Embark on a culinary journey with this irresistible Green Goddess Salad recipe, a dish that epitomizes freshness, vibrant flavors, and wholesome goodness. This salad is a symphony of textures and tastes, featuring an abundant medley of tender greens, perfectly ripe avocado, succulent chicken, and crispy bacon, all brought together with a luscious, zesty homemade Green Goddess dressing. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience that’s both satisfyingly hearty and refreshingly light, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a quick lunch, a delightful light dinner, or a crowd-pleasing dish to share with friends and family, this recipe promises to impress. Its universal appeal stems from its harmonious blend of ingredients and the iconic, herb-packed dressing that makes every bite memorable. Prepare to add this incredibly popular salad to your regular meal rotation, as its vibrant character and ease of preparation are simply unmatched.
This vibrant and satisfying Green Goddess Salad is meticulously crafted to deliver a delightful balance in every forkful. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: the robust greens provide a crisp foundation, the creamy avocado adds a rich, velvety texture and healthy fats, juicy corn kernels burst with natural sweetness, and crispy bacon introduces a savory crunch. What truly unifies this masterpiece is the signature homemade Green Goddess dressing. Infused with a medley of fresh herbs like parsley and chives, balanced with creamy mayonnaise and coconut cream, and brightened with a touch of fresh lemon, it creates a flavor profile that is both complex and incredibly refreshing. This versatile dish is ideal for a vibrant lunch or a wholesome dinner, and its adaptability allows for endless customization. Feel free to experiment with your favorite greens; robust romaine, delicate spinach, or peppery arugula each offer a unique twist. For those who enjoy variety, this recipe seamlessly integrates into diverse meal plans. Consider swapping the chicken for perfectly grilled steak or succulent shrimp to create your own signature version of this timeless classic. No matter how you choose to serve it, this Green Goddess Salad recipe is destined to become a cherished staple, one you’ll find yourself returning to time and again. For an even heartier meal, transform it into a substantial green goddess chicken salad, perfect for efficient meal prep or effortless weeknight dining.
If you adore our green goddess salad recipes, you will undoubtedly enjoy our broccoli and raisin salad!
Why We Love Green Goddess Salad Recipes
The Green Goddess Salad has captured the hearts of many, and for excellent reason! Its popularity isn’t just a trend; it’s a testament to its incredible taste, versatility, and the sheer joy it brings to the table. Here’s why this recipe stands out as an absolute favorite:
- Economical & Accessible: Recreating restaurant-quality salads at home is not only satisfying but also significantly more cost-efficient. This copycat version of Panera Bread’s celebrated Green Goddess Cobb Salad allows you to enjoy premium flavors using fresh ingredients from your local grocery store, saving you money without compromising on taste.
- Light, Refreshing, and Bursting with Flavor: Even with its sumptuously creamy dressing, this salad remains wonderfully light and refreshing. It’s the ideal meal to crave, especially during the warmer months, offering a crisp and cooling escape from the heat while still delivering a powerful punch of fresh, herbaceous taste.
- Incredibly Quick to Prepare: Time is often of the essence, and this salad respects that! With a preparation time of just 10 minutes from start to finish, it’s a perfect solution for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or when you simply need a delicious and healthy meal without the fuss.
- Highly Customizable for All Tastes: This recipe offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences or dietary needs. Easily swap proteins, add seasonal vegetables, or adjust the dressing’s herb profile, making it a truly personal culinary creation every time.
- A Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with nutrient-dense greens, healthy fats from avocado, lean protein from chicken, and a medley of fresh vegetables, this salad is a fantastic way to nourish your body. It’s a deliciously healthy option that supports a balanced lifestyle.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The vibrant colors of fresh kale, romaine, avocado, and corn, beautifully contrasted with the golden bacon and the lush green dressing, make this salad a visual feast. It’s a dish that looks as good as it tastes, perfect for entertaining or simply brightening your day.
The Heart of the Salad: Ingredients and Substitutions
Crafting an exceptional Green Goddess Salad begins with selecting the finest ingredients and understanding how to adapt them to your taste and dietary preferences. Each component contributes to the salad’s signature flavor and texture profile.
Essential Greens for Your Goddess Salad
- Lacinato Kale: We specifically recommend Lacinato kale (also known as dinosaur kale or Tuscan kale) for this recipe because it is distinctively thinner, more tender, and boasts a slightly sweeter taste compared to its curly kale counterpart. Its beautiful, dark green color also significantly elevates the visual presentation of this salad, making it truly stand out. For another fantastic recipe utilizing the goodness of kale, explore our Greek kale salad. When selecting kale, look for firm, unwilted leaves with a deep color.
- Romaine Lettuce: This classic lettuce varietal is chosen for its satisfying crunch and crisp texture, which provides a wonderful contrast to the tender kale and creamy dressing. Beyond its textural contribution, romaine is also a nutritional powerhouse, offering more vitamins and minerals than less dense options like iceberg lettuce. Choose heads that are firm and have vibrant green leaves without any browning.
- Other Greens: Feel free to customize your salad base with a mix of other favorite greens such as delicate spinach for a softer texture, peppery arugula for a slight kick, or butter lettuce for its smooth, buttery leaves.
Key Protein and Flavor Boosters
- Corn: Whether you opt for fresh corn cut straight from the cob, convenient canned corn, or frozen kernels thawed to perfection, corn adds a delightful burst of sweetness and a pleasant chewiness that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Fresh corn is recommended when in season for the best flavor.
- Bacon: The savory, salty crunch of bacon is a highlight of any Cobb-style salad. We typically prepare a few strips of bacon or turkey bacon in the oven for easy cleanup and consistent crispiness. For ultimate convenience, you can purchase pre-cooked slices or even use good-quality bacon bits to save time without sacrificing flavor.
- Cooked Chicken Breast: Tender, juicy chicken breast provides a lean and hearty protein component to this salad, making it a truly satisfying meal. Diced or shredded, it absorbs the dressing’s flavors wonderfully. Leftover rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut here.
- Avocado: The creamy, rich texture of ripe avocado is essential for this Green Goddess Salad. It contributes healthy monounsaturated fats and a delightful mouthfeel that balances the crispness of the greens and the tang of the dressing. Look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure when ripe.
Crafting the Iconic Green Goddess Dressing
The heart and soul of this Green Goddess Salad lie in its vibrant, herbaceous dressing. Made from a harmonious blend of fresh ingredients, it ties all the components together with its unique, refreshing flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: Parsley is the star herb in this dressing, providing a fresh, slightly peppery, and incredibly vibrant base. You’ll need a generous ½ cup of fresh parsley to achieve that signature “green” goddess flavor. While dried parsley (2 tablespoons) can be used in a pinch, fresh is highly recommended for its superior bright and aromatic qualities.
- Dried Tarragon: This distinct herb adds a subtle anise-like flavor that is a classic component of authentic Green Goddess dressing, providing a sophisticated depth that complements the other herbs beautifully.
- Fresh Chives: Chives offer a mild, delicate onion-like flavor that enhances the dressing without overpowering it. Fresh chives are preferred for their bright taste and beautiful green flecks.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: A crucial ingredient for brightness and acidity, fresh lemon juice cuts through the richness of the dressing, adding a zesty tang that awakens the palate and balances the herbaceous notes.
- Mayonnaise: As the creamy base of the dressing, mayonnaise provides richness and helps to emulsify all the flavors. We particularly favor avocado oil mayonnaise for its healthier fat profile and clean taste, ensuring the dressing ties all the Green Goddess Salad flavors together seamlessly.
- Coconut Cream: For a delicious dairy-free option that contributes to the dressing’s luxurious creaminess, coconut cream is an excellent choice. If dairy is not a concern for your diet, acceptable substitutes include creamy Greek yogurt or sour cream, both of which will yield a delightful, tangy dressing, though your Cobb salad will no longer be dairy-free with these alternatives.
- Additional Enhancements: For an even deeper flavor profile, consider blending in a minced garlic clove, a touch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, or even a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra tang.
Exciting Recipe Variations to Explore
One of the true joys of the Green Goddess Salad is its incredible adaptability. Don’t hesitate to get creative and customize it to your heart’s content. Here are some inspiring ideas to elevate your salad and keep it exciting:
- Add More Fresh Produce for Extra Color and Crunch: Infuse your salad with even more vitality by mixing in a variety of colorful and crisp vegetables. Halved cherry tomatoes can add sweet bursts of juiciness, thinly sliced cucumbers provide a cool and refreshing crunch, and thinly sliced apples can introduce a surprising, delicate sweetness. For a subtle oniony bite, finely chopped green onions are a fantastic addition. Each of these components not only enhances the visual appeal but also contributes unique textures and fresh flavors, making every bite of your green goddess salad recipe an exciting culinary discovery.
- Try Different Proteins to Change It Up: While chicken is a classic choice, don’t limit yourself! Swap the chicken with other delicious proteins for new takes on this versatile dish. Grilled salmon offers a rich, omega-3 packed option, roasted turkey breast can provide a more tender and lean alternative, and crispy baked tofu makes for an excellent vegetarian or vegan friendly version. For those craving a bold and spicy kick, blackened shrimp adds an incredible depth of flavor. If you’re seeking ultimate convenience, readily available Instant Pot shredded chicken breast is perfect for quickly assembling an easy version of green goddess chicken salad.
- Boost the Dressing with Herbs and Extras: The dressing is the soul of this salad, and there are many ways to enhance its flavor and creaminess. Blend in fresh basil leaves for a sweet, peppery aroma, additional flat-leaf parsley for herbaceous depth, or cilantro for an aromatic, citrusy twist. For added richness and a hint of nutty flavor, consider incorporating roasted cashews or walnuts into the dressing as you blend it. To further brighten the dressing, add a splash of rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, a pinch of sea salt, a crushed garlic clove, and a little minced shallot. These additions will undoubtedly bring out the vibrant herbal notes and elevate the overall complexity of your homemade green goddess dressing.
- Top with Extra Crunch and Flavor: Beyond the creamy dressing, introducing diverse crispy toppings can provide an exciting textural contrast. Alongside the classic crispy bacon, consider sprinkling toasted nuts like slivered almonds or pecans, crunchy pumpkin seeds, or even homemade seasoned croutons. These elements pair beautifully with the tender greens and the creamy dressing, adding an extra layer of flavor and ensuring a perfectly balanced and satisfying experience when tossed together in a large bowl right before serving.
Equipment for Your Green Goddess Creation
Preparing this delightful Green Goddess Salad requires only a few basic kitchen tools, making it accessible for even the most novice home cooks. Having the right equipment on hand ensures a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience.
- Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for tossing your greens with the dressing and combining all the delicious salad components. A spacious bowl allows for ample room to mix without spillage, ensuring every ingredient is perfectly coated.
- Blender: The key to achieving that wonderfully smooth and creamy Green Goddess dressing. Any standard blender, whether a countertop model or an immersion blender, will work efficiently to emulsify the herbs and other dressing ingredients into a luscious consistency.
- Sharp Knife: A good quality, sharp chef’s knife is indispensable for preparing all your ingredients, from chopping greens and dicing chicken to cleanly removing an avocado pit and cubing its flesh.
- Cutting Board: Provides a stable and sanitary surface for all your chopping and slicing tasks, protecting your countertops and ensuring safety.
Crafting the Perfect Green Goddess Chicken Salad
Follow these simple steps to bring your Green Goddess Chicken Salad to life, ensuring every component is prepared to perfection for an unforgettable meal.
- Soften and Tenderize the Kale Leaves with a Gentle Massage: Before integrating the kale into your salad, it’s crucial to tenderize it. All you have to do is place the kale in a large bowl and gently rub the leaves with your clean hands for a minute or two. This simple massaging motion effectively “bruises” the surface of the kale, breaking down its tough fibers and making it significantly softer, more palatable, and easier to digest. This step ensures a more enjoyable texture in your finished salad.
- Precisely Slice the Chicken for a More Beautiful Presentation: Taking the time to properly slice your cooked chicken breast can dramatically enhance the visual appeal of your Green Goddess Salad. Whether you prefer elegant, uniform strips or perfectly sized dice, a clean cut makes a difference. Learn how to expertly cut chicken breasts to add those professional finishing touches to your dish. Mastering chicken preparation is a valuable skill in the kitchen, enabling you to create a wide array of culinary delights, from lemon panko chicken or chicken breast in a cast iron skillet to copycat recipes like Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets!
🎯 Pro Tip: Panera-Style Enhancements
To truly achieve a copycat version of Panera’s famous Green Goddess Cobb Salad, don’t forget to include pickled red onions and perfectly hard-boiled eggs. These additions bring an authentic layer of flavor and texture that truly mimics the original!
Mastering Avocado Preparation: Pit and Flesh Removal
Working with avocados can sometimes be tricky, but with a few simple techniques, you can expertly remove the pit and dice the creamy flesh with ease, ensuring perfect avocado cubes for your Green Goddess Salad.
- Position the Avocado: Begin by placing the avocado on a sturdy cutting board. This provides a stable surface, preventing the avocado from rolling and ensuring safety.
- Initial Cut: Gently slide a sharp knife down through the skin and flesh of the avocado until you feel it hit the large central pit.
- Cut Around the Pit: With the knife still embedded in the pit, carefully rotate the avocado with your other hand, moving it in a continuous motion to cut all the way around the pit, creating two halves.
- Separate the Halves: Twist the two halves of the fruit apart. One half will contain the pit, and the other will be pit-free.
- Remove the Pit Safely: Set down the avocado half containing the pit on the cutting board. With a swift, gentle, but firm motion, tap the pit with the blade of a sharp knife so that the blade embeds itself into the pit. Twist the knife slightly, and the pit should easily lift out. Be sure to exercise caution when handling the knife.
From there, you can easily dice the avocado flesh while it’s still nestled securely in its skin. Use your knife to create a grid pattern by first slicing lengthwise, then widthwise, to form perfect cubes. Once cubed, simply scoop the avocado pieces out with a spoon and repeat the process with the other half. This method minimizes mess and ensures beautifully uniform diced avocado every time.
🎯 Food Fact: The Amazing Avocado
Did you know? Avocados are spectacularly good for you and contribute a wonderfully satisfying creaminess and a rich, healthy fatty flavor that coats the mouth, perfectly complementing the crispness of other vegetables and the fresh herbs in this salad! They are packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins K, C, E, B6, folate, and potassium, making them a true superfood. Their creamy texture also helps you feel full and satisfied longer.
Sometimes we’ll even schmear it in a Taco Bell Crunchwrap for an extra touch of creamy goodness!
Serving Suggestions for Every Occasion
This Green Goddess Salad is a marvel on its own, a complete and satisfying meal thanks to its rich array of ingredients and robust dressing. However, its versatility also allows it to be paired as an exquisite side dish, complementing a wide variety of main courses and expanding your culinary options. Whether you’re aiming for a light lunch, a hearty dinner, or entertaining guests, this salad adapts beautifully to any setting.
For a truly protein-packed and fulfilling meal, consider serving it alongside perfectly grilled chicken breast, a pan-seared salmon fillet, or a beautifully seared steak. The fresh, herbaceous notes of the salad provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of cooked meats. If you’re craving something more substantial and comforting, this salad pairs wonderfully with a side of warm, crusty bread, perhaps slathered with a smear of blue cheese, or alongside a comforting bowl of creamy tomato soup or a hearty lentil soup. The contrasting textures and temperatures create a delightful dining experience.
For those seeking a lighter meal option, this Green Goddess Salad can be beautifully complemented by a refreshing fruit salad, perhaps featuring seasonal berries and melon, adding a sweet and juicy contrast. Alternatively, keep things low-carb and flavor-rich by serving it with a side of honey-roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes. When hosting guests, transform your dining experience by presenting it as part of a larger, interactive salad bar. Offer an array of extra toppings such as additional avocado slices, crumbled extra bacon, vibrant grape tomatoes, crisp cucumber ribbons, toasted nuts (like pecans or almonds), various seeds (pumpkin or sunflower), and even different cheeses for a truly customizable feast. To complete the culinary experience, a chilled glass of crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, perfectly complements the bright, herbaceous flavors of the salad. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water infused with lemon or cucumber offers a equally refreshing pairing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Goddess Salad
Here are some common questions about Green Goddess Salad, providing clarity and additional tips for enjoying this fantastic dish.
What does green goddess dressing taste like?
The Green Goddess dressing is renowned for its incredibly creamy texture and a distinctively fresh, bright, and herbaceous flavor profile. The dominant flavors typically come from the peppery notes of fresh parsley, the vibrant tang of fresh lemon juice, and the rich base of mayonnaise. Additionally, you’ll often detect a delicate, mild onion-like flavor from the chives, and a subtle hint of anise or licorice from tarragon, all working in harmony to create a truly unique and irresistible dressing that is both savory and refreshing.
How is Cobb Salad different from Chef Salad?
While both Cobb and Chef salads are substantial, protein-rich entree salads, they differ primarily in their traditional ingredients and presentation. A Chef salad typically features a base of plain lettuce, along with common vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers, topped with slices of various deli meats such as turkey, ham, or roast beef, and often includes cheese and a hard-boiled egg. In contrast, a Cobb salad is characterized by its distinct arrangement of finely chopped or diced ingredients, typically laid out in rows. It usually contains a vibrant mix of greens (like romaine and chicory), grilled chicken or turkey, crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, tomatoes, and often blue cheese or a similar crumbly cheese. The Green Goddess Salad in this recipe is a variation of a Cobb salad due to its rich mix of toppings including chicken, bacon, and avocado.
Can I store this salad?
For optimal freshness and to prevent the greens from becoming soggy, this assembled Green Goddess Salad is best enjoyed immediately. However, if stored properly, it can last one to two days in the refrigerator. The most crucial tip for extended storage is to always store the salad ingredients (greens, chicken, bacon, corn, avocado) and the dressing separately in airtight containers. When you’re ready to eat, simply combine and toss with the dressing.
How can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Preparing elements of your Green Goddess Chicken Salad ahead of time is an excellent strategy for quick and easy meals throughout the week. You can prepare all the components without dressing them. Cook and dice your chicken, crisp and crumble your bacon, thaw your corn if using frozen, and wash and chop your greens. Store each of these ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The homemade Green Goddess dressing is quite stable and can be made up to 5 days in advance, stored in a sealed jar in the fridge. This way, you can easily assemble a fresh salad whenever desired, ensuring maximum crispness and flavor.
Can I swap the protein in this recipe?
Absolutely! One of the fantastic aspects of this Green Goddess Salad recipe is its adaptability to various proteins. Feel free to substitute the chicken with grilled steak, pan-seared shrimp, crispy baked tofu, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Each alternative will offer a unique flavor and texture, allowing you to customize the salad to your personal preferences or dietary needs.
Is this green goddess salad recipe suitable for specific diets?
Yes, with mindful ingredient choices, this Green Goddess Salad can be adapted for several diets. As written, if using avocado oil mayonnaise and coconut cream, it is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and bacon, and consider adding roasted chickpeas, hard-boiled eggs, or crispy tofu as protein sources. For a vegan adaptation, ensure all dressing ingredients are plant-based (e.g., vegan mayonnaise, coconut cream) and use plant-based protein alternatives.
What are the health benefits of eating green goddess salad?
This Green Goddess Salad is a powerhouse of nutrients! It’s rich in vitamins and minerals from the diverse greens, healthy fats and fiber from avocado, and lean protein from chicken. The homemade dressing, with its fresh herbs, also contributes antioxidants. This combination supports digestive health, provides sustained energy, and helps you feel full and satisfied, making it an excellent choice for a balanced and healthy diet.
More Refreshing Recipes to Love…
If you enjoyed the fresh and vibrant flavors of our Green Goddess Salad, you’ll surely love these other refreshing and delicious recipes:
- Carrot Raisin Salad
- Tuscan Bean Salad
- Blueberry Cheesecake Salad
If you tried this Green Goddess Salad recipe or any other delightful recipe on our website, we would be absolutely thrilled to hear from you! Please consider leaving a 🌟 star rating and share your experience in the 📝 comments section below. Your feedback and ratings are incredibly valuable and help us continue to bring you the best recipes. Thank you for visiting and happy cooking!
The Ultimate Green Goddess Salad Recipe
By Renae Gerhardstein
Fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, this homemade Green Goddess Salad recipe combines crisp greens, creamy avocado, tender chicken, and savory bacon, all generously drizzled with a zesty, herb-packed dressing. It’s a delightful and satisfying Cobb-style salad, perfect for a healthy lunch or a vibrant dinner that truly hits the spot!
Pin Recipe
Equipment
- Blender
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 3 cups lacinato kale (stems and tough ribs removed, massaged)
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 avocado (pitted and diced)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed from frozen)
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast (diced or shredded)
- 4 strips bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- Optional: pickled red onions, hard-boiled eggs for a true Cobb experience
For the Green Goddess Dressing
- ½ cup fresh parsley (finely chopped, or 2 Tbsp dried parsley for less vibrant flavor)
- 2 teaspoons dried tarragon
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives (finely chopped, or 1 tsp dried)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from approximately 1/2 large lemon)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (avocado oil mayo is recommended for healthier fats)
- ¼ cup coconut cream (or substitute with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a non-dairy option; note that these contain dairy)
- Optional: 1 small clove garlic (minced), salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Green Goddess Dressing: Combine all dressing ingredients (fresh parsley, dried tarragon, fresh chives, fresh lemon juice, mayonnaise, and coconut cream, along with any optional additions like garlic) in a blender. Blend until thoroughly smooth and creamy, ensuring no herb chunks remain. Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings as needed, adding a pinch of salt, more lemon juice for brightness, or pepper to your preference. Set aside.
- Massage the Kale Leaves: Place the lacinato kale in a large mixing bowl. Using clean hands, gently rub and massage the kale leaves for 1-2 minutes. This simple but effective action softens the kale’s tough fibers, making it more tender and palatable for the salad.
- Assemble the Salad Base: Add the chopped romaine lettuce to the bowl with the massaged kale. Drizzle approximately 1/3 cup of the prepared Green Goddess dressing over the greens. Toss gently but thoroughly until the kale and romaine are lightly and evenly coated. Transfer the dressed greens to your main serving bowl, spreading them out to form an appealing base.
- Arrange the Toppings: Artfully arrange the remaining salad components over the bed of dressed greens. Place the diced or shredded cooked chicken breast neatly in the center of the bowl. Evenly spread the diced avocado cubes on top or around the chicken. Arrange the corn kernels on one side of the salad and the crumbled, crispy bacon on the opposite side, creating distinct sections of vibrant ingredients.
- Final Drizzle and Serve: Just before serving, generously drizzle the remaining Green Goddess dressing over the entire assembled salad. This ensures a burst of flavor with every bite. Serve your vibrant, homemade Green Goddess Salad immediately to enjoy its peak freshness and texture.
Notes
- Panera Copycat Tip: To create an even closer replica of Panera’s beloved Green Goddess Cobb Salad, consider incorporating both pickled red onions and perfectly hard-boiled eggs into your salad. These elements add authentic layers of flavor, tang, and protein that truly elevate the dish to copycat perfection.
- Benefits of Massaging Kale: Massaging kale is a vital step that breaks down the tough cell walls of the leaves, transforming their texture from coarse and chewy to tender and more enjoyable to eat raw. It also helps to mellow kale’s slightly bitter taste, making it more palatable.
- Storing Instructions: For maximum freshness and to prevent sogginess, it is highly recommended to store the salad ingredients (greens, cooked chicken, bacon, corn, avocado) and the Green Goddess dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The assembled salad is best consumed within 1-2 days. The dressing itself, when stored properly, can last for up to 5 days.
- Make-Ahead Instructions: To prepare this delicious Green Goddess Chicken Salad in advance for easy meal prep, simply prepare all the individual components (cook and dice chicken, crisp and crumble bacon, wash and chop greens, prepare corn, and dice avocado only just before assembly or toss with a little lemon juice to prevent browning). Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The dressing can also be made ahead of time. Assemble and dress the salad just before you are ready to serve for the freshest taste and texture.
Recipe Variations:
- Add More Fresh Produce: Enhance your salad with extra color and crunch by mixing in halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced cucumbers, crisp thinly sliced apples for a touch of sweetness, or chopped green onions for a mild bite. Each addition contributes unique textures and fresh flavors, making every bite a delightful experience.
- Try Different Proteins: Swap the chicken with grilled salmon for a lean, flavorful option, roasted turkey breast for a tender alternative, or crispy baked tofu for a delicious vegetarian version. For a bold twist, blackened shrimp adds incredible depth. For convenience, use Instant Pot shredded chicken breast.
- Boost the Dressing: Elevate your dressing by blending in additional fresh herbs like basil leaves, extra flat-leaf parsley, or cilantro. For added creaminess, incorporate roasted cashews or walnuts. A splash of rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar, a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, a crushed garlic clove, and a little minced shallot will deepen the herbal notes.
- Top with Extra Crunch: Introduce additional crispy toppings such as toasted nuts, pumpkin seeds, or homemade croutons. These elements provide a delightful textural contrast that perfectly balances the tender greens and creamy dressing.
Nutrition Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 426 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
- Sodium: 283 mg
- Potassium: 592 mg
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Vitamin A: 3022 IU
- Vitamin C: 28 mg
- Calcium: 48 mg
- Iron: 2 mg
Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients, portion sizes, and preparation methods.