This Easy Green Goddess Chicken Salad is fresh and full of flavor! It mixes tender chicken, colorful veggies, and a creamy green dressing that’s simply yummy.
I love to enjoy this salad on a sunny day. It’s light, crunchy, and a great way to use up leftover chicken! Plus, who can resist that creamy dressing? It’s like a hug in a bowl! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: You can use any cooked chicken you have on hand—rotisserie chicken works great! If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, shredded jackfruit or chickpeas can be a tasty substitute.
Mayonnaise: Regular mayo gives a rich texture, but you can swap it with avocado or a vegan mayo for healthier or plant-based options.
Sour Cream/Greek Yogurt: These add creaminess. You can skip them entirely or use a dairy-free yogurt if preferred.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley, chives, and tarragon really brighten the salad. If you can’t find tarragon, dill is a fresh alternative!
Anchovies: These add depth to the flavor, but you can leave them out for a milder taste. A dash of Worcestershire sauce would mimic the umami flavor.
How Do You Make a Creamy Green Goddess Dressing?
Making the Green Goddess dressing is simple, but it’s the key to this salad. Here’s how to nail it:
- Use a blender or food processor to combine your ingredients. This helps blend the fresh herbs and ensures a smooth consistency.
- Start with mayonnaise and sour cream or yogurt, then add herbs and flavorings. Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your taste—add more for a tangier kick.
- Since anchovies can be strong, start with less if you’re unsure, and add based on your taste preferences.
Taste the dressing before mixing it with chicken; this way, you can adjust the flavors to suit your liking! Enjoy this delightful twist on chicken salad!
Easy Green Goddess Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh tarragon (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 anchovy fillets (or 1 tsp anchovy paste)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup finely chopped celery or green onion for crunch
Time Estimate:
This delicious Green Goddess Chicken Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes chilling time in the fridge. A quick and tasty option for lunch or a snack!
Instructions:
1. Make the Green Goddess Dressing:
In a blender or food processor, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), parsley, chives, tarragon (if using), lemon juice, anchovies, and minced garlic. Blend everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. This will be your flavorful dressing!
2. Mix the Chicken Salad:
In a large bowl, add the cooked chicken. Pour your freshly made dressing over the chicken. Mix well so that all the chicken is evenly coated in that delicious dressing.
3. Add in Some Crunch:
If you want an extra crunch, fold in chopped celery or green onion. This gives the salad some texture and a nice flavor boost!
4. Season to Taste:
Now, add salt and pepper to your taste. Give it another good stir to combine everything together.
5. Chill Out:
Cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time helps the flavors blend together beautifully!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When ready to serve, you can enjoy the salad on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or with your favorite crackers for a delightful meal. Enjoy this creamy, vibrant chicken salad that’s perfect for a light lunch or picnic!
FAQ about Easy Green Goddess Chicken Salad
Can I Use Leftover Roast Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover roast chicken is perfect for this salad. Just shred or chop it up and mix it with the dressing for a quick and tasty meal.
Can I Make This Salad in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the salad a day ahead. Just keep it stored in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it even tastier!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again!
What Can I Serve This Salad With?
This salad is versatile! You can serve it on a bed of greens, inside a sandwich, or with crackers. For a heartier meal, pair it with a side of roasted vegetables or quinoa.
