Meet your new lunchtime obsession: Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad (High-Protein). This vibrant and satisfying salad brings together juicy chicken, a swirl of creamy Greek yogurt and avocado, and a garden’s worth of fresh herbs for a meal so good you’ll want it on repeat. Each bite is a feast of creamy texture, herby brightness, and a protein punch that keeps you energized all afternoon. Whether you’re craving meal prep magic or a show-off picnic centerpiece, this salad is as beautiful as it is nourishing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients can create a salad that tastes absolutely unforgettable. Each ingredient is chosen to deliver great flavor, creamy texture, and eye-popping color—trust me, it’s worth grabbing the freshest you can find.
- Chicken breast: Lean, cooked, and either shredded or chopped, it’s your high-protein hero and the foundation of the salad.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Adds creamy body and tang while keeping things light—forget mayo, Greek yogurt is where it’s at.
- Avocado: For plusher creaminess and heart-healthy fats, this fruit blends right into the dressing for that irresistible green hue.
- Fresh parsley: Bright and grassy, parsley lifts all the flavors and brings a splash of green vibrancy.
- Fresh basil: Gives that sweet, slightly peppery herbal finish that makes Green Goddess dressing shine.
- Chives: Delicate onion notes that mingle subtly into the dressing for a nuanced flavor.
- Lemon juice: The burst of acidity that makes every bite pop and keeps the green color lively.
- Olive oil: Adds silkiness to the dressing and a hint of richness without weighing things down.
- Garlic: A garlicky whisper infuses savory depth without overpowering the herbs.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring it all together and make those fresh flavors sing.
- Celery: Adds classic chicken salad crunch and a touch of brightness.
- Cucumber: Cooling crunch and extra hydration make every bite crisp and refreshing.
- Green onion: For a more robust onion flavor that ties into the herbs and veggies beautifully.
How to Make Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad (High-Protein)
Step 1: Whip Up the Green Goddess Dressing
Start with the magic! In a food processor or blender, toss in Greek yogurt, creamy avocado, parsley, basil, chives, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Give it a good blend until everything becomes smooth and luscious green. This dressing is the star, enveloping the chicken and veggies in herby goodness. If you’re a taste tester (aren’t we all?), sneak a spoonful—you’ll immediately see why this is called Green Goddess!
Step 2: Mix the Chicken and Veggies
Grab a large mixing bowl and add your cooked, chopped chicken. Now, for maximum crunch and flavor, sprinkle in the celery, cucumber, and green onion. This blend ensures every bite of Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad (High-Protein) is balanced—some pieces creamy, some crisp, and packed with fresh flavor.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Pour that beautifully blended Green Goddess dressing all over the chicken and veggie mixture. Gently toss until every morsel is beautifully coated—take your time, this is where the flavors come alive. Give it a quick taste and adjust salt and pepper if you want a little more zing.
Step 4: Chill for Best Flavor
Cover your salad and slide it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors of your Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad (High-Protein) to develop and meld together, resulting in an even tastier meal. It’s even more delicious once it’s nice and cold—worth the wait!
How to Serve Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad (High-Protein)
Garnishes
Finish your presentation with a sprinkle of extra chopped herbs—think parsley, basil, or chives. A squeeze of fresh lemon or some toasted chopped almonds also adds sparkle and crunch. For those vibrant summer vibes, edible flowers make it a true showstopper.
Side Dishes
This salad is filling on its own, but it plays beautifully alongside thick slices of juicy tomato, a handful of seed crackers, or a colorful fruit salad. For an extra protein kick, a hard-boiled egg on the side turns lunch into a real feast while still keeping it light.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your creativity shine! Tuck the Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad (High-Protein) into crisp lettuce wraps for a hand-held treat, pile it on hearty whole grain toast, scoop over mixed greens for a grain-free bowl, or stuff into halved avocados for an impressive brunch centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as they rest, making a fantastic meal-prep option that only gets better by day two!
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze portions of just the chicken and Green Goddess dressing. For optimal texture, store veggies like cucumber and celery separately, then combine everything after thawing.
Reheating
Since the Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad (High-Protein) is made for cold enjoyment, there’s no need to reheat. Simply give it a gentle stir after removing from the fridge and serve chilled.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken adds a delicious smoky dimension and makes this recipe even speedier. Just chop or shred and you’re ready to go.
Is this salad gluten-free and low-carb?
Yes, the Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad (High-Protein) contains no gluten ingredients and only minimal carbs from the vegetables, making it ideal for both gluten-free and low-carb diets.
How can I boost the protein even more?
Try adding diced hard-boiled eggs or a handful of cooked chickpeas. Not only will this increase the protein, but it also adds texture and variety to your salad.
Can I make the Green Goddess dressing ahead?
Absolutely! The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a stir before tossing with the chicken and veggies for the freshest flavor.
What’s the best way to meal prep this salad?
For easy meal prep, portion the salad into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches. Store with a wedge of lemon or extra herbs to brighten up your lunch at work or home.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about this Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad (High-Protein)—it’s vibrant, delicious, and genuinely makes healthy eating feel like a treat. I hope you give it a spot in your regular lunch or dinner rotation, and start looking forward to every single bite!
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Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad (High-Protein) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad is a delicious and nutritious high-protein dish perfect for a light lunch or meal prep. The creamy Green Goddess dressing adds a burst of flavor to the tender chicken and crisp vegetables.
Ingredients
Green Goddess Dressing:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup finely chopped cucumber
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onion
Instructions
- Prepare Green Goddess Dressing: In a food processor or blender, combine Greek yogurt, avocado, parsley, basil, chives, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, celery, cucumber, and green onion. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss to coat.
- Chill and Serve: Chill the salad in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy in lettuce wraps, on toast, in a sandwich, or over greens.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for convenience.
- Add diced hard-boiled eggs or chickpeas for extra protein and texture.
- This salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
