Few dishes embody the balance of simplicity and elegance quite like Green Goddess Chicken Salad. Bursting with the vibrant flavors of fresh herbs, creamy avocado, and tender chicken, this salad is as nutritious as it is delicious. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday lunch, a healthy dinner, or an elevated picnic staple, this recipe has you covered.

The origins of Green Goddess dressing trace back to the early 20th century, when it was crafted as a homage to a play called The Green Goddess. Its luxurious blend of herbs and creamy base made it an instant favorite. In this recipe, we reimagine the classic dressing by pairing it with rotisserie chicken to create a salad that’s both satisfying and packed with wholesome ingredients.

But this dish is more than just a salad—it’s a canvas for creativity. You can serve it as a sandwich filling, a wrap, or on a bed of greens, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. It’s also perfect for meal prepping, giving you a flavorful, ready-to-eat option for busy days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Incredibly Quick: Using rotisserie chicken slashes prep time, bringing this dish together in just 10 minutes.
• Nutritious and Filling: Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, it’s a balanced, guilt-free indulgence.
• Customizable: Easily tweak the ingredients to fit your preferences or dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The fresh, herby flavors are universally appealing, making it a hit at gatherings or potlucks.
• Meal Prep-Friendly: Prepare in advance and enjoy throughout the week for a no-fuss meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Salad:

• 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (480g)
• Optional add-ins: chopped green onion, red onion, or cucumber

For the Green Goddess Dressing:

• 1 medium avocado (150g)
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (non-fat) (228g)
• 1 cup fresh parsley (60g)
• ½ cup fresh dill (4g)
• ½ cup fresh mint (12g)
• 1 cup baby spinach
• ⅓ cup lemon juice (80ml)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (30ml)
• 2 garlic cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt (3g)
• Black pepper to taste
• 1–2 tablespoons water (optional, to thin the dressing)

How to Make Green Goddess Chicken Salad:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken
   Begin by shredding the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces. This is the foundation of your salad. For a finer texture, you can pulse the chicken in a food processor, but hand-shredding gives a satisfying, rustic feel.
2. Blend the Dressing
   In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the avocado, Greek yogurt, parsley, dill, mint, spinach, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick, gradually add water until it reaches your desired consistency. The aroma of fresh herbs will fill your kitchen, promising a vibrant flavor in every bite.
3. Assemble the Salad
   Transfer the shredded chicken to a large bowl and pour the green goddess dressing over it. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated. If you’re adding chopped green onions, cucumbers, or red onions, fold them in now for extra crunch and flavor.
4. Serve and Enjoy
   This salad is ready to shine! Enjoy it as-is, pile it high on a sandwich, tuck it into a wrap, or serve it over a bed of greens. It’s equally delightful with crackers or as part of a picnic spread.

Helpful Tips for the Best Green Goddess Chicken Salad:

• Use Fresh Herbs: The flavor of the dressing depends on the freshness of the herbs. Opt for vibrant, aromatic parsley, dill, and mint for the best results. If you have leftover herbs, this recipe is an excellent way to use them up.
• Shred with Ease: To save time, shred the chicken while it’s still warm; the fibers separate more easily.
• Adjust Consistency: Prefer a thinner dressing? Add water, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s pourable. Thicker dressing is perfect for sandwiches and wraps.
• Chill for Flavor: While the salad can be enjoyed immediately, letting it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Low-Sodium Option: If you’re mindful of salt, choose a rotisserie chicken labeled “low sodium” or season your dressing sparingly.

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Notes

• Customizable: Add veggies like cucumber or onions, or sprinkle nuts for crunch.
• Avocado Tips: Use ripe avocado for a creamy dressing. Let firm ones ripen at room temp.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap Greek yogurt with a plant-based alternative.
• Serving Ideas: Great on toast, wraps, or paired with a light soup.
• Lighter Option: Thin the dressing with water or almond milk for fewer calories.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 195 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I use something other than rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes! You can use baked or poached chicken breasts instead. For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for chickpeas or cubed tofu.

Q: How long can I store this salad?
A: Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, keep the dressing and chicken separate if prepping in advance.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Absolutely! Substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based alternative like almond or coconut yogurt.

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigerate: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day.
• Meal Prep Tip: Store the chicken and dressing separately to maintain freshness, especially if planning for several meals.

Related Recipes:

If you love the herby freshness of this salad, you’ll adore these recipes:

• Hawaiian Chicken Salad: A Tropical Delight That’s Easy, Healthy, and Gluten-Free
• Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
• Classic Chicken Salad Sandwich

Conclusion:

Green Goddess Chicken Salad is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is approachable, versatile, and guaranteed to impress. Whip up a batch today and savor the magic of a salad that’s as nourishing as it is delicious

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