Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad Recipe

The Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad is a refreshing, nutritious, and delicious dish that combines the flavors of fresh herbs, creamy avocado, and tender chicken. With a light and tangy dressing made from Greek yogurt, mayo, and lemon juice, this salad offers a healthier take on traditional chicken salads. The combination of crisp celery, fresh green onions, and vibrant herbs like cilantro and parsley brings out a burst of flavor in every bite. Topped with sunflower seeds or pine nuts for a satisfying crunch, this dish is perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Whether you’re following a specific diet or simply looking for a wholesome meal, this salad is both filling and packed with fresh, wholesome ingredients that are as tasty as they are good for you. The creamy dressing complements the vegetables and chicken without being overly heavy, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through. Easy to make and full of vibrant colors, this Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad is sure to become one of your go-to meals for nourishing your body and satisfying your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad offers the perfect balance of fresh, crisp ingredients and creamy, tangy flavors. The combination of tender chicken, creamy avocado, and a light dressing makes it both filling and refreshing. You’ll love the layers of texture—crunchy sunflower seeds or pine nuts, along with the smooth avocado, create an exciting contrast in every bite. With ingredients that are nutrient-rich and low in unhealthy fats, this salad is a great option if you’re looking to eat healthier without compromising on flavor. The Greek yogurt-based dressing gives the salad a creamy texture while keeping it lighter than traditional mayonnaise-heavy recipes. It’s also incredibly versatile, making it easy to adjust based on your preferences or dietary restrictions. This salad is perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a healthy snack that will keep you satisfied. Plus, it’s simple to prepare and can be stored in the fridge for several days, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.

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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

This Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad is highly adaptable to your personal tastes. Here are a few variations to consider:

1. Add More Veggies: You can add other fresh vegetables like cucumber, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes to increase the salad’s freshness and crunch.
2. Swap the Nuts: If you’re not a fan of sunflower seeds or pine nuts, try using chopped almonds, walnuts, or even pumpkin seeds.
3. Spicy Version: Add a finely chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.
4. Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free yogurt and mayonnaise alternatives to make this salad dairy-free.
5. Grilled Chicken: For extra flavor, you can use grilled or roasted chicken instead of boiled or pre-cooked chicken.
6. Herb Variations: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, try using fresh basil, dill, or tarragon to change the flavor profile of the salad.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cooking and shredding or dicing your chicken. You can use leftover chicken or quickly cook fresh chicken breasts. Once the chicken is ready, set it aside.

Step 2: Chop the Vegetables

Dice the celery, slice the green onions, and chop the fresh cilantro and parsley. Cut the avocado into cubes and toast the sunflower seeds or pine nuts in a dry skillet until golden and fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and lemon juice until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Combine the Salad

In a large bowl, add the shredded chicken, celery, green onions, cilantro, parsley, and avocado. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring the ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 5: Add the Crunch

Top the salad with the toasted sunflower seeds or pine nuts for an added crunch and flavor boost.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Give the salad a final taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if necessary. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 30 minutes for even more flavor development.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice in the dressing.
• Be careful when adding the dressing; it’s best to start with a small amount and add more as needed to avoid over-dressing.
• If you prefer a creamier texture, increase the amount of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise in the dressing.
• When toasting nuts or seeds, keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Stir frequently and remove them from the skillet once they’re golden brown.
• To prevent the avocado from browning, serve the salad immediately after mixing or toss it in the dressing just before serving.

How to Serve

This Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad can be served in many ways. Enjoy it on its own for a light meal, or serve it on a bed of greens like spinach or arugula for extra nutrients. It also works well as a filling for wraps, sandwiches, or lettuce cups for a low-carb option. Pair it with a side of whole-grain crackers or a light soup for a more substantial meal. It also makes a fantastic addition to a picnic or potluck gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re planning to store the salad, consider keeping the avocado separate to prevent it from browning.

Freezing

This salad is not suitable for freezing, as the avocado and dressing can change in texture once frozen.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat it. Just give it a good toss before serving if it’s been stored in the fridge.

FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this salad and can save you time.

2. Can I use a different nut in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute sunflower seeds or pine nuts with almonds, walnuts, or even pecans.

3. Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.

4. Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Yes, simply substitute the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with dairy-free alternatives.

5. How can I make this salad spicier?

Add finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for an extra kick.

6. Can I prep this salad in advance?

Yes, you can prep the salad ingredients ahead of time, but add the avocado and dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh.

7. How long will the salad last in the fridge?

This salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, but the avocado may start to brown if left too long.

8. Can I add fruit to this salad?

Yes, you can add diced apple, grapes, or even mango for a touch of sweetness.

9. Can I make the dressing without mayo?

Yes, you can use all Greek yogurt or even substitute with avocado for a creamier, dairy-free option.

10. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s fully cooked and shredded before adding it to the salad.

Conclusion

This Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad is a vibrant and delicious way to enjoy a nourishing meal without compromising on flavor. With its combination of fresh herbs, creamy avocado, and light dressing, it’s perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Whether you enjoy it on its own or in wraps or sandwiches, this salad is a satisfying, flavorful option that’s easy to make and packed with nutrients. Wholesome, tasty, and versatile, this salad is sure to become a go-to in your healthy recipe rotation.

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