This Easy Green Goddess Chicken Salad combines tender chicken, fresh greens, and a creamy green goddess dressing. It’s colorful, tasty, and packed with nutrients!
Who doesn’t love a salad that feels like a treat? I enjoy munching on it for lunch, and it’s great for meal prep too—just mix, pack, and enjoy fresh each day! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for ease, or leftover chicken will work too. If you’re vegetarian, chickpeas are a great substitute—just mash them lightly for texture.
Avocado: It adds creaminess. If you’re not a fan, you can swap it for more Greek yogurt or another ripe fruit like mashed banana (though it will change the flavor a bit).
Mayonnaise: Traditional mayonnaise gives the best flavor, but for a lighter version, use Greek yogurt. You can also make it dairy-free by using avocado mayo.
Fresh Herbs: The combination of parsley, chives, and tarragon provides a lots of flavor, but you can get creative! Basil or dill can be fantastic substitutes as well, depending on your taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for flavor. If you don’t have fresh, use garlic powder (about 1/4 teaspoon) for a milder taste.
How Do You Make the Dressing Creamy and Delicious?
The dressing for this salad is key to success! Here are some important tips:
- Use a good-quality avocado. Ensure it’s ripe for that creamy texture.
- Blend the ingredients well in a food processor or blender until smooth. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides for even mixing.
- Adding lemon juice not only brightens the taste but also keeps the avocado from browning.
- If you like a tangy kick, don’t skip the Dijon mustard! It elevates the flavor.
- Letting the salad chill is crucial. It allows all those delicious flavors to meld together, making every bite better.
Easy Green Goddess Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh chives
- 1/4 cup fresh tarragon leaves (or substitute with more parsley if unavailable)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1-2 tsp Dijon mustard for a tangy depth
Time Needed
This Easy Green Goddess Chicken Salad will take about 10 minutes to prepare, plus a little chilling time of at least 30 minutes in the fridge to let all the flavors come together. A quick and simple salad you can whip up in no time!
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dressing:
In a food processor or blender, combine the avocado, mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), fresh parsley, chives, and tarragon. Blend until smooth and creamy, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed for an even mixture.
2. Add Flavor:
Add the fresh lemon juice, vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the food processor. Blend again until everything is well mixed and smooth. Taste your dressing and if you’d like, add Dijon mustard for a little extra kick, adjusting the seasoning to your liking.
3. Mix with Chicken:
In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded or chopped cooked chicken. Pour the green goddess dressing over the chicken, and stir until everything is nicely coated and mixed together. You want that delicious dressing to be evenly distributed!
4. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows all those wonderful flavors to meld. When ready to serve, enjoy your salad chilled as a filling for a sandwich, on top of greens, or alongside your favorite crackers for a tasty snack!
Enjoy your fresh, creamy, and flavorful Easy Green Goddess Chicken Salad!
FAQ for Easy Green Goddess Chicken Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand works perfectly. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces before mixing with the dressing.
What Can I Substitute for Avocado?
If you’re not a fan of avocado, you can replace it with an additional 1/4 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess. Just keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dressing may thicken, so feel free to stir in a bit more yogurt or mayo before enjoying it again!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, this salad is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it a day in advance. Just keep it stored in the fridge, and it’ll be just as tasty when you’re ready to serve it!
