This Easy Green Goddess Chicken Salad is fresh and packed with flavor! With tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a creamy green dressing, it’s a meal that feels light yet satisfying.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken Breast: Shredded or chopped chicken breast is perfect here. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or any leftover chicken. If you’re vegetarian, try using chickpeas or cooked quinoa for a hearty alternative.
Avocado: This gives creaminess to the salad. If you’re allergic or don’t have one, use Greek yogurt or a nut-based cream instead to achieve a similar texture.
Mayonnaise: Traditional mayo adds richness, but Greek yogurt is a lighter option that still offers creaminess. For a vegan dressing, try using vegan mayo or mashed silken tofu.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley and chives are standard, but feel free to mix in other herbs like basil or cilantro. If you can’t find tarragon, use dill for a different but tasty flavor.
Anchovy Paste: It’s optional but adds a depth of flavor. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, consider using capers for a similar kick.
How Do I Make the Dressing Creamy and Flavorful?
The key to a smooth and flavorful dressing lies in how you combine the ingredients. Using a food processor helps achieve that creamy consistency! Here’s how to do it:
- Start with soft ingredients like the avocado and mayo. This helps them blend easily.
- Add the fresh herbs, lemon juice, and garlic next. These bring brightness and flavor.
- Pulse until it’s completely smooth. If it’s too thick, you can add a little water or extra lemon juice to thin it out.
Don’t forget to taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper to suit your preference. Enjoy the fresh flavors in this delightful salad!
Easy Green Goddess Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh chives, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh tarragon leaves (optional, adds authentic Green Goddess flavor)
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional, adds umami)
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to chill, so you can whip it up in about 45 minutes total. Perfect for a quick, delicious lunch or light dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dressing:
Begin by placing the avocado, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, parsley, chives, tarragon (if using), garlic, and anchovy paste into a food processor. Pulse the mixture until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. This dressing is the star of the salad, so blend it well!
2. Season Your Dressing:
Once it’s blended, taste the dressing and add salt and pepper as needed. This is your chance to adjust the flavors to your liking, so feel free to add more lemon juice for brightness or herbs for freshness!
3. Combine with Chicken:
Transfer the creamy dressing into a mixing bowl. Now, fold in the shredded or chopped cooked chicken until every piece is coated in that delicious green goodness. Make sure it’s mixed well so every bite is flavorful!
4. Chill Before Serving:
Cover the chicken salad and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors develop further and makes for a refreshing dish!
5. Serve and Enjoy!
When you’re ready to eat, serve your Easy Green Goddess Chicken Salad as is, over a bed of greens, or use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. Enjoy this fresh, vibrant salad that’s bursting with flavor!
This salad not only looks great but tastes amazing, thanks to the creamy, herb-packed dressing that blends perfectly with the tender chicken. It’s perfect for meal prep, a light lunch, or a quick dinner!
FAQ for Easy Green Goddess Chicken Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works great in this salad. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces and mix with the dressing. It’s a perfect way to use up leftovers!
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To keep this recipe dairy-free, simply use a dairy-free mayonnaise in place of traditional mayo. You can also substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt for a creamy texture without the dairy.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
If fresh herbs aren’t available, you can use dried herbs instead, but be careful with the quantity as dried herbs are more potent. For every tablespoon of fresh herbs, use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs, adjusting to taste!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier when you eat it again! Just give it a good stir before serving.
