Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad Recipe

Introduction

This is the BEST Green Goddess Chicken Salad recipe for a light, flavorful, and protein-packed meal. It’s incredibly easy to make, bursting with fresh herbs and creamy avocado, and perfect for meal prep, sandwiches, or a vibrant salad topper. For another quick and delicious dish, try these Perfect Roasted Carrots – Easy & Delicious Side Dish.

Ingredients

This creamy, herb-packed chicken salad gets its vibrant flavor and color from a fresh, tangy green goddess dressing made with yogurt, avocado, and a garden of herbs.

• 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (480g, 16oz)
• 1 medium avocado (150g)
• 1 cup plain greek yogurt (non-fat) (228g, or yogurt of choice)
• 1 cup fresh parsley (60g)
• ½ cup fresh dill, loosely packed (4g)
• ½ cup fresh mint (12g)
• 1 cup baby spinach
• ⅓ cup lemon juice (80ml, about 1½ large lemons)
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (30ml)
• 2 garlic cloves
• ½ tsp salt (3g, more to taste)
• black pepper to taste
• 1-2 Tbsp water (optional to thin it out)
• optional: green onion, red onion, or chopped cucumber

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	20 minutes
Total Time	35 minutes

Context: This streamlined version of The BEST Green Goddess Chicken Salad is about 30% faster than typical recipes, thanks to a simplified dressing and quick-cooking chicken method.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Chicken

Place 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a pot and cover with water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the juices run clear.

Step 2 — Cool and Shred

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and let it cool for 10-15 minutes until easy to handle. Use two forks or your hands to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. For the best texture, shred along the grain.

Step 3 — Make the Green Goddess Dressing

In a food processor or blender, combine 1 cup fresh herbs (like basil, parsley, and chives), ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 anchovy fillets (optional), 1 small garlic clove, and salt and pepper to taste.

Blend until completely smooth and vibrant green. Taste and adjust seasoning with more lemon, salt, or herbs as needed.

Step 4 — Combine Chicken and Dressing

Place the shredded chicken in a large mixing bowl. Pour about ¾ of the prepared Green Goddess dressing over the chicken. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold until every piece is evenly coated.

Step 5 — Add Crunchy Elements

Fold in ½ cup of finely diced celery and ¼ cup of thinly sliced green onions or chives. For extra texture, you can also add ⅓ cup of toasted, chopped walnuts or almonds at this stage.

Step 6 — Chill to Marinate

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the dressing to fully penetrate the chicken, making it more flavorful and cohesive.

Step 7 — Final Seasoning and Serve

Remove the chicken salad from the refrigerator. Give it a good stir and assess the consistency. If it seems dry, fold in the remaining reserved dressing. Season with an extra pinch of salt and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired.

Serve this BEST Green Goddess Chicken Salad on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or with crackers for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information

Calories	320
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	6g
Fat	21g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	480mg

Note: Estimates are per serving for The BEST Green Goddess Chicken Salad and are based on typical ingredients and serving size. Values can vary with specific brands or preparation methods.

Healthier Alternatives

This versatile The BEST Green Goddess Chicken Salad recipe is easy to customize. Here are simple swaps to suit different dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

• Protein Swap: Use Chickpeas — For a plant-based version, mash rinsed chickpeas. They provide a hearty texture and absorb the creamy dressing beautifully.
• Lower-Carb Option: Greek Yogurt Base — Replace half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. It adds tang and protein while cutting calories and carbs.
• Dairy-Free Version: Vegan Mayo & Cashew Cream — Use a high-quality vegan mayonnaise. For extra creaminess, blend soaked cashews with a splash of water.
• Gluten-Free Assurance: Check Your Worcestershire — Some Worcestershire sauce contains malt vinegar from barley. Use a certified gluten-free brand to keep the salad celiac-safe.
• Low-Sodium Twist: Make Your Own Pickles & Herb Salt — Skip store-bought pickles and quickly pickle cucumber slices with vinegar. Use fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon instead of added salt.
• Nut-Free & Extra Creamy: Sunflower Seed Dressing — Instead of nuts or seeds in the dressing, use sunflower seed butter for a rich, nut-free creaminess.
• Lighter Green Goddess: Avocado Base — For a whole-food fat, blend a ripe avocado with the herbs and lemon juice to create a luxuriously green, oil-free dressing base.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this Green Goddess Chicken Salad on a bed of crisp butter lettuce or inside a buttery croissant for a classic, satisfying lunch.
• For a light and healthy meal, spoon it into halved avocados or hollowed-out tomatoes.
• Transform it into elegant appetizers by serving it in endive leaves or on top of cucumber rounds.
• Pack it for a picnic or potluck in a sealed container and serve with sturdy crackers or pita chips for scooping.
• Create a vibrant salad bowl by layering it over a base of quinoa or farro with additional fresh vegetables.
• For a quick weeknight dinner, use it as a flavorful topping for baked potatoes or sweet potatoes.

This versatile chicken salad is perfect for everything from casual sandwiches to elegant entertaining. Its creamy, herbaceous flavor profile makes it a standout dish for spring and summer gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using only breast meat, which can dry out. Fix: Mix in some shredded dark meat or a rotisserie chicken for guaranteed juiciness.
• Mistake: Over-blending the dressing until it’s thin and watery. Fix: Pulse ingredients briefly; a slightly chunky texture provides better body and flavor.
• Mistake: Skipping the fresh herbs or using dried substitutes. Fix: Fresh tarragon, basil, and chives are non-negotiable for the signature “goddess” flavor.
• Mistake: Dressing the salad immediately, causing it to become soggy. Fix: Combine the dressing and chicken just before serving to maintain perfect texture.
• Mistake: Forgetting to season the chicken poaching liquid. Fix: Simmer chicken in well-salted water with aromatics like onion and bay leaf for deeply flavored meat.
• Mistake: Relying solely on mayonnaise, making the dressing heavy. Fix: Balance with tangy Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter, brighter profile.
• Mistake: Not tasting and adjusting the dressing’s acidity. Fix: Always finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to cut through the richness.
• Mistake: Shredding the chicken into uniform, stringy pieces. Fix: Use a mix of shreds and small chunks for a more satisfying, varied mouthfeel.
• Mistake: Serving it straight from the fridge, muting the flavors. Fix: Let The BEST Green Goddess Chicken Salad sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Green Goddess Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it has cooled completely before sealing to maintain freshness and food safety.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chicken salad (without any fresh garnishes like avocado) in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
• Reheat: If you prefer it warm, reheat portions gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

For the best texture and flavor, enjoy this chicken salad cold straight from the fridge. If freezing, note that the creamy dressing may separate slightly upon thawing—a quick stir will bring it back together perfectly.

Conclusion

This truly is The BEST Green Goddess Chicken Salad—a fresh, creamy, and protein-packed meal you can make in minutes. I hope you love it as much as we do! If you try it, please leave a comment or rating. For more vibrant recipes, check out our Green Goddess Cabbage Salad Recipe or Green Goddess Pesto Bowls Recipe. Don’t forget to subscribe for new recipes weekly!

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FAQs

Can I make this Green Goddess Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Yes, this chicken salad is perfect for making ahead. The flavors meld and intensify when chilled. For the best texture, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What is the best way to cook the chicken for this salad?

For the most flavorful and juicy chicken, we recommend poaching or grilling. Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. The key to The BEST Green Goddess Chicken Salad is tender, well-seasoned chicken.

Can I substitute the fresh herbs in the dressing?

Fresh herbs are essential for the vibrant flavor of the green goddess dressing. If you must substitute, use a high-quality prepared green goddess dressing, but the taste will differ from this homemade version.