Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad Recipe
Get ready to brighten up your lunch routine with this Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad, an irresistible medley of crisp greens, tender chicken, and a dreamy avocado-herb dressing that tastes as vibrant as it looks! With every bite, you’ll enjoy creamy, zesty, and fresh flavors that make healthy eating a genuine pleasure. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between wholesome ingredients, easy meal prep, and a restaurant-quality salad you’ll crave again and again. Whether you’re packing lunch, hosting brunch, or just craving something nourishing and bold, this salad will quickly become a household favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t need anything complicated for this recipe—just a handful of lively, fresh ingredients that come together in the most magical way. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to bring texture, color, and flavor to your bowl, so don’t skip a thing!
- Cooked Chicken Breast (2 cups, shredded or chopped): Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut, or bake your own for ultra-tender bites packed with lean protein.
- Greek Yogurt (1 cup, plain, non-fat or low-fat): This creamy base lightens up the dressing and infuses it with extra protein and tang.
- Avocado (1, pitted and peeled): Adds velvety richness and gorgeous color to the homemade dressing.
- Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup): Delivers bright, peppery notes and a punch of green.
- Fresh Basil Leaves (1/4 cup): Their sweet, fragrant aroma turns the dressing into something truly special.
- Chives (2 tablespoons): Subtle onion flavor to tie it all together—don’t be shy with these!
- Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): A splash of citrus perks up the flavors and keeps the avocado looking fresh.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Adds satiny depth and helps the dressing blend beautifully.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Just enough to provide warmth without overpowering.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for amping up every herbaceous bite.
- Celery (1/2 cup, chopped): For the signature crunch every chicken salad needs.
- Green Onions (1/4 cup, sliced): Gentle, fresh zing—perfect for this salad’s flavor profile.
- Mixed Greens or Butter Lettuce (2 cups, for serving): A soft, mild bed that lets the chicken salad shine!
How to Make Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad
Step 1: Blend the Green Goddess Dressing
Start by adding the Greek yogurt, creamy avocado, fresh parsley, basil, chives, lemon juice, olive oil, and minced garlic to a blender or food processor. Blend everything until it turns smooth and beautifully pale green. Season with salt and pepper to taste—it should be punchy and herby! Scrape down the sides as needed to make sure there are no leafy stragglers left behind.
Step 2: Combine Chicken, Celery, and Green Onions
In a large mixing bowl, add your cooked chicken, crunchy chopped celery, and fresh green onions. This is where the foundation of your Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad comes together, so give it a quick toss to evenly distribute those delicious veggies and chicken.
Step 3: Toss with Dressing
Pour your vibrant green goddess dressing over the chicken mixture and toss everything together until every piece is gorgeously coated. It helps to use two big spoons or tongs so the dressing really hugs every bite. Taste once more and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 4: Chill and Let Flavors Mingle
Cover your salad and let it chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes. This tiny bit of patience is worth it—the flavors deepen, the herbs mellow, and everything melds into the most harmonious Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad you’ve ever tasted.
Step 5: Serve Over Greens (or Lettuce Cups!)
When you’re ready to serve, fluff up a bed of mixed greens or spread out some butter lettuce leaves and spoon the salad right on top. The crisp greens make each bite light and lively, keeping everything super refreshing.
How to Serve Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad
Garnishes
A few easy garnishes can make your Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad look as dazzling as it tastes! Try scattering extra chopped chives, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or a drizzle of olive oil on top for instant appeal. If you’re feeling fancy, edible flowers or microgreens can take it over the top.
Side Dishes
This salad shines all on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty sourdough, crisp seedy crackers, or a simple cup of soup. For a low-carb lunch, serve it with cucumber spears, sliced radishes, or cherry tomatoes for crunch and color.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or meal prep, try stuffing the salad into avocado halves, wrapping it in large lettuce leaves for grab-and-go wraps, or piling it onto mini toasts as an elegant hors d’oeuvre. This Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad loves a good mason jar, too—just layer greens, then chicken salad, for a ready-to-eat layered lunch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The avocado-yogurt dressing holds up well, keeping everything creamy without getting watery or dull. Brighten up leftovers with a squeeze of fresh lemon or extra herbs if you have them.
Freezing
It’s best not to freeze this salad, as the creamy dressing and fresh herbs lose their texture and vibrant color after thawing. If you want to get ahead, you can freeze the cooked chicken and prep your dressing just before serving for best results.
Reheating
Since the salad is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, you don’t need to reheat it. If you do take it straight from the fridge, let it sit out for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blossom.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut, adding extra flavor and making your Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad come together even more quickly. Just be sure to remove the skin and shred or chop it before mixing in.
What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option or just want to switch things up, try plain coconut yogurt or a plant-based yogurt alternative. You can also substitute with sour cream for an extra tangy result.
How can I make this salad nutty or fruity?
For a delightful crunch, toss in a handful of toasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans. If you’d like a little sweetness, sliced grapes or chopped apples are amazing additions—both bring a burst of flavor and color to your Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
This salad was made for meal prep! It holds up for days, making it perfect for packed lunches or grab-and-go dinners. Just stash servings in portioned containers with the greens on the side so everything stays crisp until ready to eat.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap out the chicken for chickpeas, drained and rinsed well, or try diced extra-firm tofu. You’ll keep all that green goddess goodness and plant-based friends will love it, too.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to whip up this Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad and share it with someone you love (or just treat yourself!). It’s proof that nutritious eating never has to be boring—there’s so much flavor, color, and joy in every forkful. Dive in and make it your own; you just might find your new go-to salad!
Print
Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a nutritious and flavorful Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad that is perfect for a light and satisfying meal. This salad features a creamy avocado dressing that pairs beautifully with tender chicken and crisp vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Green Goddess Dressing:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, non-fat or low-fat)
- 1 avocado (pitted and peeled)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 2 cups mixed greens or butter lettuce (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Green Goddess Dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine Greek yogurt, avocado, parsley, basil, chives, lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, mix the chicken, celery, and green onions. Pour the green goddess dressing over the chicken mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 20 minutes to enhance the flavors. Serve over a bed of greens or in lettuce cups.
Notes
- This salad is ideal for meal prep and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Enhance the salad with chopped nuts or sliced grapes for added texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
