This vibrant Green Goddess Salad is a refreshing dish that combines the best of luscious greens and savory herbs to create a delightful balance of flavors. The creamy, herbaceous dressing elevates tender chicken and crunchy elements, making this salad a perfect meal for any season. Whether you’re searching for a healthy lunch option or a light dinner, this salad will satisfy your cravings while keeping things light and vibrant. Plus, it’s a cinch to prepare, leaving you more time to enjoy the flavors and less time in the kitchen.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Green Goddess Salad
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Green Goddess Salad

The first time I made this Green Goddess Chicken Salad, I was blown away by the rich, tangy dressing crafted from Greek yogurt and fresh herbs. The lusciousness of the creamy dressing paired with the fresh crunch of celery and the delightful crunch of almonds created a combination that not only nourished my body but also tantalized my taste buds. It’s absolutely perfect for sharing with friends or diving into on your own while binging your favorite show. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be on repeat in your meal rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, including prep and cooking!
Irresistible Flavor: The creamy dressing with notes of garlic and fresh herbs brings a vibrant taste that dances on your palate.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The bright greens and colorful ingredients make for a visually stunning dish that impresses at any gathering.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a potluck—everyone will want a scoop!
Diet-Friendly Options: With Greek yogurt, this salad is a lower-fat option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt: This forms the base of your dressing and adds creaminess with a protein boost. For a dairy-free alternative, use a dairy-free yogurt.
1/3 cup mayonnaise: It adds richness and a silky texture. You can swap for avocado mayonnaise for a healthier twist.
1/2 lemon, juiced: Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors, making the salad taste fresh and zesty.
1 clove garlic: Adds a fragrant kick; you can adjust this based on your taste preference or omit if you’re not a fan.
3 green onions, roots removed: They provide a mild onion flavor; feel free to substitute with shallots or chives if needed.
1 cup lightly packed fresh herbs (equal parts chives, parsley, and dill): These herbs build the classic green goddess flavor—the fresher, the better!
1 tbsp honey: A touch of sweetness balances the dressing. Maple syrup works well if you want a vegan option.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the flavors within the dressing. Adjust to taste.
Black pepper, to taste: Freshly ground black pepper adds warmth; feel free to add cayenne for a spicy kick.
4 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, skin and bones removed, shredded or chopped small: This makes for a quick protein source; you can use grilled chicken or leftover roasted chicken too.
1/3 cup slivered almonds (or other chopped nuts): They add texture; walnuts or pecans would work great as alternatives.
3 celery ribs, diced small: They provide crunch and freshness that complements the creaminess of the dressing.

How to Make Green Goddess Salad

Blend the Dressing: Start by adding 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/3 cup mayonnaise, juice of 1/2 lemon, 1 clove garlic (peeled), 3 green onions with roots removed, and 1 cup of your heroes—lightly packed fresh herbs like chives, parsley, and dill, along with 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and black pepper to taste to a blender. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth, which should take about 40 seconds. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides if needed!

Mix Chicken & Crunch: Next, grab a large mixing bowl and throw in the shredded rotisserie chicken, 1/3 cup slivered almonds, and 3 diced small celery ribs. Gently mix everything together until it’s evenly distributed. If you like extra crunch, feel free to toss in some additional nuts or even seeds.

Combine with Dressing: Now, it’s time for that gorgeous dressing! Pour your blended green goddess dressing over the chicken mixture in the bowl. Using a large spoon, stir everything together until everything is impeccably coated with that rich and creamy dressing. At this point, you can serve it immediately or store it in the fridge for later.

Storing & Reheating

To store your Green Goddess Chicken Salad, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to 3 days. If you plan to store it longer, consider freezing the salad, but note that the texture may change (the creamy dressing could become a bit watery). It’s best to thaw it in the fridge overnight and give it a good stir to bring it back to life before enjoying. For optimal freshness, serve chilled straight from the fridge.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Adjust flavor by adding extra lemon juice or herbs to elevate your dressing game.
To avoid a watery consistency, make sure your chicken is well-drained; even the slightest extra moisture can affect the salad.
Celery can be substituted with apples for a sweeter crunch.
If you want to prep in advance, mix the dressing separately and combine it with the chicken and veggies just before serving to keep things fresh.
Consider adding your favorite seasonal vegetables for a delightful twist and a burst of colors.

This Green Goddess Salad is not only a healthy choice but also a tasty meal that is fun to prepare. The blend of flavors and textures makes for a dish that feels gourmet, yet it’s surprisingly simple to create. Don’t shy away from experimenting with different nuts, herbs, or veggies—there are so many ways to make this dish your own! Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and enjoy cooking this fantastic salad that is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different protein besides chicken?

Absolutely! This salad works beautifully with grilled shrimp, turkey, or even chickpeas if you’re looking for a vegetarian option. Just make sure whatever protein you use is cooked and chopped to your desired size.

How long can I store the salad?

You can keep the Green Goddess Salad refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Just remember that the longer it sits, the more the flavors meld and deepen, so it might even taste better the next day!

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes! The dressing can be prepared a few days in advance. Store it in a sealed jar or container in the fridge. Just give it a good shake or stir before you mix it with the chicken salad ingredients.

What can I serve with this salad?

This salad is fantastic on its own, but you can serve it alongside whole grain bread, or even on top of a bed of mixed greens for a more substantial meal. For a special touch, pair it with crispy pita chips or your favorite crackers for added crunch!

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Green Goddess Salad

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 5 servings 1x
Category: Salads
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Green Goddess Salad is a delightful blend of rotisserie chicken, fresh herbs, and a creamy dressing. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a healthy meal, bursting with flavor and easy to prepare!

Ingredients

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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

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Instructions

Combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, green onions, fresh herbs, honey, salt, and black pepper in a blender. Blend until smooth, about 40 seconds, and set aside the dressing.
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the shredded rotisserie chicken, slivered almonds, and diced celery until evenly combined.
Pour the green goddess dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until the salad is well coated. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

Notes

This salad can be made in advance and stores well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Feel free to customize the salad by adding other veggies or nuts of your choice.