Green Goddess Salad

Published by:Jennifer January 16, 2026January 16, 2026

There’s something undeniably delightful about a fresh, vibrant salad that bursts with flavor and texture. The Green Goddess Chicken Salad is a stunning example, combining tender chunks of chicken with a luscious dressing that’s both creamy and invigorating. By balancing Greek yogurt with classic mayonnaise, this recipe manages to keep things on the lighter side without sacrificing taste. The fresh herbs—a medley of chives, parsley, and dill—add a fragrant brightness that makes every bite feel like a mini celebration. Imagine serving this at a picnic or lunch gathering, and watching it disappear in mere minutes!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Green Goddess Salad
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Green Goddess Salad

When I first stumbled upon the concept of a Green Goddess dressing, I was immediately enchanted. The idea of combining wholesome ingredients to create a sauce that turns simple salads into something special was too good to ignore. Over the years, I’ve honed this recipe to create a succulent chicken salad that is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re rushing out the door for a quick lunch or hosting a gathering that calls for something a bit fancier. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, this salad is perfect for busy days.
Irresistible Flavor: A delicious balance of creamy, herby dressing and tender chicken that you can’t resist!
Eye-Catching Appeal: Beautifully green and utterly delicious, it’s sure to impress at any gathering.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for lunch, brunch, or as a hearty snack; it fits into any meal plan.
Diet-Friendly Options: With Greek yogurt, it’s a healthier twist on traditional chicken salad, making it a low-fat choice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt: This creamy base adds tang and health benefits, reducing the need for excessive mayonnaise.
1/3 cup mayonnaise: A touch of mayo helps create a rich texture, though you can substitute with extra Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
1/2 lemon, juiced: Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a zesty kick.
1 clove garlic: Adds a fragrant, savory depth; feel free to adjust based on your palate.
3 green onions, roots removed: These lend a mild onion flavor that’s fresher than regular onions.
1 cup lightly packed fresh herbs (equal parts chives, parsley, and dill): The stars of the dressing! Use whatever herbs you have on hand for a personal touch.
1 tbsp honey: A hint of sweetness beautifully balances the tangy flavors.
1/2 tsp salt: Essential for enhancing flavor; adjust to your preference.
Black pepper, to taste: A little sprinkle elevates the dressing’s dynamic.
4 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, skin and bones removed, shredded or chopped small: A convenient time-saver that provides that hearty protein punch.
1/3 cup slivered almonds (or other chopped nuts): Adds a delightful crunch; walnuts or pecans work well too.
3 celery ribs, diced small: Brings a satisfying crunch and freshness to the creamy mixture.

How to Make Green Goddess Salad

Blend Dressing: Place 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/3 cup mayonnaise, juice of 1/2 lemon, 1 clove garlic, 3 green onions (roots removed), 1 cup lightly packed fresh herbs, 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and black pepper to taste in a blender. Blend until smooth, pulsing or scraping down the sides as needed for about 40 seconds. The dressing should be velvety and fragrant—set it aside for now.

Combine Chicken and Veggies: In a large mixing bowl, add 4 cups cooked rotisserie chicken (shredded or chopped small), 1/3 cup slivered almonds, and 3 diced celery ribs. Mix them until evenly combined. The combination of tender chicken, crunch from the celery, and nuttiness from the almonds creates great texture.

Mix Salad Together: Pour the blended green goddess dressing over the chicken mixture. Using a large spoon, gently stir everything until thoroughly combined and the salad is beautifully coated with dressing. You can serve immediately, or if you want to let those flavors mingle, cover and refrigerate for later enjoyment. I bet it tastes even better the next day!

Storing & Reheating

To enjoy leftover Green Goddess Chicken Salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you find yourself needing to store it longer, consider freezing it for up to 3 months—although the texture might change slightly once thawed. Simply allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight, and give it a good stir to refresh before serving. It’s always a good idea to give it a taste test and adjust seasoning if needed after refrigerating or freezing.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Don’t rush the blending! Ensure that the dressing is fully smooth for the best mouthfeel.
When using rotisserie chicken, opt for one that’s freshly cooked for maximum flavor.
Feel free to experiment with different herbs or add-ins like grapes or apples for a fruity twist.
Keep the salad chilled before serving to maintain its freshness and texture.
Add the nuts just before serving to keep their crunch intact.
This salad is not only delicious but also versatile; try it as a filling in a whole-grain wrap!

There’s something special about the combination of robust flavors and fresh ingredients that makes this Green Goddess Chicken Salad such a winner. Perfectly creamy, herbaceous, and satisfying, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. Don’t hesitate to play with ingredients; there’s joy in making it your own!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make Green Goddess Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the salad up to a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve, which helps maintain the crunchiness of the nuts and fresh flavors.

What are good substitutes for Greek yogurt?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, you can use regular plain yogurt or even sour cream for a similar tangy flavor. Just keep in mind the texture may vary.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes! The ingredients used in this Green Goddess Chicken Salad are inherently gluten-free. Just double-check any packaged items like mayonnaise to ensure they are labeled gluten-free.

How can I enhance the flavor of the salad?

For added depth, consider incorporating spices like smoked paprika or a dash of chili powder into the dressing. You might also add fresh diced apples or grapes for a sweet contrast!