Green Goddess Chicken Salad

This Green Goddess Chicken Salad is a fresh, creamy, and herb-packed dish that’s perfect for warm days or quick lunches. With rotisserie chicken, crisp veggies, and a velvety avocado-based dressing, it’s as flavorful as it is nourishing. Whether served solo, in wraps, or over fruit, this protein-rich salad is satisfying and versatile—ready in just 15 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Salad (Serves 6):

• 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded (discard skin and bones)

• 1 cup diced cucumbers

• ¼ cup finely diced red onions

• 2 tablespoons chopped dill

• 2 tablespoons chopped basil

For the Green Goddess Dressing:

• 2 scallions, roughly chopped

• ½ cup packed fresh basil

• ⅓ cup packed fresh Italian parsley

• ¼ cup packed fresh dill

• 2 small or medium avocados (or 1½ large)

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

• Juice of 1 lemon (add more to taste)

• 1 clove fresh garlic

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

• Water as needed to thin the dressing

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Make the Dressing

In a blender or food processor, combine scallions, herbs, avocado, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add water as needed to reach your preferred consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, cucumbers, red onions, dill, and basil. Pour the green goddess dressing over the mixture and toss until evenly coated.

3. Serve

Serve immediately or chill for later. Enjoy on its own, in lettuce cups, wraps, pita, or over apple slices for a refreshing, high-protein meal.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 400 kcal

• Protein: 52 g

• Carbohydrates: 11 g

• Fat: 18 g

  • Saturated Fat: 3 g

  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g

  • Monounsaturated Fat: 11 g

  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g

• Cholesterol: 144 mg

• Sodium: 567 mg

• Potassium: 963 mg

• Fiber: 6 g

• Sugar: 3 g

• Vitamin A: 736 IU

• Vitamin C: 25 mg

• Calcium: 93 mg

• Iron: 2 mg

Why Green Goddess Chicken Salad Works So Well

1. Nutrition Meets Convenience

Let’s face it—meal prepping or even making a nutritious lunch every day can feel like a burden. That’s why this salad is such a game-changer. It uses shredded rotisserie chicken, which saves time and adds an element of comfort food. Coupled with raw veggies and a blender-friendly dressing, the entire dish can be put together in about 15 minutes.

And it’s not just quick—it’s healthy. Each serving provides approximately 52 grams of protein, making it ideal for post-workout recovery, muscle maintenance, or simply staying full and focused throughout the day. The avocado and olive oil supply heart-healthy fats, while Greek yogurt contributes calcium and probiotics. It’s the rare salad that satisfies you in every sense.

2. Flavor Profile That Delights

The flavor of Green Goddess Chicken Salad is multilayered:

• The chicken adds savory depth and substance.

• The dressing, with its blend of creamy avocado, zesty lemon, and pungent herbs, brings freshness and complexity.

• Crisp cucumbers and red onions give it that much-needed crunch and sharpness.

Together, they create a bite that’s tangy, herby, and slightly sweet—perfectly balanced and never boring.

Versatility: Serve It Your Way

One of the reasons this recipe has become a go-to for so many is its adaptability. You can serve it in numerous ways depending on dietary preferences, mealtime, or even your mood.

Lettuce Wraps

A low-carb favorite. Spoon the salad into romaine, butter, or little gem lettuce leaves for a fresh, crunchy, and portable option.

Sandwiches and Wraps

Want something heartier? Spread the chicken salad in a pita pocket, croissant, or tortilla. It’s an easy way to turn it into a complete meal that feels indulgent but is still good for you.

Fruit Pairings

For a sweet-and-savory twist, serve it on apple or pear slices. The crispness and natural sugars of the fruit contrast beautifully with the creaminess of the salad.

Bowl Style

Serve it over a grain bowl—quinoa, farro, or even brown rice—for a more filling dinner option that still stays light.

Optional Add-Ins for Customization

This salad is a blank canvas that welcomes your creativity. Whether you’re looking to boost the texture, add sweetness, or use up what’s in the fridge, there are countless ways to personalize it.

• For Crunch: Add nuts or seeds like almonds, pistachios, sunflower seeds, or even pumpkin seeds.

• For Sweetness: Throw in dried cranberries, chopped dates, or halved grapes.

• For Extra Veggies: Celery, shredded carrots, or thinly sliced radishes make excellent additions.

These mix-ins not only change up the flavor and texture but also increase the nutritional diversity, bringing more fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants to the dish.

Meal Prep Tips and Storage Advice

If you’re meal prepping for the week, the Green Goddess Chicken Salad is an ideal candidate. With a few smart tweaks, you can make it last for days.

• Store the dressing separately from the chicken and veggies if you’re making this ahead. This keeps everything fresh and prevents sogginess.

• The lemon juice in the dressing helps prevent the avocado from browning, which means it stays visually appealing for 2–3 days in the fridge.

• Use airtight containers and refrigerate promptly. If properly stored, the salad can last up to 3–4 days, making it perfect for work lunches or grab-and-go meals.

Pro tip: To shred chicken faster, use a hand mixer or a food processor with a shredding blade. It saves time and gives you consistent texture every time.

Health Benefits at a Glance

What makes this salad more than just a trendy lunch option is its nutritional value. Here’s what it contributes to your well-being:

• High Protein – Essential for muscle repair, satiety, and metabolism support.

• Healthy Fats – Avocado and olive oil offer monounsaturated fats that support heart and brain health.

• Fiber – From herbs, veggies, and avocado, promoting good digestion and blood sugar balance.

• Probiotics – Thanks to the Greek yogurt, aiding gut health.

• Micronutrients – Rich in potassium, Vitamin C, and iron, supporting immune health and energy levels.

Unlike many ready-made salads, which are either too heavy or too light, this one strikes a solid nutritional balance. It’s ideal for those following low-carb, high-protein, keto-friendly, or gluten-free diets (as long as you avoid bread or wraps).

Conclusion

In a time when fast food and quick meals dominate our schedules, the Green Goddess Chicken Salad stands as a shining example of how fast food can also be real food. It’s an elegant blend of convenience and health, heritage and creativity. From its roots in 1920s San Francisco to today’s busy kitchens, the Green Goddess flavor profile continues to evolve while retaining its core appeal: freshness, creaminess, and vibrance.

More than just a salad, it’s a meal you can customize, prep ahead, and feel good about eating—every single time. Whether you’re making lunch for one or feeding a family, this recipe brings satisfaction with minimal effort and maximum flavor. It’s no wonder that once people try it, it becomes a staple in their weekly meal rotation.