This Green Goddess Chicken Salad is packed with fresh flavors! It features juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and a creamy green dressing that makes every bite delightful.
Honestly, I can’t get enough of that dressing—it’s like a hug in salad form! 🥗 I love enjoying it on warm days for a light lunch that’s super easy to whip up.
Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use leftover chicken. Just mix everything in a bowl, and you’ve got a tasty meal ready in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Diced or shredded chicken is the star here. You can use leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even canned chicken. For a vegetarian version, consider using chickpeas or tofu instead.
Greek Yogurt: This adds creaminess and a tangy taste. If you’re lactose intolerant, try dairy-free yogurt or silken tofu. I love the thickness Greek yogurt brings but you can also use regular yogurt if that’s what you have.
Cilantro and Parsley: These fresh herbs brighten up the dish. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can replace it with fresh basil or omit it altogether. Parsley is often easy to swap with chives for a different flavor.
Sunflower Seeds or Pine Nuts: These nuts add crunch and nutrition. If allergies are a concern, use pumpkin seeds or walnuts. I prefer sunflower seeds for their distinctive taste, but any toasted nut works great in this salad.
How Do I Make Sure My Salad Dressing is Just Right?
The dressing is important for tying all the flavors together. Mixing Greek yogurt and mayonnaise gives a creamy base that isn’t too heavy. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth dressing.
- In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well using a whisk or fork until smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If you want it tangier, add a splash more of lemon juice.
Taking just a minute to perfect your dressing makes all the difference in flavor!
How to Make Green Goddess Chicken Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or pine nuts, toasted
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Green Goddess Chicken Salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare. If you want to let the flavors develop, you can refrigerate it for an additional 30 minutes. So, in total, you can be enjoying this refreshing dish in just about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken and Veggies:
Start by gathering all your salad ingredients. In a large bowl, add the cooked chicken, diced celery, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, chopped parsley, and diced avocado. This mix of ingredients is not only colorful but also packed with flavor and nutrition!
2. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s nice and creamy. This dressing is the star of the dish, enhancing all the fresh ingredients!
3. Combine Salad and Dressing:
Now, pour the creamy dressing over the chicken and veggie mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well-coated with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the avocado too much; we want those beautiful pieces to stay intact!
4. Add Some Crunch:
Fold in the toasted sunflower seeds or pine nuts for that extra crunch. This will add a delightful texture to your salad!
5. Season to Taste:
Give your salad a taste, and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt and pepper if you feel it needs it. A little tweak here can really elevate the flavors!
6. Serve or Chill:
Your Green Goddess Chicken Salad is ready to go! You can serve it immediately for a fresh meal or pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together even better. Enjoy every bite of your delightful creation!
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken makes a perfect shortcut for this recipe. Just make sure to remove the skin and bones, then dice or shred the meat before adding it to the salad mixture.
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use regular yogurt, sour cream, or even a vegan alternative like cashew cream. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture might vary slightly, so adjust the seasonings to taste if necessary!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors get better with time, but keep in mind that the avocado may brown. You can prevent this by squeezing extra lemon juice over it before refrigerating.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes! To make this salad vegan, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu, use a dairy-free yogurt, and replace the mayonnaise with a vegan alternative. It will still be delicious and refreshing!
