Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for a light yet satisfying meal, the Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad is a perfect choice. Packed with lean protein from the chicken, the crunch of fresh veggies, creamy avocado, and a homemade Green Goddess dressing, this salad is bursting with flavor and nutrients. Whether you’re prepping a healthy lunch for the week or serving a fresh dish for dinner, this recipe offers a delicious balance of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. The homemade dressing, made with Greek yogurt and mayonnaise, adds a creamy, zesty flavor that pairs perfectly with the fresh ingredients. Quick to prepare and versatile, this Green Goddess Chicken Salad is a great option for anyone wanting to enjoy a flavorful meal without sacrificing nutrition.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Packed with Protein

The chicken provides a lean source of protein, which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied. This makes the salad perfect for a quick, nutritious meal that won’t leave you hungry an hour later.

2. Flavorful Green Goddess Dressing

This homemade dressing made from Greek yogurt and mayonnaise is creamy, tangy, and full of flavor. The addition of lemon juice and fresh herbs gives it a refreshing and zesty kick.

3. Rich in Healthy Fats

Avocado and sunflower seeds or pine nuts add a dose of healthy fats, contributing to heart health and providing a satisfying texture that enhances the salad.

4. Nutrient-Dense Ingredients

With fresh veggies like celery, green onions, cilantro, and parsley, this salad is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which contribute to overall health and well-being.

5. Easy to Make and Customize

This recipe is simple to prepare and can be customized to suit your preferences. You can add extra veggies, swap in different nuts or seeds, or adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• Cooked chicken (diced or shredded)
• Celery (diced)
• Green onions (sliced)
• Fresh cilantro (chopped)
• Fresh parsley (chopped)
• Avocado (diced)
• Sunflower seeds or pine nuts (toasted)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Dressing:

• Plain Greek yogurt
• Mayonnaise
• Lemon juice

Variations

• Add Greens: For extra greens, consider adding spinach, arugula, or mixed lettuce leaves for added color and nutrition.
• Use Different Nuts: If you don’t have sunflower seeds or pine nuts, feel free to swap in walnuts, almonds, or cashews for a different texture and flavor.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative, and opt for a plant-based mayonnaise to keep it dairy-free.
• Add Fruit: For a touch of sweetness, add diced apple, pear, or grapes to the salad.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Veggies

Start by cooking and shredding or dicing your chicken. Chop the celery, green onions, cilantro, parsley, and avocado. Toast the sunflower seeds or pine nuts in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a little more lemon juice if you prefer a tangier dressing.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, celery, green onions, cilantro, parsley, avocado, and toasted sunflower seeds or pine nuts. Drizzle the Green Goddess dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Serve immediately for a fresh and light meal or store in the refrigerator for later.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. This makes the prep even faster while still adding great flavor.
• Make It Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and veggies in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add the dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh.
• Extra Crunch: For an added crunch, throw in some sliced almonds or crushed crackers as a topping just before serving.
• Keep the Avocado Fresh: If you plan to make the salad ahead of time, keep the avocado separate and add it just before serving to prevent it from browning.

How to Serve

This Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad can be served on its own or over a bed of greens for added volume. Pair it with whole-grain crackers or a side of roasted vegetables for a more substantial meal. It also makes a great filling for wraps or sandwiches if you’re looking for something a bit more portable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to store the dressing separately from the salad to prevent the veggies from becoming soggy.

Freezing

Since the avocado and dressing don’t freeze well, this salad is not suitable for freezing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days of making it.

Reheating

If you’ve stored the salad and wish to enjoy it later, serve it chilled directly from the fridge, or if you prefer, gently heat the chicken before serving and then assemble the salad.

FAQs

1. Can I use leftover chicken for this salad?

Yes! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly for this salad, making it an excellent option for meal prepping.

2. Can I use a store-bought dressing instead of making my own?

You can use store-bought Green Goddess or any creamy dressing, but making your own dressing allows for a healthier, more customized flavor.

3. Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add cucumbers, bell peppers, or tomatoes for added color and crunch.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients in this salad are naturally gluten-free.

5. Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, you can make this salad vegan by using a plant-based yogurt and mayonnaise and substituting the chicken with tofu, chickpeas, or tempeh.

6. How long will the salad stay fresh in the fridge?

The salad will stay fresh for up to 2 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

7. Can I add cheese to the salad?

Yes! If you like, you can sprinkle in some crumbled feta, goat cheese, or shredded cheese of your choice.

8. How can I make the salad spicier?

You can add some chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for an extra kick.

9. Can I use a different type of nuts or seeds?

Yes, you can substitute sunflower seeds with pumpkin seeds, walnuts, or any other nut or seed you prefer.

10. Is this salad good for meal prepping?

Yes, this salad is great for meal prep! Just store the dressing separately and add it just before serving.

Conclusion

This Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and nutritious meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With the creamy dressing, crisp veggies, and protein-packed chicken, it’s a balanced dish that will leave you feeling satisfied without weighing you down. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or a quick snack, this salad is a delicious way to eat healthy without compromising on taste.

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