Green Goddess Chicken Salad is a refreshing twist on the classic salad we all know and love. This vibrant dish combines tender rotisserie chicken with a luscious homemade green goddess dressing, made creamy with Greek yogurt and mayonnaise. The bright flavors of fresh herbs–chives, parsley, and dill–bring a delightful aroma and a burst of taste that elevates this salad to the next level. With crunchy slivered almonds and crisp celery, it’s a perfect mix of textures, making each bite an absolute pleasure.

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 green goddess dressing at a local café, and I was amazed by how effortlessly it transformed simple ingredients into something so exciting. Since then, I’ve loved incorporating different spin-off recipes like this Green Goddess Chicken Salad into my meal rotations. It’s quick, easy, and, most importantly, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Every forkful not only satisfies a craving for something fresh but also packs a healthy punch. You will want to give this a try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You’ll whip this up in no time—prep takes just 10 minutes, and cooking adds another 20!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of fresh herbs and creamy dressing creates a flavor explosion that’ll have you reaching for seconds.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant green dressing not only tastes great but looks amazing on the plate.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a picnic delight. It’s a versatile dish that suits any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: Low fat and can be easily modified for gluten-free or dairy-free preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt: This forms the creamy base for the dressing, providing great flavor and a healthy dose of protein. You can substitute it with regular yogurt if needed.
1/3 cup mayonnaise: For added creaminess and richness. Light mayonnaise works as a good alternative if you want a lighter version.
1/2 lemon, juiced: Fresh lemon juice lifts the flavor of the dressing. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice is acceptable, but fresh is always best.
1 clove garlic: Adds a zesty kick to the dressing. You can use garlic powder in a pinch—just 1/8 teaspoon will do.
3 green onions, roots removed: These bring a mild onion flavor. Shallots can also make a great substitute for a different flavor profile.
1 cup lightly packed fresh herbs (equal parts chives, parsley, and dill): These herbs are key to the dressing’s freshness. Feel free to mix in basil or cilantro for a unique taste.
1 tbsp honey: A touch of sweetness balances out the tanginess. If you’re vegan, maple syrup is an excellent vegan-friendly alternative.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors. Adjust to taste depending on personal preference.
Black pepper, to taste: Adds a lovely warmth to the dressing. Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor.
4 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, skin and bones removed, shredded or chopped small: This is the protein powerhouse of the salad. Use leftovers or pre-cooked chicken for convenience.
1/3 cup slivered almonds (or other chopped nuts): They add crunch and nutty flavor. You can easily substitute with walnuts or pecans.
3 celery ribs, diced small: Provides crunch and freshness. Cucumbers can be swapped in for a lighter texture.

How to Make Green Goddess Salad

Blend the Dressing: Add 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/3 cup mayonnaise, the juice from 1/2 lemon, 1 clove garlic, 3 green onions (roots removed), and 1 cup of your finely chopped fresh herbs (chives, parsley, and dill) into a blender. Include 1 tablespoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper to taste. Blend everything until smooth for about 40 seconds, scraping down the sides as necessary to ensure everything is combined well. Set the dressing aside.

Mix the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, gather 4 cups of cooked rotisserie chicken, skin and bones removed, shredded or chopped into small pieces. Add 1/3 cup slivered almonds and 3 small diced celery ribs to the bowl. Stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients evenly.

Combine and Serve: Pour the prepared green goddess dressing over the chicken mixture. Use a large spoon to stir, ensuring that everything is thoroughly coated and well mixed. This salad is ready to serve immediately or can be refrigerated to enjoy later. It’s perfect for meal prep!

Storing & Reheating

To store leftover green goddess salad, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, simply thaw in the refrigerator and stir gently before serving. Keep in mind that the texture of the salad may change slightly upon freezing, so refreshing it with a splash of lemon juice may help reinvigorate those flavors.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

When making the dressing, make sure all your ingredients, especially the Greek yogurt, are at room temperature to ensure it blends smoothly without lumps.
Avoid over-mixing once you add the dressing to the chicken—just combine until everything is coated. This preserves the texture of the chicken and the crunch of the celery.
If your herbs are particularly strong, you can reduce their quantity to let other flavors shine through without being overpowered.
Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning. Always taste your dressing before adding it to the salad, as preferences for salt and acidity can vary widely.

Every bite of the salad is a reminder of sunny days and fresh flavors, making this Green Goddess Chicken Salad an absolute winner for any meal. Experiment with the ingredients to suit your taste, and feel free to share this delightful creation with your family and friends. It’s sure to become a staple for your summer picnics or quick weeknight dinners.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dressing and assemble the chicken mixture a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.

What is the best way to store leftover green goddess salad?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Try to consume it within this time for the best taste and texture.

Can I customize the herbs in this salad?

Yes! While the traditional green goddess dressing uses chives, parsley, and dill, feel free to mix in other herbs like basil or cilantro according to your preference.

What are some good substitutes for the chicken?

If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken breast or canned chicken are great alternatives. You can also use shredded turkey if you have that on hand!

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Green Goddess Salad

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

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Description

This Green Goddess Salad is a delightful combination of rotisserie chicken, fresh herbs, and a creamy dressing. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal or a satisfying lunch option that’s bursting with flavor and nutrition.

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 the mixture is smooth, about 40 seconds, scraping down the sides as needed.
In a large bowl, combine shredded rotisserie chicken, slivered almonds, and diced celery, mixing them evenly.
Pour the green goddess dressing over the chicken mixture and stir with a large spoon until everything is well coated. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for later.

Notes

You can customize the herbs according to your preferences for different flavors.
This salad is great served immediately or chilled, making it perfect for meal prep.
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch.