If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, nourishing, and truly satisfying meal, this Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad (High-Protein) Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Packed with tender shredded chicken, creamy avocado, crisp greens, and a luscious herbaceous dressing, it balances freshness with rich, creamy textures in every bite. The combination not only tastes divine but also fuels your body with a powerful boost of protein and healthy fats, making it perfect whether you want a wholesome lunch or a light dinner. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and super simple to whip up in just minutes!

Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad (High-Protein) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, bringing essential flavors and textures that create a delicious harmony. From the creamy avocado that forms the base of the dressing to the vibrant herbs that brighten everything up, these components are straightforward yet indispensable for this Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad (High-Protein) Recipe.

2 cups cooked chicken breast: Provides the hearty, high-protein foundation for the salad.
1 ripe avocado: Adds rich creaminess and healthy fats that make the dressing decadent without heaviness.
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or nonfat): Lends a tangy creaminess and boosts protein content even further.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Offers depth of flavor and helps emulsify the dressing for smoothness.
2 tablespoons lemon juice: Brings bright acidity to balance the richness of avocado and yogurt.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds fresh herbal notes and vibrant green color.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives: Imparts a mild onion flavor that complements the other herbs.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon (or basil): Introduces an aromatic, slightly sweet undertone for complexity.
1 garlic clove, minced: Gives just the right punch of zest and warmth.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and depth.
2 cups chopped romaine or baby spinach: Provides crisp texture, fresh taste, and nutrient-density.
1/2 cup diced cucumber: Contributes a refreshing crunch that lightens the salad beautifully.
1/2 cup halved green grapes or sliced green apple (optional): Offers a sweet-tart surprise to keep the salad interesting.
2 tablespoons sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds (optional): Adds satisfying crunch and extra nutrients on top.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Green Goddess Dressing

Start by blending together the heart of this salad’s signature flavor—the dressing. In a food processor or blender, combine the ripe avocado, creamy Greek yogurt, olive oil, bright lemon juice, fresh parsley, chives, tarragon, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until it becomes luxuriously smooth and creamy. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides a few times so everything emulsifies perfectly, ensuring every bite is full of that vibrant green goodness.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and toss together your shredded chicken, crisp greens like romaine or baby spinach, and the diced cucumber. If you want a pop of sweetness, add those halved green grapes or sliced green apple now. They bring a refreshing contrast that’s unexpectedly delightful. Once mixed, pour the green goddess dressing generously over everything.

Step 3: Mix and Add Crunch

Stir the salad gently until every morsel is evenly coated with that luscious dressing. To finish, sprinkle sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds across the top to introduce a satisfying crunch and subtle nutty flavor. This step elevates the texture and rounds out the nutritional profile beautifully.

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

Garnishes

Try finishing off the salad with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh herbs or an extra few twists of freshly cracked black pepper. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can add shine and richness if serving immediately. These little touches make the salad feel special and restaurant-worthy while keeping things fresh and bright.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with warm whole grain bread or crispy crackers if you want some carbs alongside. For a low-carb option, serve it with grilled vegetables or a side of roasted sweet potatoes. The high-protein nature of the salad means your sides can be flexible, complementing whatever mood you’re in while maintaining a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fresh twist, try serving this salad inside hearty lettuce cups or wrap it up in a whole wheat tortilla for a portable lunch. Spoon it over quinoa or brown rice for an extra filling bowl meal. You can even layer it into a mason jar for an attractive, grab-and-go option. The versatility of the Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad (High-Protein) Recipe makes it perfect for any occasion or meal style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To preserve the best texture, keep the seeds or crunchy toppings separate until just before serving. Stored this way, the flavors even deepen as the dressing mingles with the chicken and greens.

Freezing

Because this salad contains fresh greens and creamy avocado, freezing is not recommended as it would affect the texture and taste negatively. Instead, prepare the dressing ahead of time and freeze it in small portions for quick future use, then toss with fresh ingredients when ready.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature to preserve its freshness and texture. If your chicken is from leftovers that were refrigerated cold, no reheating is necessary. For those who love warm chicken, reheat the chicken separately before mixing with the other chilled ingredients and dressing.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds great flavor. Just shred or chop it before mixing with the salad.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. The dressing can be made in advance and stored separately, while the salad ingredients stay fresh when combined just before eating.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free plain yogurt alternative for a delicious, creamy dressing without dairy.

What herbs can I substitute if I don’t have tarragon?

Basil is a wonderful substitute that offers a sweet, aromatic flavor keeping the spirit of the recipe intact.

Is this salad low in carbs?

Yes, this Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad (High-Protein) Recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it ideal for low-carb and gluten-free diets.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad (High-Protein) Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a gift to your taste buds and your body. It’s fresh, creamy, full of protein, and endlessly adaptable, making it perfect for busy days or whenever you crave something wholesome and vibrant. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and see just how delicious healthy eating can be!

Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad (High-Protein) Recipe