This Green Goddess Chicken Salad transforms simple rotisserie chicken into a vibrant, herb-packed meal that’s both nutritious and incredibly satisfying. With creamy avocado, tangy Greek yogurt, and fresh herbs blended into an irresistible dressing, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in your own kitchen.
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Ingredients for Green Goddess Chicken Salad
I always keep a rotisserie chicken in my fridge because it’s the ultimate meal prep shortcut. My go-to is the herb-seasoned variety from Costco, but any quality rotisserie chicken works beautifully here. The real magic happens with the fresh herbs, so try to use them instead of dried if possible.
For the Salad:
- 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (480g, about 16oz) – If you want to try other ways to use rotisserie chicken, check out this rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta
- Optional add-ins: green onion, red onion, or chopped cucumber
For the Green Goddess Dressing:
- 1 medium avocado (150g) – I recommend choosing one that yields slightly to gentle pressure but isn’t mushy
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, non-fat (228g) – My preference is Fage or Chobani for the creamiest texture
- 1 cup fresh parsley (60g)
- 1/2 cup fresh dill, loosely packed (4g) – In my experience, fresh dill adds an irreplaceable bright flavor
- 1/2 cup fresh mint (12g)
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (80ml, about 1 1/2 large lemons) – I usually squeeze fresh lemons for the best flavor
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (30ml)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (3g), plus more to taste – I typically start with less and adjust after tasting
- Black pepper to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons water (optional, to thin)
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend having all your ingredients prepped before you start blending. This recipe comes together quickly when everything is ready to go.
Step 1: Shred your rotisserie chicken by pulsing it briefly in a food processor for 3-4 seconds, or use two forks to pull it apart by hand. The food processor creates a finer, more uniform texture that holds the dressing beautifully, but hand-shredding gives you more control over the chunk size. Transfer the shredded chicken to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Add all the dressing ingredients (avocado, Greek yogurt, parsley, dill, mint, spinach, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper) to your food processor or high-speed blender. Blend for 2-3 minutes, stopping once to scrape down the sides, until the mixture is completely smooth and uniformly bright green with no visible herb pieces. The consistency should be thick but pourable, similar to ranch dressing. If it’s too thick to blend smoothly, add water one tablespoon at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
Step 3: Pour the vibrant green dressing over the shredded chicken in your mixing bowl. Use a large spoon or spatula to fold everything together, making sure every piece of chicken gets coated with the creamy dressing. This is where the transformation happens and your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 4: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. The flavors should be bright, herby, and well-balanced. If you want extra texture and crunch, fold in your optional add-ins like sliced green onions, finely diced red onion, or chopped cucumber. These vegetables add a fresh contrast to the creamy chicken mixture.
Best Ways to Enjoy Green Goddess Chicken Salad
This versatile salad pairs wonderfully with sides that complement its fresh, herby flavors and creamy texture.
Whole Grain Crackers or Pita Chips: Sturdy crackers like Mary’s Gone Crackers or toasted pita chips provide the perfect scooping vehicle while adding satisfying crunch and wholesome fiber to your meal.
Fresh Vegetable Sticks: Crisp cucumber spears, colorful bell pepper strips, and crunchy celery sticks offer a refreshing, low-calorie way to enjoy this salad while adding extra vitamins and hydration.
Wrap or Sandwich: Transform this into a complete meal by stuffing it into a whole wheat wrap or piling it onto sourdough bread. For another delicious sandwich option, try this chicken avocado melt sandwich that also features creamy avocado. You could also serve it in a Mediterranean chicken gyro style with pita bread.
Leafy Green Salad: Serve generous scoops over a bed of mixed greens, arugula, or butter lettuce for a complete lunch bowl that’s packed with nutrients. If you enjoy Greek-inspired flavors, these Greek chicken tenders would make a great alternative protein option.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potato wedges creates a delicious balance with the tangy, herby dressing while adding heart-healthy complex carbohydrates that make this a more filling meal.
Warm Soup: Pair with a comforting bowl of hearty cheddar garlic herb potato soup for a satisfying lunch combination that covers both fresh and warm elements.
Keep It Fresh: Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Store your Green Goddess Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For optimal freshness, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad before sealing the container. This prevents the avocado from oxidizing and keeps the bright green color vibrant.
The flavors actually deepen and meld beautifully after a few hours in the fridge, making this perfect for meal prep. If you’re preparing this for the week ahead, consider storing a small portion of extra dressing separately to refresh the salad midweek if needed. Just give it a quick stir before serving.
Let the salad sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to bring back its creamy texture. The dressing naturally thickens when chilled, so this brief rest period makes it more scoopable and spreadable. This salad works beautifully in so many ways: enjoy it straight from the bowl with a fork, stuff it into pita pockets or wraps, spread it on your favorite crackers, or pile it high on a bed of crisp lettuce. For more protein-packed bowl inspiration, check out this bang bang chicken bowl recipe.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and give it a quick stir before serving.
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?
You can use cottage cheese blended until smooth for extra protein, regular full-fat yogurt for more richness, or plant-based yogurt alternatives like coconut or almond yogurt if you’re dairy-free. Each option creates a slightly different texture but all work deliciously.
How do I know if my avocado is ripe enough?
Gently squeeze the avocado in your palm without using your fingertips. It should give slightly to pressure but not feel mushy or have soft spots. The skin color should be dark green to almost black, and when you remove the small stem cap at the top, it should come away easily and reveal green underneath.
Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad (High-Protein)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Shred your rotisserie chicken by pulsing it briefly in a food processor for 3-4 seconds, or use two forks to pull it apart by hand. Transfer the shredded chicken to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- Add all the dressing ingredients (avocado, Greek yogurt, parsley, dill, mint, spinach, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper) to your food processor or high-speed blender. Blend for 2-3 minutes, stopping once to scrape down the sides, until the mixture is completely smooth and uniformly bright green with no visible herb pieces.
- If the dressing seems too thick to blend smoothly, add water one tablespoon at a time while blending until it reaches a thick but pourable consistency, similar to ranch dressing.
- Pour the vibrant green dressing over the shredded chicken in the mixing bowl. Use a large spoon or spatula to fold everything together thoroughly, making sure every piece of chicken gets coated with the creamy dressing.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. The flavors should be bright, herby, and well-balanced.
- If desired, fold in optional add-ins like sliced green onions, finely diced red onion, or chopped cucumber for extra texture and crunch.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing to prevent oxidation. Enjoy in wraps, sandwiches, over salads, or with crackers.
Notes
