This Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish, ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a light yet satisfying meal. It combines lean protein, fresh vegetables, and a creamy homemade dressing, making it a perfect option for lunch, dinner, or even a meal prep for the week. With the natural richness of avocado, the crunchy texture of celery, and the herby flavors from cilantro and parsley, this salad brings a wholesome twist to your regular chicken salad.

The dressing is a creamy yet light mix of Greek yogurt and mayo, providing a tangy and rich flavor while keeping the dish healthier than traditional dressings. The addition of sunflower seeds or pine nuts adds a delightful crunch, elevating the texture and flavor profile of the salad. Whether you’re looking to keep your meals fresh and healthy or seeking something new to add to your weekly rotation, this salad checks all the boxes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Packed with Fresh Ingredients

This recipe uses a variety of fresh ingredients, such as avocado, celery, and fresh herbs, making each bite a burst of flavor and texture.

2. Healthy and Nutritious

With the inclusion of Greek yogurt in the dressing and the addition of avocado, this salad is rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, keeping you fuller for longer.

3. Quick and Easy to Make

This salad comes together quickly with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep and requires no cooking aside from toasting the nuts or seeds.

4. Customizable

Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand. Whether it’s different nuts, herbs, or even adding a handful of greens, this recipe is flexible.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

The salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a few days, making it a great option for lunch throughout the week.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

Cooked chicken (diced or shredded)
Celery, diced
Green onions, sliced
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Fresh parsley, chopped
Avocado, diced
Sunflower seeds or pine nuts, toasted
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dressing:

Plain Greek yogurt
Mayonnaise
Lemon juice

Variations

Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add ingredients like cucumber, bell peppers, or baby spinach for additional crunch and nutrients.
Nuts and Seeds: If you prefer, swap sunflower seeds for almonds, or try using toasted pumpkin seeds for a different texture and flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy twist.
Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative in place of the Greek yogurt and mayo for a dairy-free version of this salad.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If you haven’t already, cook and shred or dice the chicken. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or grill your own chicken breasts.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Dice the celery, slice the green onions, chop the cilantro, and parsley, and dice the avocado. Toast the sunflower seeds or pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and lemon juice until smooth and well-combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the chicken, celery, green onions, cilantro, parsley, avocado, and toasted sunflower seeds or pine nuts. Toss gently to mix everything together.

Step 5: Dress the Salad

Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately, or refrigerate for later. Garnish with extra herbs or seeds, if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Rotisserie Chicken: For an even quicker prep time, use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own chicken.
Toast the Nuts or Seeds: Toasting enhances the flavor of sunflower seeds or pine nuts, adding a deeper nuttiness to the salad.
Keep the Avocado Fresh: If you’re making this salad in advance, store the avocado separately and add it just before serving to keep it from browning.
Season to Taste: Adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your personal preference.
Make the Dressing Ahead of Time: You can prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

How to Serve

This Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad is versatile and can be served in various ways. For a complete meal, enjoy it on its own or serve it over a bed of leafy greens. It’s also great as a filling for a wrap, sandwich, or pita pocket. Pair it with some crunchy crackers or a light soup for a well-rounded meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the salad has been dressed, the texture of the avocado may change, so it’s best to store the dressing separately and add it when you’re ready to serve.

Freezing:

This salad is not suitable for freezing, as the fresh ingredients like avocado and herbs do not freeze well.

Reheating:

This salad is best served cold and doesn’t require reheating, making it a convenient dish for busy days.

FAQs

1. Can I use cooked turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, you can easily substitute cooked turkey for the chicken in this recipe. It will still provide the protein and pair well with the other ingredients.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no gluten-containing ingredients.

3. Can I make this salad in advance?

Yes, the salad can be made ahead of time, but it’s best to store the dressing separately and add it just before serving to avoid sogginess.

4. Can I make the dressing without mayo?

Yes, you can use only Greek yogurt for the dressing or opt for a dairy-free version if needed. The consistency will be a little different, but it will still be creamy.

5. How can I keep the avocado from turning brown?

If preparing the salad in advance, store the diced avocado in an airtight container with a splash of lemon or lime juice to prevent browning.

6. Can I add more herbs to the salad?

Absolutely! You can add more herbs like dill or mint for a refreshing twist on the salad.

7. Is this salad suitable for low-carb diets?

Yes, this salad is low in carbohydrates, especially if you skip high-carb additions like croutons or bread.

8. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with dairy-free alternatives like cashew or coconut-based yogurt for a dairy-free version.

9. Can I use a different type of nut instead of sunflower seeds?

Yes, you can use almonds, walnuts, or any other nut you prefer for this salad.

10. How can I adjust the flavor of the dressing?

Feel free to add more lemon juice for extra tang, or a touch of honey for sweetness. You can also adjust the salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.

Conclusion

The Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad is an easy, flavorful, and nutritious dish that’s perfect for anyone looking for a wholesome meal. With its fresh vegetables, creamy dressing, and crunchy texture from the seeds or nuts, it’s a delightful and satisfying dish. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch or preparing it ahead for your week, this salad is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the burst of freshness and creamy goodness with every bite!