If you’re looking for a fresh, flavor-packed salad that bridges creamy comfort and vibrant greens, you’re going to fall in love with Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad. Every bite is a celebration of herby goodness, tender chicken, and whisper-light crunch, all wrapped in an irresistibly creamy dressing—no heavy mayo overload here! This dish is the ultimate solution for a colorful lunch, speedy dinner, or anything in between, and it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen thanks to its knockout taste and gorgeous presentation.

Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the essentials for Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad couldn’t be easier. Each ingredient has a special job, whether it’s building up that creamy base, adding a punch of herby aroma, or delivering pops of bright, crisp texture. Here’s what you need for a salad that never gets old:

Cooked chicken breast (2 cups, shredded or chopped): Gives the salad a hearty, high-protein base you can prep ahead.
Plain Greek yogurt (1/2 cup): Lends creaminess with a tangy kick, lightening the dressing without sacrificing richness.
Mayonnaise (1/4 cup, preferably avocado oil-based): Provides a classic creamy mouthfeel while staying on the healthier side.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds brightness to lift all the flavors and balance the greens.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Smooths out the dressing and deepens the flavor profile.
Garlic clove, minced (1): Just one clove gives a zesty, savory backnote that makes the dressing pop.
Fresh parsley (1/4 cup): Delivers that garden-fresh, herby flavor that defines Green Goddess.
Fresh chives (2 tablespoons): Offers a subtle oniony bite without overpowering other ingredients.
Fresh tarragon or basil (2 tablespoons): Either brings a touch of sophisticated herbal complexity; pick your favorite.
Ripe avocado (1/2): Creates silky richness while amping up the healthy fats.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to bring every flavor to life.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For a gentle, peppery warmth in every mouthful.
Celery (1/2 cup, chopped): Adds crunch and freshness without stealing the spotlight.
Cucumber (1/4 cup, diced): Provides juiciness and refreshing snaps throughout.
Green onions (1/4 cup, sliced): Layers in even more gentle allium flavor for maximum green goodness.

How to Make Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad

Step 1: Blend the Green Goddess Dressing

Start by gathering your dressing ingredients: Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, chives, tarragon (or basil), avocado, salt, and pepper. Pop them all into a blender or food processor, then blend until you have a smooth, creamy, pastel-green dressing. Take a moment to taste it—this is where all the signature herby, zingy Green Goddess flavor happens! Adjust the salt, herbs, or lemon to suit your preference.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base

Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken, crunchy celery, diced cucumber, and bright green onions. These veggies provide all the freshness and a glorious crunch that makes every bite of Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad so satisfying. Use leftovers or rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time!

Step 3: Combine and Toss

Drizzle the vibrant dressing directly over your chicken and veggie mixture. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently fold everything together. You want every bite to be generously coated with that green, tangy creaminess. Give it a final taste and season with extra salt and pepper if necessary.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

While you can absolutely dive in right away, Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad is extra delicious if you let it chill for at least 30 minutes. The flavors meld, the salad firms up slightly, and it’s refreshingly cold. Serving is totally up to you: lettuce wraps, whole grain toast, or simply piled high on a bed of greens—choose your own salad adventure!

How to Serve Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad

Garnishes

A sprinkle of sliced chives, extra herbs, or even a handful of microgreens will make your salad look as stunning as it tastes. Try a few halved grapes or slivered almonds for pops of sweetness and a pleasant crunch, perfect for elevating those lunch vibes.

Side Dishes

This salad is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it shines alongside simple sides like roasted sweet potatoes, a light quinoa pilaf, or classic whole grain crackers. For something extra refreshing, pair with a tangy citrus fruit salad or crunchy veggie sticks.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual gathering, serve Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad scooped into endive leaves or mini bell pepper halves for colorful, easy finger food. Hosting a brunch? Spoon it over avocado toast or stuff it inside pita pockets. Even lunchboxes perk up when you tuck in a lettuce wrap or jar of this vibrant salad!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to three days, making it perfect for grab-and-go meals or easy packed lunches. Give it a quick stir before serving to refresh the dressing and bring everything back together.

Freezing

Due to the creamy avocado-based dressing, freezing isn’t ideal for this salad—the texture of both chicken and greens can change after thawing. For best results, enjoy it fresh or use leftovers within a few days of making.

Reheating

This salad is truly at its best served cold or chilled, so there’s no need to reheat. If you prefer it slightly less cold from the fridge, allow it to sit at room temperature for ten minutes before eating. That’s all you need for maximum flavor and creaminess!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken in Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a huge time saver and works perfectly in this recipe. Just remove the skin, shred or chop the meat, and you’re good to go.

What herbs can I swap if I don’t have tarragon?

Basil makes a wonderful substitute, or you can mix in some dill or a bit of cilantro for a different twist. The most important thing is to use plenty of fresh, leafy herbs for that signature Green Goddess flavor.

Is there a dairy-free option for Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad?

Yes! Simply substitute your favorite unsweetened plant-based yogurt for the Greek yogurt. The rest of the dressing ingredients are already dairy-free, so you can enjoy this salad with any dietary preference.

Can I add fruit or nuts for extra texture?

Go for it! Halved grapes or dried cranberries add a lovely touch of sweetness, while slivered almonds or chopped walnuts provide crunch. These additions are traditional in many chicken salads and fit right in here.

How do I make this recipe lower in fat?

Try using more Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the mayonnaise, and don’t forget that avocado provides heart-healthy fat. You’ll still enjoy a creamy, flavorful Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad without sacrificing taste.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something joyful about diving into a bowl of Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad—it brightens any table and keeps you fueled all day. I hope you give it a try and make it your own! Trust me, this salad has a special way of winning hearts and making healthy eating anything but boring.

Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a delightful and nutritious Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad that is packed with protein and flavor. This avocado-based salad is a perfect blend of creamy and fresh ingredients, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal choice.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Salad:

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise (preferably avocado oil-based)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley
2 tablespoons fresh chives
2 tablespoons fresh tarragon (or basil)
1/2 ripe avocado
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup diced cucumber
1/4 cup sliced green onions

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Instructions

Prepare the Dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, parsley, chives, tarragon, avocado, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, celery, cucumber, and green onions. Pour the green goddess dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until well coated.
Adjust and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve chilled on lettuce wraps, whole grain toast, or with mixed greens.

Notes

This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free by using a plant-based yogurt.
Stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Add halved grapes or chopped nuts for extra texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American