Green Goddess Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that bring a vibrant, fresh taste to any meal. Imagine tender pieces of chicken tossed with crunchy celery and a medley of herbs all enveloped in a creamy, tangy dressing. This salad is not just a dish; it’s a refreshing experience for your taste buds. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a celebratory dish at gatherings. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken, making it both practical and delicious.

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 discovered this Green Goddess Chicken Salad recipe during a summer gathering when I was looking for something light yet satisfying. The moment I took a bite, I was hooked. The dressing, made with Greek yogurt and fresh herbs, stood out with its rich flavor without being heavy. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser and is as simple to prepare as it is budget-friendly. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it over and over again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, ideal for busy days.
Irresistible Flavor: The mix of fresh herbs and creamy dressing creates a deliciously tangy taste.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors from the herbs and vegetables make this dish visually stunning.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a light lunch, potluck, or as a side dish at a dinner party.
Diet-Friendly Options: Substitute Greek yogurt with dairy-free yogurt for a vegan twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt: A healthy base for the dressing that adds creaminess with lower fat than sour cream.
1/3 cup mayonnaise: Provides a rich, smooth texture to the dressing, but can be replaced with more yogurt if desired.
1/2 lemon, juiced: Adds a fresh, zesty brightness to the dressing, cutting through richness.
1 clove garlic: Infuses a slight warmth and depth of flavor; fresh is best, but garlic powder can be a substitute.
3 green onions, roots removed: These add a mild onion flavor and nice crunch. Regular onions can be used, though they’ll be stronger.
1 cup lightly packed fresh herbs (equal parts chives, parsley, and dill): Essential for creating the signature Green Goddess flavor; fresh herbs are a must!
1 tbsp honey: Balances the acidity in the dressing, enhancing overall flavor. Maple syrup can be used for a vegan option.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the flavors of all ingredients.
Black pepper, to taste: Adds a hint of spice; fresh cracked pepper brings the best aroma.
4 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, skin and bones removed, shredded or chopped small: The star protein of this salad; rotisserie chicken saves time but any cooked chicken works.
1/3 cup slivered almonds (or other chopped nuts): Adds a delightful crunch; substitute with walnuts or pecans if preferred.
3 celery ribs, diced small: Offers a refreshing crunch and slight bite; cucumbers can also be a tasty alternative.

How to Make Green Goddess Salad

Blend Dressing: Start by adding 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/3 cup mayonnaise, the juice of 1/2 lemon, 1 clove garlic, and 3 green onions (roots removed) to your blender. Toss in 1 cup of fresh herbs—equal parts chives, parsley, and dill—along with 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and a touch of black pepper. Blend for about 40 seconds, until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides if needed. This dressing is not only creamy but packed with fresh flavor.

Combine Chicken and Crunch: In a large mixing bowl, cozy up 4 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken, 1/3 cup slivered almonds, and 3 diced celery ribs. Stir everything together to blend the textures, ensuring that the crunchy nuts and crunchy celery intermingle beautifully with the chicken.

Mix Dressing and Chicken: Pour that luscious green goddess dressing you just created over the chicken mixture. With a large spoon, gently stir until every piece is generously coated in that herby goodness. This step ensures you get the magical flavor in every bite. You can enjoy it right away, or allow it to chill in the fridge for a while to let the flavors develop even further.

Storing & Reheating

To keep your Green Goddess Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re considering making it ahead, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve, as this maintains texture and flavor. Unfortunately, this salad isn’t ideal for freezing; however, if you choose to, it can last up to 3 months in the freezer but may lose texture. If reheating, a quick toss in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes should do the trick, but enjoy it cold for the best experience.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid over-mixing the salad after adding the dressing—the chicken can become mushy if handled too roughly.
Use leftover chicken from previous meals to save time, or grill fresh chicken if preferred.
Substitute the nuts for seeds if allergies are a concern; pumpkin seeds add a nice crunch as well.
For more flavor, try adding a dash of hot sauce to the dressing or garnishing with extra herbs before serving.
Make this salad a little earlier to allow the flavors to mingle nicely; it really shines after chilling in the fridge for an hour or two.

This Green Goddess Chicken Salad is not just a meal; it’s a canvas for your creativity in the kitchen. The combination of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors truly makes it a standout dish. Play with the ingredients to suit your preferences, perhaps swapping in other veggies or proteins that you love. Enjoy the refreshing taste and know that you’ve made a health-conscious choice that is simply delicious!

Recipe FAQs

How long will the Green Goddess Salad keep in the fridge?

The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. However, the texture of the ingredients might change slightly as they soak up the dressing, so it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. To preserve its freshness, consider storing the dressing separately until you’re ready to serve. Combine the chicken and vegetables without the dressing initially, and mix just before enjoying.

Can I make a vegetarian version of the Green Goddess Salad?

Yes! You can easily substitute the chicken with chickpeas, white beans, or grilled vegetables for a delicious vegetarian variation. Pair it with the same Green Goddess dressing to keep those wonderful flavors intact.

What can I serve with this salad?

Green Goddess Chicken Salad pairs beautifully with whole-grain bread for a sandwich, or you could serve it alongside a light soup. If you want something heartier, it’s great with quinoa or brown rice for a wholesome meal that fills you up!

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Green Goddess Salad

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

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Description

This Green Goddess Salad brings a burst of flavor and freshness, making it an ideal choice for a healthy meal. Packed with tender chicken, vibrant herbs, and a creamy dressing, it’s not just delicious but also quick to prepare! Enjoy a wholesome dinner option that’s satisfying and nourishing.

Ingredients

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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

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Instructions

In a blender, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, green onions, fresh herbs, honey, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth, about 40 seconds, and set aside the dressing.
In a large bowl, mix the shredded rotisserie chicken, slivered almonds, and diced celery until well combined.
Pour the green goddess dressing over the chicken mixture and stir everything until the salad is fully coated. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for later.

Notes

Feel free to replace the nuts with your favorite variety if you prefer something different.
Add additional vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch.
This salad can be enjoyed fresh or made ahead for meal prep.