Looking for a healthy, herby twist on classic chicken salad? This Green Goddess Chicken Salad is everything your lunch dreams are made of—creamy, bright, and packed with protein and fresh flavors. With a tangy dressing made from Greek yogurt, avocado, lemon, and loads of fresh herbs, this salad is light, satisfying, and totally meal-prep-friendly. Whether you spoon it into lettuce cups, sandwich it between whole-grain bread, or enjoy it straight from the bowl, this is one dish that will keep you coming back.
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My Fresh Take on Green Goddess Chicken Salad
A Family Favorite with a Fresh Twist
Hi, I’m Lina Vexley! And this Green Goddess Chicken Salad holds a special place in my kitchen heart. I still remember the first time I made it with my daughter—she was perched on a step stool, tossing handfuls of basil into the food processor while the aroma filled the room. We laughed, tasted, adjusted the lemon, and created something truly joyful.
Over time, this salad became a lunchbox favorite and a dinner-table staple. The creamy dressing, made with avocado, yogurt, and lemon, hugs tender chunks of rotisserie chicken in all the right ways. It’s a dish born from convenience (thank you, rotisserie chicken!) but elevated with the magic of herbs and a quick blitz in the blender.
Now, it’s part of our regular meal prep rotation and one I love sharing with friends—especially during warmer months when fresh dill and basil are bursting from the garden.
If you’re craving something quick, nourishing, and full of flavor, this green goddess chicken salad is your new go-to. Just like my Avocado Chickpea Salad, it’s all about simplicity and bold, garden-fresh taste. You can even explore more salads and light meals if you’re in a wholesome lunch mood.
What Makes It a “Green Goddess”?
It all begins with the dressing. Green Goddess dressing, first whipped up in the 1920s, is famous for its vivid green hue and bold herbal flavor. While the classic version used mayo and anchovies, today’s healthier spin swaps in avocado and Greek yogurt for a lighter, creamier base.
In this recipe, fresh dill, basil, scallions, garlic, lemon juice, and zest come together to create a vibrant, tangy blend that coats the chicken perfectly. The result? A salad that’s refreshing, rich in flavor, and full of texture—without feeling heavy.
When you make green goddess chicken salad, you’re creating a dish that’s bright, nourishing, and full of vibrant flavor in every bite.
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Green Goddess Chicken Salad: Fresh, Healthy & Ready in 10 Minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A creamy, herb-packed chicken salad made with Greek yogurt, avocado, and lemon. Perfect for meal prep or light, healthy lunches.
Ingredients
1/4 cup light mayo
1/4 cup plain non fat Greek yogurt
1 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 lemon, zested and juiced
4 oz avocado
2 cloves garlic
2 scallions, chopped
2 tbsp dill, fresh
2 tbsp basil, fresh
1/4 cup red onion, diced
2 chicken breasts, cooked (rotisserie recommended)
1/2 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
Add mayo, yogurt, avocado, vinegar, lemon zest and juice, garlic, dill, basil, scallions, and salt to a food processor.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
In a large bowl, shred the cooked chicken.
Add diced red onion to the chicken.
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture.
Stir until well coated.
Chill for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for ease.
The salad gets even better after chilling overnight.
Serve in lettuce wraps, sandwiches, or over greens.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.75 cup
- Calories: 232 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 547 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.02 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Ingredients and Customization for the Perfect Green Goddess Chicken Salad
Green Goddess Chicken Salad Ingredients Breakdown
What sets this chicken salad apart is how every ingredient plays a role in building fresh, creamy, herb-packed flavor. Let’s break it down:
- Light Mayo + Greek Yogurt: This duo brings a creamy texture without the heaviness. Greek yogurt adds a protein boost and a subtle tang.
- Avocado: Adds richness and a buttery texture while keeping the dressing silky and nutritious.
- Lemon (zest + juice): Brightens the dressing and balances the creaminess with a citrusy kick.
- Garlic + Scallions: These two build bold base flavors that deepen the overall taste.
- Fresh Dill + Basil: These herbs are the heart of the Green Goddess. Their vibrant, grassy notes keep the dressing tasting garden-fresh.
- Cooked Chicken: Using shredded rotisserie chicken saves time and soaks up all the flavor beautifully.
- Red Onion: Offers subtle sweetness, crunch, and a splash of color.
- Kosher Salt: A touch of seasoning enhances every bite.
This green goddess chicken salad comes together in minutes but feels anything but ordinary. It’s quick enough for lunch but satisfying enough for dinner, especially when paired with a crusty slice of sourdough or tucked into crisp lettuce wraps.
For more ways to use rotisserie chicken creatively, check out our guide on Healthy Chicken Meal Prep and browse our Low Carb Lunch Ideas.
Smart Swaps and Add-Ins
This salad is incredibly flexible. Here are some ways you can make it your own:
- Dairy-Free? Replace Greek yogurt with mashed avocado or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
- Extra Crunch: Add diced celery, chopped walnuts, or sliced almonds for texture.
- Touch of Sweetness: Halved grapes or chopped apples bring a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the herbs.
- More Veggies: Try mixing in shredded kale, spinach, or arugula for added greens.
- Make It a Wrap: Spoon the salad into a low-carb tortilla with lettuce and tomato for a fast, flavorful lunch.
This kind of adaptability makes green goddess chicken salad perfect for everything from a quick solo lunch to a picnic or potluck dish. You’ll love how simple it is to customize while keeping that signature fresh herb flavor.
How to Make Green Goddess Chicken Salad Step-by-Step
Step-by-Step Prep Guide
This green goddess chicken salad is surprisingly easy to make—and it all starts with your blender or food processor. Here’s how to bring everything together in just a few simple steps:
- Make the Dressing
Add the following to a food processor:
- ¼ cup light mayo
- ¼ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- 4 oz ripe avocado
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp fresh dill
- 2 tbsp fresh basil
- 2 chopped scallions
- ½ tsp kosher salt
Blend until smooth and creamy. You’re aiming for a velvety consistency—thick enough to coat, yet easy to stir through the chicken.
- Prep the Chicken
In a large bowl, shred your cooked chicken breasts. Rotisserie chicken is ideal here—tender, juicy, and ready to go. - Add Onion and Mix
Dice ¼ cup of red onion and toss it in with the shredded chicken for a crisp bite and bold flavor. - Combine and Chill
Spoon the blended dressing over the chicken, mixing until each piece is fully covered. Chill in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes to let the flavors develop.
That’s all it takes to bring together a refreshing, protein-packed salad that feels both light and satisfying. I find myself making this simple, wholesome recipe again and again.
Want more ways to use rotisserie chicken? Check out our collection of rotisserie chicken recipes for time-saving, flavorful meals.
Pro Tips for Perfect Flavor
- Use ripe avocado: It should mash easily and make the dressing smooth and rich.
- Balance the lemon flavor by adding zest first, then squeezing in the juice to taste—it can vary in tartness.
- Fresh herbs only: Their bright flavor and color are essential to the dressing.
- Shred the chicken: It blends better with the dressing, so each bite is full of flavor.
- Chill before serving: A brief rest in the fridge lets everything come together beautifully.
Here’s a quick glance at the nutrition breakdown:
| Nutrient | Per ¾ Cup Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 232 kcal |
| Protein | 27 g |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 547 mg |
Smart Ways to Serve and Save This Herb-Packed Chicken Salad
Creative Ways to Serve Green Goddess Chicken Salad
One of the best things about green goddess chicken salad is how incredibly versatile it is. Whether you’re after a simple lunch, a make-ahead meal, or something easy to pack for a picnic, this dish works in countless ways. Check out these go-to ways to enjoy this dish:
- Lettuce Cups: Spoon your green goddess chicken salad into romaine or butter lettuce for a crisp, refreshing low-carb option.
- Open-Face Sandwich: Layer it on a slice of toasted sourdough or multigrain bread with extra herbs and a sprinkle of cracked pepper.
- Wrap It Up: Roll the chicken salad in a whole wheat tortilla with greens and sliced cucumbers for a lunch that travels well.
- Over Salad Greens: Use your green goddess chicken salad as a flavorful protein topper on a fresh bed of arugula or spinach.
- Stuffed Avocados: For a filling and beautiful presentation, serve scoops of the salad inside halved avocados.
Whether you’re entertaining or meal prepping, this salad belongs in your regular meal prep ideas lineup. It also pairs perfectly with fresh dishes from our healthy dips and spreads collection.
Storing Green Goddess Chicken Salad the Right Way
Planning ahead? This recipe is great for meal prep. Follow these tips to keep your green goddess chicken salad fresh and flavorful:
Keep the salad in the fridge, stored in an airtight container, for optimal taste and texture for 4 days. Before serving, give it a quick stir to remix the creamy dressing.
Make the Dressing Ahead: Short on time? Whip up the dressing early and keep it refrigerated on its own for up to two days. When ready, simply combine it with freshly shredded chicken.
Don’t Freeze It: Because of the avocado and delicate herbs, freezing isn’t recommended. This salad delivers its best flavor and consistency when served fresh.
In fact, a little rest time works wonders. Letting your green goddess chicken salad sit overnight gives the flavors a chance to develop—making each bite even more delicious the next day.
Conclusion
Fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor, green goddess chicken salad is more than just a lunch—it’s a versatile dish that fits your busy life without compromising on taste. Whether you’re prepping meals for the week, packing a picnic, or just looking for something refreshing and satisfying, this salad checks every box. Made with whole ingredients and bursting with herbaceous flavor, it’s a go-to recipe you’ll keep coming back to.
Try it once, and it just might become your new favorite way to enjoy chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Goddess Chicken Salad
What is Green Goddess Chicken Salad made of?
This flavorful salad combines shredded cooked chicken (often rotisserie for convenience) with a creamy, herb-packed dressing. The dressing includes avocado, Greek yogurt, fresh dill, basil, lemon, garlic, scallions, and a touch of mayo—creating a light yet satisfying texture.
Can I make Green Goddess Chicken Salad in advance?
Yes, absolutely! The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. In fact, the flavor improves as it sits, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Is Green Goddess Chicken Salad healthy?
It’s a nourishing choice. Packed with lean protein from chicken and healthy fats from avocado and Greek yogurt, this salad is naturally low in carbs and calories. Each ¾ cup serving contains just 232 kcal and 3 WW points.
What should I serve with Green Goddess Chicken Salad?
It pairs well with toasted bread, lettuce wraps, avocado halves, whole-grain crackers, or fresh greens. You can also enjoy it as a sandwich filling or stuffed in a pita pocket for a hearty meal.