If you’re craving a dish that’s as nourishing as it is flavorful, look no further than this Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad (High-Protein) Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of creamy avocado, fragrant fresh herbs, and tender chicken breast tossed in a vibrant, homemade Green Goddess dressing. Not only does this salad pack a protein punch to keep you energized, but it also bursts with green goodness and bright citrus notes that make every bite feel like a celebration. Whether you’re meal prepping or whipping up a quick lunch, this salad is a refreshing way to enjoy wholesome ingredients that never sacrifice taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to nailing the perfect Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad (High-Protein) Recipe. Each item plays a crucial role, from adding creaminess and texture to imparting layers of herbal brightness and subtle tang.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast: Use shredded or chopped chicken for a tender protein base that soaks up the dressing beautifully.
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt: Adds silkiness and a tangy depth with extra protein.
- 1 ripe avocado: Brings a luscious creaminess and healthy fats that make the salad rich and satisfying.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, verdant note that brightens every forkful.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil: Provides a sweet, aromatic layer that elevates the herbaceous profile.
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives: Offers a gentle onion-like hint, subtle but important for balance.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Infuses a zesty acidity that cuts through the creaminess and enlivens the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A natural fat that rounds out the dressing and enhances mouthfeel.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Gives a punchy, savory backbone to the dressing.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just enough spice to wake up your taste buds.
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped: Adds crispness and subtle sweetness that contrast perfectly with the creamy components.
- ¼ cup finely chopped cucumber: Contributes a refreshing crunch and balances richness.
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onion: Provides mild pungency and vibrant color.
How to Make Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad (High-Protein) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Green Goddess Dressing
Start by combining the Greek yogurt, ripe avocado, fresh parsley, basil, chopped chives, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a food processor or blender. Blend this mixture until it turns into a smooth, creamy dressing that’s bursting with fresh herb flavors and a bright zing from the lemon—this is the heart of your salad’s flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Chicken and Vegetables
In a large bowl, toss together your cooked chicken breast, finely chopped celery, cucumber, and green onion. The crunch and cool freshness of the veggies add the perfect texture contrast to the tender chicken and creamy dressing.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
Pour the luscious Green Goddess dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture, then gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Give it a quick taste and add more salt or pepper if you feel it needs a little extra seasoning. For the best flavor, chill your salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—this allows the ingredients to marry beautifully.
How to Serve Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad (High-Protein) Recipe
Garnishes
To add a touch of elegance and a pop of color, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top just before serving. A few extra chives or sliced green onions can bring in lovely green highlights and an additional burst of oniony flavor.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with simple sides like whole-grain crackers, crisp lettuce leaves for wraps, or a light quinoa salad. Since it’s already protein-packed, feel free to keep your sides fresh and veggie-forward to maintain a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad (High-Protein) Recipe in avocado halves for an Instagram-worthy presentation, or spoon it into crisp romaine lettuce cups for a low-carb, refreshing meal. It also makes an excellent sandwich filling with your favorite bread or a topping for crunchy crostini at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen when chilled, but to preserve the fresh herb vibrancy, give it a quick stir before serving.
Freezing
Because of the fresh herbs and the avocado-based dressing, freezing this salad isn’t recommended—the texture and flavor of the creamy dressing can break down upon thawing, leading to a less appetizing experience.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer, allow leftovers to come out of the fridge for about 15 minutes before serving to take off the chill without heating it up.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor without extra effort. Just shred or chop it up and mix it in with the rest of your ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s excellent for meal prep. You can make a batch ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and enjoy a quick and nutritious lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Can I add other proteins to this salad?
Definitely! Hard-boiled eggs or chickpeas are great additions if you want to boost protein even more or vary the texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free. Just be mindful of what you serve it with if you have gluten sensitivities, and choose gluten-free bread or crackers if desired.
How do I make it spicier?
If you love a little kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce into the dressing before blending. Freshly diced jalapeños can also add some heat and crunch.
Final Thoughts
Friends, this Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad (High-Protein) Recipe is a total winner when you want something that’s both wholesome and bursting with flavor. It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent yet healthy, creamy yet bright, and always hits the spot. Give it a try and watch how it quickly becomes a favorite that you’ll want to make again and again for lunches, light dinners, or entertaining guests.
Print
Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad (High-Protein) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A vibrant and healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad packed with high-protein chicken breast and creamy avocado dressing made from fresh herbs and Greek yogurt. This low-carb, gluten-free dish is perfect for a nutritious lunch or meal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- ¼ cup finely chopped cucumber
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onion
Green Goddess Dressing
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 ripe avocado
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a food processor or blender, combine the Greek yogurt, ripe avocado, fresh parsley, basil, chives, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy to create the signature Green Goddess dressing.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped cooked chicken, finely chopped celery, cucumber, and green onions. Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if necessary.
- Chill and Serve: Transfer the salad to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled in lettuce wraps, on whole grain toast, as a sandwich filling, or over a bed of mixed greens for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the cooked chicken with rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for convenience.
- For extra protein, consider adding diced hard-boiled eggs or chickpeas.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it ideal for meal prep.
