There’s something magical about a bright, fresh salad that can turn any mealtime into an invigorating experience. I remember the first time I stumbled upon the concept of a "Green Goddess" dressing. It awakened my senses and transformed my perception of salads from boring, bland bowls to vibrant, health-packed meals bursting with flavor. The combination of greens, colorful veggies, and protein became a staple in my kitchen, especially during those busy weeks when I want to eat healthy without compromising on taste. Today, I’m excited to share my version of the Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad—a dish that not only nourishes but also delights the palate, leaving you feeling energized and satisfied!
Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 15 minutes
- Active Cooking: 0 minutes
- Total Duration: 15 minutes
- Portion Size: Serves 4
- Complexity: Simple
Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: 360 calories
- Protein: 33 grams
- Carbs: 12 grams
- Fats: 22 grams
- Fiber: 6 grams
- Sugars: 2 grams
- Sodium: 300 mg
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad (High-Protein)
This salad is a fiesta of fresh ingredients that not only tastes amazing but is packed with protein to keep you feeling full and fueled for the day. It’s perfect for meal prep—great for lunches during the week or a light dinner after a busy day. The creamy Greek yogurt dressing adds a lusciousness that pairs beautifully with the crunchy textures of fresh veggies and the heartiness of chicken. Plus, it’s a visual delight that will inspire you to dig right in!
The Complete Cooking Journey
Let me take you through the joyous process of creating this colorful dish. Each step is easy to follow, and before you know it, you’ll have a wholesome meal ready to serve!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, romaine)
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
Step 1: Mix the Salad Base
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mixed greens, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and diced cucumber. Toss everything gently—this is your vibrant, tasty base that’s going to shine!
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, chopped dill, salt, and pepper until smooth. This creamy dressing is the soul of the salad, lending it that luscious “Green Goddess” vibe.
Step 3: Dress the Salad
Pour the tangy dressing over the salad base. Gently toss the salad again, ensuring every piece is coated in that green goodness. The flavors will meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
Your Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad is ready to be plated! Serve it in bowls or on individual plates, and watch everyone dig in with delight!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This salad is versatile! Enjoy it on its own for a light meal, or pair it with some crusty artisan bread or a warm soup for a heartier feast. If you’re looking to add more sides, try roasted sweet potatoes or a fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Leftovers Guide
If you happen to have leftovers, store your salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep your greens fresh, consider keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. Just toss it together, and you’ll have a fresh meal ready to go!
Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
- Cook the Chicken Simply: If you’re short on time, grab a rotisserie chicken from the store—it’s a delicious shortcut!
- Add a Crunch: For an extra textural contrast, toss in some toasted nuts or seeds.
- Swap the Greens: Feel free to switch out the mixed greens for your favorite leafy options—kale, collard greens, or even cabbage would work!
Flavor Variations & Adaptations
- Herbs Galore: Experiment with different fresh herbs such as basil or parsley if dill isn’t your thing.
- Protein Options: Swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Creaminess: Not a fan of Greek yogurt? Try avocado instead for a rich, creamy dressing without dairy.
Reader Questions & Solutions
-
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure it’s thoroughly cooked and shredded before adding it to the salad. -
Q: What if I don’t have dill?
A: You can use dried dill or substitute it with fresh parsley or tarragon instead. -
Q: How can I make this salad more filling?
A: Add a serving of quinoa or couscous for extra fiber and nutrients. -
Q: Can I prepare this salad the night before?
A: You can prep the ingredients separately but mix it together in the morning for freshness! -
Q: Is this salad kid-friendly?
A: Kids often enjoy the colors and flavors—try letting them help mix the salad and add toppings!
Wrapping Up
This Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of freshness, flavor, and nourishment in every bite. Perfect for those busy days when you want to treat yourself to something delightful yet wholesome. So, grab those ingredients, and let’s start cooking! I promise, the vibrant colors and mouthwatering flavors will leave you eager for more. Bon appétit!
Print
Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: High Protein
Description
A vibrant and nutritious salad featuring shredded chicken, fresh greens, and a creamy Greek yogurt dressing that delights the palate.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, romaine)
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mixed greens, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and diced cucumber. Toss gently.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, chopped dill, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the salad base and gently toss to coat.
- Serve immediately in bowls or on individual plates.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For freshness, keep the dressing separate until ready to eat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
