Name: Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt; 1/4 cup fresh parsley; 1/4 cup fresh basil; 2 tablespoons fresh chives; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 garlic clove; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 avocado; 4 cups romaine lettuce or mixed greens; 2 stalks celery, diced; 1/2 cucumber, chopped; 2 green onions, sliced; Salt and pepper to taste

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This Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad is a fresh and flavorful twist on the classic chicken salad, featuring tender shredded chicken, crisp veggies, and a creamy, herb-packed green goddess dressing. It’s a perfect dish for lunch, meal prep, or a light dinner, delivering nourishment and taste in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chicken salad is not only delicious but also incredibly healthy and satisfying. It’s loaded with lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and a homemade green goddess dressing made with wholesome ingredients like Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, and lemon juice. Whether you’re looking to lighten up your meals or just want a vibrant, refreshing dish, this recipe is a winner. Plus, it’s gluten-free, customizable, and easy to make ahead.

Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
Greek yogurt
Fresh parsley
Fresh basil
Fresh chives
Lemon juice
Garlic
Olive oil
Dijon mustard
Avocado
Romaine lettuce or mixed greens
Celery, diced
Cucumber, chopped
Green onions, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Prepare the green goddess dressing by blending Greek yogurt, parsley, basil, chives, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and avocado until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with chopped celery, cucumber, and green onions.
Pour the dressing over the chicken and veggies, and mix until everything is well coated.
Serve the salad over a bed of romaine or mixed greens, or enjoy it as a wrap or sandwich filling.
Garnish with additional herbs or a squeeze of lemon, if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes (if cooking chicken fresh)
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Make it dairy-free: Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative in place of Greek yogurt.
Add more greens: Mix in spinach, arugula, or kale for extra nutrients.
Boost the protein: Add a chopped hard-boiled egg or chickpeas for even more protein.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the dressing.
Serve creatively: Enjoy it stuffed in pita bread, wrapped in lettuce leaves, or spooned into halved avocados.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This salad is best enjoyed cold, and does not need reheating. If the dressing separates slightly in the fridge, just give it a quick stir before serving.

FAQs

What makes this chicken salad healthy?

This salad uses Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, is packed with fresh herbs and vegetables, and provides lean protein from the chicken, making it a well-balanced, nutritious meal.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just remove the skin and shred the meat before adding it to the salad.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure any store-bought items like mustard or yogurt are labeled gluten-free if you have sensitivities.

How long does green goddess dressing last?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the dressing will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this salad is great for meal prep. You can prepare the dressing and chicken mixture a day in advance and store them separately or combined.

Can I freeze this chicken salad?

It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the dressing and fresh vegetables do not thaw well and may become watery.

What can I serve with this salad?

Try pairing it with whole grain crackers, a slice of crusty bread, or a simple soup for a complete meal.

What’s a good substitute for avocado in the dressing?

You can skip the avocado or replace it with a spoonful of tahini or a bit more yogurt for a different creamy texture.

Can I add fruit to this salad?

Yes, sliced grapes or diced apples can add a refreshing sweetness and pair well with the creamy dressing.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely. The mild flavors and creamy texture are appealing to kids, especially when served as a wrap or sandwich.

Conclusion

This Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad is the perfect fusion of flavor, freshness, and nutrition. It’s a versatile, satisfying dish that fits a variety of diets and occasions. Whether you’re meal prepping, hosting a lunch, or just craving something light yet filling, this salad is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Chef MARTHA