Green Goddess Salad

Published by:anna January 16, 2026January 16, 2026

Green Goddess Chicken Salad is a delightful blend of fresh flavors and textures that will brighten up any meal. This salad features tender pieces of rotisserie chicken enveloped in a luscious green goddess dressing that’s made with creamy Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, and a hint of garlic. Each bite is a refreshing harmony of creamy and crunchy, complemented by the mild sweetness of honey and zesty lemon juice. Best of all, it’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family gatherings or simply enjoying at home on a warm day.

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

I first concocted this Green Goddess Chicken Salad when my friend brought over a rotisserie chicken after a long week. I wanted something quick yet flavorful to jazz it up, and with a nod to classic flavors, this salad was born. It quickly became a family favorite, often requested for picnics and barbeques. If you’re looking for a refreshing, healthy dish without the fuss, this salad is your answer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a hearty salad that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of Greek yogurt and fresh herbs creates a creamy dressing that’s full of vibrant flavor.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The green hues of the dressing and herbs make this salad not just tasty but visually appealing too.
Flexible Serving: Great as a main course, side salad, or even a sandwich filling—perfect for any occasion!
Diet-Friendly Options: A great low-fat chicken salad that’s high in protein and can easily be made gluten-free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt: This creamy base adds tanginess and a protein boost while keeping the salad light. You can substitute with regular yogurt if needed.
1/3 cup mayonnaise: For richness, use a good quality mayo; avocado oil mayo is a great alternative for a healthier option.
1/2 lemon, juiced: The acidity brightens the dressing. Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor.
1 clove garlic: Minced garlic contributes a robust flavor. If you’re sensitive to raw garlic, you could use garlic powder.
3 green onions, roots removed: They add a mild onion flavor and nice crunch. Red or yellow onions could work in a pinch.
1 cup lightly packed fresh herbs (equal parts chives, parsley, and dill): Fresh herbs make the dressing vibrant; feel free to mix with basil or cilantro for a unique twist.
1 tbsp honey: Balances the acidity and sharpness; maple syrup is a good substitute for a vegan option.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the overall flavors of the salad; adjust to taste.
Black pepper, to taste: Freshly ground for the best flavor.
4 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, skin and bones removed, shredded or chopped small: This is a great shortcut, but you can roast your chicken if you prefer homemade.
1/3 cup slivered almonds (or other chopped nuts): They add crunch; pecans or walnuts work beautifully too.
3 celery ribs, diced small: Adds freshness and a delightful crunch.

How to Make Green Goddess Salad

Blend Dressing: Start by combining the 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/3 cup mayonnaise, juice of 1/2 lemon, 1 clove minced garlic, 3 green onions, 1 cup fresh herbs, 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and black pepper to taste in a blender. Pulse until smooth, which should take about 40 seconds. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides for even blending.

Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, add the 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken, 1/3 cup slivered almonds, and 3 diced celery ribs. It’s all about creating that wonderful mix of flavors and textures, so ensure everything is evenly distributed.

Combine: Pour the smooth green goddess dressing over the chicken mixture. With a large spoon, gently stir everything together until the chicken is well coated with that creamy dressing. You can either serve it immediately or refrigerate it to let the flavors meld even more before enjoying.

Storing & Reheating

To store your Green Goddess Chicken Salad, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This sharpens the flavors but may slightly alter the texture. Unfortunately, this salad is not suitable for freezing, as the creamy dressing may separate when thawed. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, just give it a gentle stir and it’ll be almost as good as fresh.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be careful not to over-blend the dressing; it should be smooth, but over-mixing can make it runny.
For a creamier texture, let the Greek yogurt sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before blending.
Don’t skip the nuts! They add a fantastic crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy dressing.
Feel free to toss in any leftover vegetables you have on hand for added nutrition and variety.
Make it vegan-friendly by substituting chicken with chickpeas or your favorite plant-based protein.

Green Goddess Chicken Salad is a delicious way to enjoy a healthy meal. With its bright flavors and nourishing ingredients, it’s easy to see why this salad becomes a staple. Whether you’re trying to eat better or simply need a filling dish with a flair of freshness, this salad is here to satisfy. Enjoy making this recipe your own by experimenting with different herbs and ingredients that inspire you.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different types of chicken?

Absolutely! While rotisserie chicken is a convenient choice, feel free to use any leftover grilled chicken or even poached chicken. Just ensure it’s cooked and shredded to mix well with the rest of the salad.

Can Green Goddess Chicken Salad be made in advance?

Yes, one of the best aspects of this salad is its ability to meld flavors over time. You can prepare it a day or two in advance, which allows the dressing to infuse into the chicken beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated until serving.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, Green Goddess Chicken Salad is naturally gluten-free as long as you choose gluten-free mayonnaise. This makes it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.

How can I customize the herbs in the dressing?

Feel free to swap or add herbs based on your preference. Cilantro, basil, or even mint can lend an exciting twist to the dressing. Experiment until you find your perfect combination!