Green Goddess Chicken Salad Recipe

This Green Goddess Chicken Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion! Packed with tender chicken, fresh greens, and a creamy green goddess dressing, it’s the ultimate healthy meal that’s both satisfying and light. 🥒🥑 Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or a picnic, this salad will leave everyone craving more.

Let’s dive into how you can make this tasty and nutritious chicken salad that will wow your taste buds! 🌟

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe 💚

✅ Fresh & Flavorful – Packed with fresh veggies and creamy dressing.
✅ Protein-Packed – The chicken gives you a healthy dose of protein.
✅ Light Yet Filling – Perfect for a light meal that still fills you up.
✅ Customizable – Add or swap ingredients based on your preferences.
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes or less!

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Key Ingredients & Substitutions 🛒

For this delicious Green Goddess Chicken Salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

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For the Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts 🐔 (boneless, skinless)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 🫒
• ½ teaspoon salt 🧂
• ½ teaspoon black pepper 🧑‍🍳
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 🧄

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For the Salad:

• 4 cups mixed greens 🥬 (arugula, spinach, kale – your choice!)
• 1 avocado 🥑, sliced
• 1 cucumber 🥒, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes 🍅, halved
• 1/2 red onion 🧅, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs 🌿 (parsley, chives, or basil)
• 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds 🥜 (optional for extra crunch)

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For the Green Goddess Dressing:

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt 🥄
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 🍋
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley 🌿
• 2 tablespoons chives 🌱
• 1 clove garlic 🧄, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 🫒
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Step-by-Step Instructions 👨‍🍳

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken 🍗

1️⃣ Cook the Chicken:

• Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Once cooked, set the chicken aside to rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips or cubes.

2️⃣ Alternative Cooking Method:

• Grill the chicken for a smoky flavor! Preheat the grill to medium heat and grill each side for about 6–8 minutes.

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Step 2: Make the Green Goddess Dressing 🥄

1️⃣ Blend the Ingredients:

• In a food processor or blender, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, fresh parsley, chives, garlic, and olive oil.
• Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

2️⃣ Adjust the Consistency:

• If the dressing is too thick, add a little water or extra lemon juice to reach your desired consistency. It should be creamy but pourable.

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Step 3: Assemble the Salad 🥗

1️⃣ Prep the Veggies:

• Wash and dry the mixed greens thoroughly.
• Slice the avocado, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes.
• Thinly slice the red onion for a bit of sharpness.

2️⃣ Combine the Salad:

• In a large mixing bowl, toss the mixed greens with the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh herbs.
• Add the sliced chicken on top.

3️⃣ Add the Avocado & Seeds:

• Gently add the sliced avocado on top of the salad.
• Sprinkle the sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a bit of crunch (optional).

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Step 4: Drizzle with Dressing & Serve 🥄

1️⃣ Dress the Salad:

• Drizzle the creamy Green Goddess dressing generously over the salad.
• Toss everything gently to coat all the ingredients with the flavorful dressing.

2️⃣ Serve Immediately:

• Serve the salad on individual plates or in a large bowl for family-style dining.

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Substitutions & Variations 💡

If you’re looking to switch things up or work with ingredients you already have, here are a few great substitutions and variations:

• Add More Protein: Add grilled shrimp, steak, or tofu for a twist.
• Different Greens: Use arugula, kale, or baby spinach for a different texture and flavor.
• Add Crunch: Swap the sunflower seeds for toasted almonds, pecans, or croutons.
• For Dairy-Free Options: Use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt, and opt for vegan mayo.
• Make It Spicy: Add some sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy kick! 🌶️

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Serving Suggestions 🍽️

While this Green Goddess Chicken Salad is delicious on its own, here are some ideas to enhance your meal:

1️⃣ Serve with Crusty Bread 🍞 – Pair the salad with a slice of warm, crusty bread or baguette for a filling meal.
2️⃣ Wrap It Up 🌯 – Wrap the salad in a whole wheat tortilla for a quick, portable lunch.
3️⃣ Side Dish Pairing 🥖 – Serve it with a light soup, like tomato bisque or a vegetable broth-based soup, for a complete meal.
4️⃣ Add a Protein Boost 💪 – Include hard-boiled eggs or roasted chickpeas for extra protein if desired.

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Storage & Reheating 🍴

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat your Green Goddess Chicken Salad:

1️⃣ Storing Leftovers:

• Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 days.
• Keep the dressing separate to prevent the greens from wilting.

2️⃣ Reheating the Chicken:

• If you want to reheat the chicken, do so in the microwave or a skillet. Just be sure not to overcook it!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓

1️⃣ Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?

• Yes! You can prep the chicken, dressing, and veggies the night before. Just keep them in separate containers. Assemble the salad when you’re ready to serve.

2️⃣ Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken?

• Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option and will still give you the delicious flavor you want.

3️⃣ How Can I Make the Dressing Lighter?

• You can reduce the mayo and yogurt ratio for a lighter version, or try using low-fat alternatives for both.

4️⃣ What If I Don’t Like Avocado?

• No problem! Simply omit the avocado and add extra veggies or even some cheese for a different texture.

5️⃣ Is This Salad Gluten-Free?

• Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free as long as the dressing and other ingredients are gluten-free. Always check labels!

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Conclusion: A Delicious & Refreshing Meal 🌱🍴

This Green Goddess Chicken Salad is the perfect meal when you need something healthy, fresh, and satisfying. 🥑 With creamy dressing, protein-packed chicken, and loads of fresh veggies, it’s a meal that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this salad has you covered.

So, next time you’re craving something fresh and flavorful, give this Green Goddess Chicken Salad a try! Let me know how it turns out in the comments.