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Green Goddess Chicken Salad

Green Goddess Chicken Salad
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Green Goddess Chicken Salad is a vibrant, fresh, and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, bright herbs, creamy dressing, and crisp vegetables. Perfect for a healthy meal any day, it offers a balanced blend of creamy, crunchy, and fresh flavors with wholesome ingredients. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, this salad is great for lunch, dinner, or a make-ahead picnic option.

Ingredients

Protein

  • Cooked chicken breast (poached or grilled), chopped into bite-sized pieces

Fresh Herbs

  • Parsley, finely chopped
  • Tarragon, finely chopped
  • Chives, finely chopped

Dressing

  • Greek yogurt or mayonnaise (choose Greek yogurt for lighter, tangier dressing or mayo for creaminess)
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Optional: anchovy paste

Vegetables & Add-ins

  • Avocado, diced
  • Celery, thinly sliced
  • Green onions, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Start by cooking your chicken breast—poach it gently in simmering water or grill for added smoky flavor. Once cooked, let it cool then chop into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Make the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), lemon juice, finely chopped herbs (parsley, tarragon, chives), a pinch of salt, pepper, and anchovy paste if using. The dressing should be creamy but bright with lemon and herbs.
  3. Chop the veggies: Slice celery thinly for crunch and finely chop green onions to bring a mild sharpness that balances the richness of the dressing.
  4. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, vegetables, diced avocado, and the dressing. Gently toss everything to coat well without mashing the avocado.
  5. Chill and serve: For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the herbs and dressing meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Use fresh, not dried, herbs to get that signature Green Goddess brightness.
  • Toss gently to keep avocado intact and maintain texture without mashing it.
  • Avoid overcooking chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
  • Adjust dressing consistency by thinning with a splash of water or more lemon juice if it feels too thick.
  • If making ahead, add avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
  • Store salad chilled in airtight container for up to 2 days; store avocado separately or add before serving.
  • Do not freeze this salad as avocado and fresh herbs lose texture and flavor after thawing.
  • If reheating, warm chicken separately and add to salad just before serving. Salad is best served cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Keywords: Green Goddess Chicken Salad, healthy chicken salad, fresh herb chicken salad, avocado chicken salad, gluten-free chicken salad

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/green-goddess-chicken-salad/