Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad Recipe

A perfect combination of fresh ingredients and creamy, tangy dressing, this Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad is the ideal meal for anyone seeking something light, nutritious, and packed with flavor. The salad features tender shredded chicken, crispy celery, fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley, and creamy avocado for a dose of healthy fats. The homemade Greek yogurt-based dressing adds the perfect creamy consistency while maintaining a lighter feel than traditional creamy dressings. Whether you’re in need of a quick lunch or a light dinner, this salad is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings while keeping things wholesome and refreshing.

This recipe is versatile, easy to prepare, and perfect for meal prepping. With the protein from chicken, fiber from veggies, and healthy fats from avocado, it’s a filling dish that won’t leave you feeling weighed down. Plus, the toasted sunflower seeds or pine nuts provide the perfect crunch to elevate the salad to the next level of flavor. If you’re looking to make something healthy and delicious that doesn’t require much time in the kitchen, this salad is the answer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Nutrient-Packed

Loaded with lean chicken, healthy fats from avocado, and fiber from vegetables, this salad is both filling and nutritious.

2. Light but Satisfying

The creamy Greek yogurt dressing is lighter than traditional dressings but still adds a satisfying richness, making this salad a perfect option for a wholesome meal.

3. Quick and Easy

With simple ingredients and easy steps, this salad comes together in no time. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something fresh and healthy without much effort.

4. Versatile

You can easily modify the recipe to fit your tastes. Swap the chicken for turkey, tofu, or chickpeas for a different protein, or add more vegetables to customize it to your liking.

5. Meal Prep Friendly

this RECIPE

This salad holds up well in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prepping. Prepare it in advance and enjoy it throughout the week!

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

Add More Veggies

If you love vegetables, feel free to add more! Bell peppers, cucumber, or even zucchini can easily be incorporated for extra crunch and nutrition.

Make It Vegan

Replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a plant-based version, and swap the mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo alternative.

Swap the Nuts or Seeds

If you prefer a different type of nut or seed, you can swap the sunflower seeds with pumpkin seeds, almonds, or walnuts for a different flavor and texture.

Make It Spicy

If you like a bit of heat, try adding a finely chopped jalapeño or some red pepper flakes to the salad or dressing.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Salad Ingredients

Start by shredding or dicing the cooked chicken. Then chop the celery, green onions, cilantro, parsley, and avocado into bite-sized pieces. Toast the sunflower seeds or pine nuts in a pan over medium heat until golden and fragrant.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and lemon juice until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, celery, green onions, cilantro, parsley, and avocado. Toss to mix everything together.

Step 4: Add the Dressing

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly with the creamy dressing.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top the salad with the toasted sunflower seeds or pine nuts for added crunch. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Use Rotisserie Chicken: For an even quicker version, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds extra flavor.
2. Make the Dressing Ahead: The dressing can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It makes meal prep even easier!
3. Toast the Seeds: Toasting the sunflower seeds or pine nuts enhances their flavor and adds extra crunch to the salad.
4. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier dressing, feel free to add a bit more mayo or Greek yogurt to suit your taste.
5. Add a Sweet Touch: For a slightly sweet flavor, try adding some dried cranberries or diced apples to the salad.

How to Serve

This Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad is delicious on its own, but it’s also great as a filling for wraps, served over a bed of mixed greens, or alongside whole-grain crackers or pita bread for extra texture. For a more substantial meal, serve it with a side of quinoa or brown rice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The avocado might brown slightly, but the salad will still taste great. If preparing in advance, you can store the salad and dressing separately to keep the ingredients fresh.

Freezing

This salad is not ideal for freezing due to the avocado and creamy dressing. It’s best to make it fresh and enjoy within a couple of days.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. Simply enjoy as is!

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that saves time and adds flavor to the salad.

2. Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu, and use vegan mayonnaise or just Greek yogurt to keep it vegan-friendly.

3. Can I add other veggies to the salad?

Yes! Feel free to add other veggies like cucumber, bell peppers, or even tomatoes to the salad for added texture and flavor.

4. Can I make the dressing without mayonnaise?

Yes, you can make the dressing with only Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor or use a dairy-free yogurt if needed.

5. Can I substitute the sunflower seeds with something else?

Yes, you can swap sunflower seeds with pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, or any other nuts or seeds you prefer.

6. How long can I store the salad in the fridge?

The salad is best eaten within 2 days of making it, as the avocado can brown over time.

7. Can I use low-fat Greek yogurt?

Yes, you can use low-fat or fat-free Greek yogurt if you prefer a lighter dressing.

8. Can I add fruit to this salad?

For a sweet contrast, try adding some diced apple, pear, or dried cranberries for an added flavor boost.

9. How can I make this salad spicier?

To add heat, try adding some finely chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes in the dressing.

10. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad is the perfect combination of fresh, vibrant ingredients and a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s packed with nutrients, easy to prepare, and perfect for meal prep. With its versatility and fresh flavors, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you enjoy it as a main dish, a side, or in a wrap, this salad offers a satisfying and healthy meal that you can feel good about eating. Give it a try today and enjoy the vibrant taste of the Green Goddess!

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