Green Goddess Chicken Salad is a delightful medley that brings together tender rotisserie chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy, herb-infused dressing that truly shines. The gorgeous green color from the fresh herbs and ingredients not only makes it visually appealing but also hints at the lush, vibrant flavors that await. This salad is everything you want in a meal – it’s filling yet light, packed with good-for-you ingredients, and incredibly satisfying.

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

I first stumbled upon my love for Green Goddess Chicken Salad during a summer picnic. While perusing through countless recipes, this particular combination caught my attention, and I was hooked after the very first bite. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight dinner and impressive enough to serve at gatherings. The balance of the creamy Greek yogurt dressing with the crunch of slivered almonds makes it a refreshing twist to the traditional chicken salad. Let me assure you, once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a staple in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You can whip this salad up in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Irresistible Flavor: It has a rich, creaminess from the dressing, beautifully balanced by the fresh herbs and zesty lemon.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant greens from the fresh herbs create a stunning presentation that will impress your guests.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy this salad on its own, on a sandwich, or as a delicious topping for greens. Perfect for lunch, picnics, or dinner!
Diet-Friendly Options: Made with Greek yogurt, this chicken salad is lower in fat and can easily be adapted to fit gluten-free or dairy-free diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt: This is the base of our creamy dressing; it’s rich in protein and gives a wonderful tang. You can use low-fat yogurt if you want an even lighter option.
1/3 cup mayonnaise: Adds creaminess to the dressing. You might substitute it with a vegan mayo for a dairy-free version.
1/2 lemon, juiced: Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a lovely acidity to balance the richness of the yogurt and mayo.
1 clove garlic: For a hint of spiciness and depth of flavor in the dressing. Feel free to use roasted garlic for a milder taste.
3 green onions, roots removed: These provide a subtle onion flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. Chives can be used as an alternative.
1 cup lightly packed fresh herbs (equal parts chives, parsley, and dill): Fresh herbs are the heart of the Green Goddess dressing. You can mix it up with your favorites or use dried herbs in a pinch.
1 tbsp honey: This adds a touch of sweetness to balance the dressing. Maple syrup works well as a vegan substitute.
1/2 tsp salt: Essential to bring out all the flavors; adjust to taste.
Black pepper, to taste: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a nice kick.
4 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, skin and bones removed, shredded or chopped small: Using rotisserie chicken saves time and gives great flavor. You can use leftover chicken or even poach some chicken breasts.
1/3 cup slivered almonds (or other chopped nuts): These add a delightful crunch. Substitute with pecans or walnuts for variation.
3 celery ribs, diced small: For crisp texture and freshness; bell peppers can be a colorful alternative here.

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, and 1 cup fresh herbs into a blender. Add 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and black pepper to taste. Blend until smooth, which should take about 40 seconds. You want it creamy and vibrant, so be sure to scrape down the sides as needed.

Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken, 1/3 cup slivered almonds, and 3 diced celery ribs. Mix everything until it’s evenly distributed. This combination provides a great blend of protein, crunch, and flavor.

Combine with Dressing: Pour the luscious green goddess dressing over the chicken mixture. Using a large spoon, gently stir everything together until the salad is fully coated in that irresistible dressing. You can serve immediately for the freshest flavor or chill it in the refrigerator for later enjoyment.

Storing & Reheating

To store your Green Goddess Chicken Salad, keep it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This salad is best enjoyed cold, so popping it in the fridge can enhance the flavors. If you have leftovers, consider freezing individual portions for up to 3 months. Just defrost in the fridge and enjoy; however, note that the texture may slightly change as it thaws. To refresh, stir gently before serving.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid over-blending your dressing, as you want to maintain a bit of texture from the herbs.
For best flavors, always use fresh ingredients, especially herbs; dried herbs can be included if needed, but will require adjustments.
If preparing ahead of time, mix the chicken and almonds, and store the dressing separately until ready to combine to maintain crunchiness.
Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for more texture and flavor.

Blending flavors, textures, and colors, this Green Goddess Chicken Salad is not just delicious but also brings joy in every bite. It makes a perfect meal that range from casual lunches to fancy gatherings. I encourage you to play around with the ingredients and make this dish your own.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different herbs in this recipe?

Absolutely! While the classic Green Goddess dressing typically features a blend of chives, parsley, and dill, feel free to substitute with your favorites like cilantro or basil based on what you enjoy or have on hand.

How can I make this salad more filling?

To elevate the dish, consider adding cooked quinoa or chickpeas to make it heartier. These ingredients not only add protein but also create a lovely texture contrast.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients listed are gluten-free, making this salad an excellent choice for anyone following a gluten-free diet. Just double-check any packaged ingredients like mayonnaise.

Can I make this vegan?

You can create a vegan version by substituting the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with plant-based yogurt and vegan mayo. Additionally, ensure any protein added, like chickpeas, are also plant-based.

More Main Dishes Recipes

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Green Goddess Salad

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

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

Print Recipe

Description

This Green Goddess Salad delivers irresistible flavors with its creamy dressing and fresh herbs. Quick to prep and loaded with healthy ingredients, it’s perfect for an easy dinner or a flavorful lunch option.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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, scraping down the sides as needed. Set aside the dressing.
In a large bowl, mix the shredded rotisserie chicken, slivered almonds, and diced celery until evenly combined.
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir well with a large spoon to coat everything evenly. Serve immediately or chill for later.