Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad (High-Protein)

This Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad (High-Protein) is a delightful twist on the classic chicken salad. It’s perfect for weekday lunches, quick dinners, or meal prep. With its creamy homemade Green Goddess dressing and the goodness of rotisserie chicken, this dish is both nutritious and flavorful. In just 10 minutes, you can whip up a vibrant salad that highlights fresh herbs and wholesome ingredients. Enjoy it as a light meal or serve it at gatherings—its versatility will impress everyone!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With only 10 minutes needed for preparation, this salad is ideal for busy weekdays.
• High in Protein: Packed with shredded chicken and Greek yogurt, it offers a healthy protein boost.
• Flavorful Dressing: The creamy Green Goddess dressing elevates the salad with fresh herbs and zesty lemon.
• Customizable Options: Add your favorite veggies like green onions or cucumbers for extra crunch and nutrition.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a large batch ahead of time for easy grab-and-go lunches all week long.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad seamlessly, having the right tools is essential. These will help you prepare the dish efficiently while ensuring each ingredient shines through.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor or high-speed blender
• Mixing bowl
• Forks (for shredding chicken)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor or high-speed blender: This tool ensures your dressing comes out perfectly smooth in just a few minutes, making preparation faster and easier.
• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows ample space for mixing your shredded chicken with the creamy dressing without mess.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the best flavor balance in your dressing.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

For the Chicken Salad

• 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken ((480g, 16oz))
• Optional: green onion, red onion, or chopped cucumber
• 1 medium avocado ((150g))

For the Green Goddess Dressing

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (non-fat) ((228g), or yogurt of choice)
• 1 cup fresh parsley ((60g))
• ½ cup fresh dill, loosely packed ((4g))
• ½ cup fresh mint ((12g))
• 1 cup baby spinach
• ⅓ cup lemon juice ((80ml) about 1½ large lemons)
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil ((30ml))
• 2 garlic cloves
• ½ tsp salt ((3g), more to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• 1-2 Tbsp water (optional to thin it out)

How to Make Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad (High-Protein)

Step 1: Shred Your Chicken

Start by shredding your rotisserie chicken. You can do this quickly by pulsing it a few times in a food processor or using two forks if you prefer larger pieces.

Step 2: Prepare Your Dressing

In a food processor or high-speed blender:
1. Add all dressing ingredients: Greek yogurt, parsley, dill, mint, spinach, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic cloves, salt, and black pepper.
2. Blend until smooth for about 2-3 minutes. If desired, add water gradually to reach your preferred consistency.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl:
1. Add the shredded chicken.
2. Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken.
3. Mix thoroughly until all pieces are evenly coated.

Step 4: Optional Add-ins

If you want to enhance your salad further:
1. Stir in optional ingredients like green onions, red onion, cucumber, or even mashed white beans for added texture and flavor.

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad as part of your meal prep or as a refreshing lunch option!

How to Serve Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad (High-Protein)

This Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. It is perfect for lunch or dinner and can easily adapt to different preferences. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

In a Wrap

• Use whole grain or lettuce wraps to hold the chicken salad. This adds a delightful crunch and makes it easy to eat on the go.

On a Bed of Greens

• Serve the salad atop mixed greens, spinach, or arugula for an extra boost of nutrients. This option enhances the freshness of your meal.

As a Sandwich

• Spread the chicken salad between slices of whole grain bread or a bagel for a satisfying sandwich. Add slices of tomato or cucumber for added flavor.

With Crackers

• Pair the salad with whole-grain crackers for a light snack. This adds a nice texture contrast and makes it easy to serve at gatherings.

Stuffed Avocado

• Halve an avocado and fill it with Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad. This creates a hearty yet healthy dish packed with healthy fats.

How to Perfect Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad (High-Protein)

Achieving the perfect Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad is simple with these helpful tips. Follow them to enhance flavor and texture!

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Opt for rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor. It saves time and adds rich taste to your salad.

• Customize Your Herbs: Feel free to mix different herbs like basil or cilantro based on your preference. This can bring new flavors into your dish.

• Adjust Dressing Consistency: If you prefer a thinner dressing, add more water gradually until you reach your desired consistency. This keeps it creamy without being too thick.

• Taste as You Go: Always taste your salad before serving and adjust salt and pepper accordingly. Personalizing seasoning can make all the difference.

• Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes enhances its flavors. It also gives time for the ingredients to meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad (High-Protein)

Pairing side dishes with your Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad can create well-rounded meals. Consider these options that complement its flavors well.

1. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon dressing provides extra protein and fiber.

2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables seasoned with herbs offer delicious flavors that pair perfectly with chicken salad.

3. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with berries, melons, and citrus adds sweetness and brightness, balancing savory flavors.

4. Sweet Potato Fries: Baked sweet potato fries are crispy and slightly sweet, making them a delightful contrast to the creamy chicken salad.

5. Hummus and Vegetables: Serve hummus alongside fresh vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, or bell peppers for a crunchy addition.

6. Whole Grain Breadsticks: Crunchy whole grain breadsticks provide texture while complementing the creamy elements of the chicken salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that could affect your dish’s flavor and texture.

• Using bland ingredients: Always choose fresh herbs and quality chicken. Freshness enhances flavor significantly.
• Overblending the dressing: Blend just until smooth. Overdoing it can make the dressing too runny. Adjust with water slowly.
• Ignoring seasoning: Don’t skip salt and pepper! Proper seasoning elevates all the flavors in your salad.
• Not shredding chicken properly: Ensure your chicken is shredded evenly for consistent bites. Use a food processor or two forks as needed.
• Skipping optional add-ins: Optional ingredients like green onions or cucumbers add crunch and nutrition. Don’t miss out on these enhancements!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Ensure the salad is cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad (High-Protein)

• This salad is not ideal for freezing due to its creamy dressing, which may separate when thawed.
• If you must freeze, consider storing the chicken separately from the dressing.

Reheating Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad (High-Protein)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread salad on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, warm gently while stirring until heated throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad.

What makes this Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad (High-Protein) nutritious?

This salad combines shredded rotisserie chicken with fresh herbs and Greek yogurt, offering a good balance of protein and nutrients.

Can I customize my Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad (High-Protein)?

Absolutely! Feel free to add ingredients like nuts, seeds, or other vegetables for added texture and flavor.

How long does the Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad last?

In an airtight container, it lasts 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Enjoy it fresh for best taste!

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep since it comes together quickly and stores well in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

The Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad offers a deliciously balanced meal packed with protein and vibrant flavors. Its versatility allows you to customize it easily with your favorite ingredients. Give this quick and healthy recipe a try, and enjoy a refreshing dish that works perfectly for lunches or light dinners!