Green Goddess Chicken Salad (Print View)

Tender chicken tossed in creamy herb dressing with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 1 lb 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, finely chopped (optional)
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 (romaine, arugula, spinach)
16 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
17 - 1 small cucumber, sliced
18 - 1 small avocado, sliced

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
02 - Place seasoned chicken on the prepared tray and bake for 15 minutes until cooked through. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes, then cut into 3/4-inch chunks.
03 - Combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, anchovies if using, parsley, chives, and tarragon or basil in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and season with salt and pepper to taste.
04 - Transfer chicken chunks to a large bowl and toss with half of the Green Goddess dressing until evenly coated.
05 - Arrange mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and avocado on a serving platter or individual plates. Top with dressed chicken.
06 - Drizzle remaining dressing over the salad as desired and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The dressing is wildly adaptable and tastes like summer even in February.
  • It comes together faster than ordering takeout and feels twice as satisfying.
  • Leftovers actually improve overnight as the herbs soak into the chicken.
  • You can skip the anchovies and it still tastes complex and bright.
02 -
  • Do not skip resting the chicken or it will lose all its juices the second you cut into it.
  • Taste the dressing before you toss it with the chicken, herbs vary in intensity and you might need more lemon or salt.
  • Use the dressing within three days, the fresh herbs lose their brightness after that.
03 -
  • Blend the dressing in short pulses at first so you can control the texture, you want it smooth but not aerated.
  • If your herbs are wilting, a quick soak in ice water for ten minutes perks them right back up.
  • Double the dressing recipe and keep extra in the fridge, you will want it on everything.
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