Green Goddess Salad
Green Goddess Salad is a vibrant and nourishing dish that brings together the refreshing flavors of herbs and the satisfying texture of shredded chicken. This salad is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of freshness and healthiness, perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re at a summer picnic or looking for a quick lunch option, this salad stands out with its creamy, tangy dressing that simply sings in your mouth. The beauty of Green Goddess Chicken Salad lies in its delightful combination of ingredients that work harmoniously to create a truly delicious experience.
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I still remember the first time I made this salad. It was a warm afternoon, and I was craving something light yet filling. As I pulled together the ingredients from my fridge, the aroma of fresh herbs began to waft through the kitchen. When I took my first bite, I instantly understood why it was called “Goddess”—it was heavenly! It’s amazing how a dish can be both simple and exquisite. If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and satisfying salad, you’ve found it. Let’s dive right into making this mouthwatering Green Goddess Chicken Salad!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You can whip this up in just 30 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights or unexpected guests!
- Irresistible Flavor: With its creamy dressing rich in herbs and a hint of lemon, every bite is bursting with freshness.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant greens are not only delicious but also make for an impressive presentation on any table.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect as a main dish, side, or picnic item. Enjoy it on its own or as a sandwich filling!
- Diet-Friendly Options: This is a low-fat chicken salad, with Greek yogurt making it a healthier choice compared to traditional recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt: This creamy base is the heart of your dressing, packed with protein and adds a lovely tang.
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise: It brings smoothness and richness to balance the yogurt. You can use avocado mayo for a twist!
- 1/2 lemon, juiced: Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a zesty note.
- 1 clove garlic: A touch of garlic delivers depth beautifully; consider roasted garlic for a milder flavor.
- 3 green onions, roots removed: These provide a mild onion taste that adds to the salad’s freshness.
- 1 cup lightly packed fresh herbs (equal parts chives, parsley, and dill): The star of the show! Fresh herbs create a robust and vibrant dressing.
- 1 tbsp honey: A dash of sweetness to balance the acidity of the dressing.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- Black pepper, to taste: Adds a gentle kick, feel free to adjust based on your preference.
- 4 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, skin and bones removed, shredded or chopped small: This makes for a convenient protein source and adds substantial heartiness.
- 1/3 cup slivered almonds (or other chopped nuts): They add a delightful crunch to every bite.
- 3 celery ribs, diced small: Celery introduces a crisp texture alongside its fresh flavor.
How to Make Green Goddess Salad
Prepare the Dressing: Grab your blender, and add 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/3 cup mayonnaise, the juice of 1/2 lemon, 1 clove garlic, 3 green onions (roots removed), and 1 cup lightly packed fresh herbs (chives, parsley, and dill). Add 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and black pepper to taste. Blend everything together until smooth, which should take about 40 seconds. If needed, pulse a few times or scrape down the sides to ensure even blending. Set this vibrant dressing aside for now; it’ll be the magic that ties your salad together.
Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, 1/3 cup slivered almonds, and 3 celery ribs diced small. Use a fork or your hands to mix well while breaking up any larger pieces of chicken. This step is crucial; ensuring that the chicken is evenly shredded will make each mouthful comforting and delicious.
Combine and Serve: Take that luscious dressing you prepared earlier and pour it over the chicken mixture. Grab a large spoon and stir gently until everything is beautifully coated and well mixed. If you’re feeling impatient (and I get that!), you can serve it up right away. However, letting it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld even more, making it taste even better!
Storing & Reheating
To keep your Green Goddess Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last up to 3 days if kept sealed. If you’re looking to store it longer, freeze your chicken salad in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just remember that the texture might change slightly upon thawing, so I recommend stirring in an extra dollop of Greek yogurt to refresh it when ready to serve. Enjoy cold for the best taste—no reheating necessary!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Make sure your Greek yogurt is at room temperature before blending; this helps create a smoother dressing texture.
- If you want extra flavor, toss in a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika into the dressing.
- Avoid over-mixing the chicken with the dressing to keep the texture of the ingredients distinct.
- You can prep the dressing ahead of time, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for a week; just give it a good shake before using!
- Swap in any nuts you prefer, like walnuts or pecans, or even leave them out for a nut-free version.
Green Goddess Salad is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a nutritious addition to your meals. With its balance of fresh herbs, creamy dressing, and zesty flavors, it’s a dish that combines convenience and taste effortlessly. Feel free to get creative—add your favorite veggies or swap out the chicken for chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use different herbs for the dressing?
Absolutely! While this recipe suggests chives, parsley, and dill, feel free to experiment. Fresh basil, cilantro, or even mint can bring a unique twist to the dressing.
How can I make this salad vegan?
Substitute the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with a plant-based yogurt and vegan mayo. You can also replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a protein-rich and satisfying salad.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, the Green Goddess Chicken Salad is naturally gluten-free! Just ensure that any added ingredients, like nuts or additional spices, are also gluten-free.
How do I serve this salad?
This salad is super versatile! Serve it chilled on a bed of leafy greens, in a wrap, or sandwich—it’s perfect for lunch, picnics, or as a side dish at dinner. Enjoy it just about anytime!
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📖 Recipe Card
Green Goddess Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Salads
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Green Goddess Salad is a delightful combination of tender rotisserie chicken, fresh herbs, and a creamy dressing. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a healthy meal or quick dinner option.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, green onions, fresh herbs, honey, salt, and black pepper in a blender. Blend until smooth for about 40 seconds, pulsing or scraping down the sides as necessary. Set the dressing aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded rotisserie chicken, slivered almonds, and diced celery. Mix until evenly combined.
- Pour the green goddess dressing over the chicken mixture and stir with a large spoon until everything is well coated. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later enjoyment.
Notes
Feel free to add other nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serve on a bed of greens for an even healthier option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
