The easy customization options and minimal prep time make them a must-have recipe for busy home cooks looking for ways to elevate everyday meals with minimal effort. If you’re looking for a light yet fulfilling option that everyone will enjoy, Chicken Avocado Salad Pinwheels are the answer.