Green Goddess Salad
Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad Recipe
Table of Contents
This refreshing Green Goddess Chicken Salad is a vibrant medley of flavors and textures you’ll want to make on repeat. With a creamy dressing made from Greek yogurt and fresh herbs, each bite bursts with energy and freshness. It’s a delightful alternative to traditional chicken salads and takes only 30 minutes to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Whether served on a bed of greens or tucked into a wrap, this salad is a celebration of wholesome ingredients.
I remember the first time I tried a version of this salad at a little café near my home. The green goddess dressing was not just flavorful; it was a revelation. I fell in love with its rich yet light finish. Inspired by that delicious experience, I decided to create my own take, featuring shredded rotisserie chicken to save time, making it a go-to meal for anyone craving something quick yet delectable. Trust me when I say, once you try this healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, this salad is perfect for a busy day or last-minute lunch.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of fresh herbs and a creamy dressing creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Its vibrant green color and crunchy texture make it as visually appealing as it is tasty.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a main meal, side dish, or even stuffed in a sandwich or wrap.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Greek yogurt adds creaminess without the guilt, making it great for lighter eating.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt: This adds a creamy texture while providing probiotics for gut health. For a lighter option, you can substitute it with low-fat Greek yogurt.
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise: Contributes to the salad’s richness. You can use a light version if you prefer a lower-calorie option.
- 1/2 lemon, juiced: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the dressing, balancing the flavors.
- 1 clove garlic: This aromatic ingredient adds depth to the dressing. You can use roasted garlic for a milder flavor.
- 3 green onions, roots removed: They provide a subtle oniony flavor without overpowering the salad.
- 1 cup lightly packed fresh herbs (equal parts chives, parsley, and dill): These herbs are essential for the signature Green Goddess flavor and can be tailored to your preference.
- 1 tbsp honey: Adds a hint of natural sweetness. If vegan, use maple syrup instead.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- Black pepper, to taste: This adds a slight kick to the dressing.
- 4 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, skin and bones removed, shredded or chopped small: A convenient protein source that makes this salad hearty. You can also use grilled chicken for a different taste.
- 1/3 cup slivered almonds (or other chopped nuts): These offer a delightful crunch. Feel free to swap for walnuts or pecans if you like.
- 3 celery ribs, diced small: Celery adds a refreshing crunch. You could substitute with diced cucumber for an extra crisp bite.
How to Make Green Goddess Salad
Blend the Dressing: Start by adding 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/3 cup mayonnaise, the juice of 1/2 lemon, 1 clove garlic, 3 green onions (roots removed), and 1 cup lightly packed fresh herbs (chives, parsley, and dill) to a blender. Include 1 tbsp of honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and black pepper to taste. Blend until smooth for about 40 seconds, pulsing or scraping down the sides as needed. Set the vibrant dressing aside; it should have a lovely green hue that looks as good as it tastes.
Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, add 4 cups of cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped into small pieces, along with 1/3 cup slivered almonds and 3 celery ribs diced small. Gently mix these ingredients together until evenly combined. The chicken provides heartiness, while almonds and celery will give it a delightful crunch.
Combine and Serve: Now, pour the blended green goddess dressing over the chicken mixture. Using a large spoon, stir everything together until the salad is thoroughly coated and well combined. The dressing should lovingly hug each piece of chicken. Serve immediately to enjoy this fresh explosion of flavors, or you can refrigerate it for later. If saving for later, the flavors will meld beautifully in the fridge.
Storing & Reheating
This Green Goddess Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For room temperature, it’s best consumed right away to maintain its freshness. If you need to freeze it, do so without the dressing, and it will keep fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then mix in the dressing fresh to keep that delightful texture intact.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid using overcooked chicken, as it can lead to a dry salad. Shred or chop the rotisserie chicken while it’s still warm for better texture.
- If your dressing is too thick, add a splash of water or extra lemon juice until you reach the desired consistency.
- Experiment with different herbs based on your preference; basil or cilantro can also work beautifully.
- Make the dressing ahead of time to save effort; it can last up to a week in the refrigerator.
- For added flavor, try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture for a subtle heat.
This vibrant salad is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of wholesome ingredients coming together beautifully. You can enjoy its creamy, herbaceous goodness straight away or let it chill in the fridge to develop even more flavor. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite mix-ins—perhaps some sweet grapes or creamy avocado will suit your taste. I encourage you to experiment and make this recipe truly yours.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?
Absolutely! Just grill, poach, or bake fresh chicken until fully cooked, then shred or chop it for this salad. It’s a great way to use leftover chicken too!
What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
If you’re out of Greek yogurt, regular plain yogurt works as a substitute; just keep in mind it will be less creamy. You might want to reduce the amount of mayonnaise slightly.
Can this salad be made in advance?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and dressing a day ahead. Just keep them separate until you’re ready to serve. Mixing them too early can lead to a soggy salad.
How can I make it dairy-free?
To make this salad dairy-free, use a dairy-free yogurt alternative and swap out regular mayonnaise with a vegan version. The flavor will still be delicious!
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📖 Recipe Card
Green Goddess Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Salads
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Green Goddess Salad features a creamy dressing made from Greek yogurt and fresh herbs, along with tender rotisserie chicken and crunch from slivered almonds. It’s a quick and healthy meal option that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup plain greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1 clove garlic
- 3 green onions, roots removed
- 1 cup lightly packed fresh herbs (equal parts chives, parsley, and dill)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- black pepper, to taste
- 4 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, skin and bones removed, shredded or chopped small
- 1/3 cup slivered almonds (or other chopped nuts)
- 3 celery ribs, diced small
Instructions
- In a blender, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, green onions, fresh herbs, honey, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth, about 40 seconds, scraping down sides as necessary. Set the dressing aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, slivered almonds, and diced celery. Mix until evenly combined.
- Pour the green goddess dressing over the chicken mixture and stir with a large spoon until everything is well coated. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Notes
For extra texture, try adding diced apples or grapes to the salad.
You can substitute any nuts you prefer if slivered almonds are unavailable.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
