Green Goddess Chicken Salad (Print Version)

Tender chicken chunks in vibrant herb-yogurt dressing served over mixed greens with fresh vegetables.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Green Goddess Dressing

05 - 2/3 cup Greek yogurt
06 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
08 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
09 - 1 clove garlic, minced
10 - 2 anchovy fillets, optional, finely chopped
11 - 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
12 - 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
13 - 1/4 cup fresh tarragon or basil, chopped
14 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Salad

15 - 4 cups mixed salad greens such as romaine, arugula, or spinach
16 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
17 - 1 small cucumber, sliced
18 - 1 small avocado, sliced

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place on the tray and bake for 15 minutes until cooked through. Let rest 5 minutes, then cut into 3/4-inch chunks.
02 - While the chicken bakes, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, anchovies if using, parsley, chives, and tarragon or basil in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
03 - In a large bowl, toss the chicken chunks with half of the Green Goddess dressing until well coated.
04 - Arrange mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado on a platter or individual plates. Top with the dressed chicken. Drizzle with remaining dressing as desired.
05 - Serve immediately for optimal freshness and presentation.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The dressing is so vibrant and herby that it makes even meal-prepped chicken feel exciting again.
  • Everything comes together in about half an hour, perfect for busy weeknights when you want real food fast.
  • It's endlessly adaptable: swap the greens, grill the chicken, or toss in whatever vegetables need using up.
  • The combination of creamy yogurt and bright lemon keeps you full without feeling heavy or sluggish.
02 -
  • Don't skip resting the chicken after baking; those five minutes are the difference between juicy and disappointing.
  • Blend the dressing until it's completely smooth or the texture will feel grainy and the color won't be as vibrant.
  • Toss the chicken with dressing while it's still warm so the flavors soak in deeper.
  • If making ahead, keep the dressed chicken and greens separate until serving or the salad will wilt and turn soggy.
03 -
  • Use the best quality olive oil you have for the dressing since its flavor really shines through.
  • If you can't find fresh tarragon, basil is a wonderful substitute that keeps the dressing bright and aromatic.
  • Massage the greens lightly with a tiny bit of dressing before plating to soften them and boost flavor.
  • Add the avocado at the very last second so it doesn't brown and lose its creamy appeal.
Go Back