Description
This vibrant Green Goddess Chicken Salad is a fresh twist on the classic chicken salad, featuring rotisserie chicken mixed with a creamy herb-packed dressing. With crisp celery, red onion, and crunchy roasted pepitas, it’s a delightful, protein-packed salad perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or as a scoopable snack with crackers. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an easy and flavorful meal or light lunch option.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, finely chopped (see note 1)
- 1/2 cup finely diced celery (about 2 ribs)
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/4 cup roasted and salted pepitas
Dressing
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (see note 2)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 1/2 teaspoons freeze-dried dill (or fresh dill, see note 3)
- 1 teaspoon freeze-dried parsley (or fresh parsley)
- 1 teaspoon freeze-dried cilantro (or fresh cilantro)
- 1 teaspoon freeze-dried basil (or fresh basil)
- Salt and pepper to taste (about 1/4 teaspoon each)
Instructions
- Make Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic powder, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, and all the freeze-dried herbs (or fresh if preferred) until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, typically about 1/4 teaspoon of each.
- Prep Chicken: Place rotisserie chicken in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Measure out 2 lightly packed, leveled cups of the processed chicken.
- Combine: Add the chopped chicken, diced celery, diced red onion, and roasted pepitas to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything with a spatula until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Enjoy this Green Goddess Chicken Salad on toasted bread with lettuce and avocado if desired, or serve with crackers for scooping as a delicious appetizer or light meal.
Notes
- Note 1: Rotisserie chicken is used for convenience and flavor, but you can substitute with cooked, shredded chicken breast.
- Note 2: Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang while reducing fat compared to sour cream or extra mayo.
- Note 3: Freeze-dried herbs can be replaced with fresh herbs in the same quantities for a brighter herb flavor.
- Note 4: Serve the chicken salad on toasted bread with leafy greens and avocado for a satisfying sandwich, or with crackers for a lighter snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
