If you're craving a fresh, flavorful twist on the Pioneer Woman Green Goddess Chicken Salad, this Avocado Green Goddess Chicken Salad is about to become your new go-to. Packed with protein and bursting with herby goodness, this recipe blends creamy avocado with the vibrant flavors of a classic green goddess dressing—think basil, dill, green onion, garlic, and a hint of lemon. It's a feel-good dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious, perfect for meal prep, sandwiches, or a light summer dinner. As a registered dietitian, I love prepping chicken salads for the workweek, they're a reliable, protein-packed option that keeps me energized and satisfied through even the busiest afternoons.
Are you a chicken salad fanatic like me?! Lucky you, I have many chicken salads like my southwest chicken salad, California chicken salad, pesto chicken salad, dill pickle chicken salad, and tzatziki chicken salad.
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Ingredients
Cooked Chicken Breasts – The hearty, protein-packed base that makes this salad satisfying and perfect for meal prep. I like to make a batch of my shredded chicken recipe each week for chicken salads.
Red Onion – Adds a crisp, zesty bite that balances the creaminess of the dressing.
Plain Greek Yogurt – Delivers a creamy texture and tangy flavor, while boosting the protein content of the dressing.
Avocado – Brings a rich, buttery texture and healthy fats, making the dressing extra smooth and nourishing.
Fresh Basil – Adds a sweet, peppery flavor that defines the signature taste of Green Goddess dressing.
Fresh Dill – Offers a bright, herby layer that enhances the overall freshness of the salad.
Green Onions – Provide a mild, oniony kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Garlic – Infuses the dressing with savory depth and a bit of a punch.
Lemon Juice – Adds a burst of citrusy brightness to lift all the flavors.
White Wine Vinegar – Enhances the tang and keeps the dressing light and vibrant.
See the recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Avocado Green Goddess Chicken Salad
Blend: Blend all the Green Goddess dressing ingredients in a food processor until smooth and creamy.
Mix: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, red onion, and the prepared dressing. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
Enjoy: Serve in a sandwich, lettuce wrap, or scoop it up with your favorite crackers. Enjoy every bite!
Hint: Let It Chill Before Serving – After mixing, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. It makes a big difference in taste and texture!
Variations
Parsley - Some people prefer to use parsley instead of dill in their green goddess dressing!
Add Crunch – Mix in celery, chopped walnuts, or sunflower seeds for added texture.
Go Spicy – Add jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
Make it a Wrap or Bowl – Serve in a lettuce wrap, collard green, or over a grain bowl with quinoa or farro.
Fresh Fruit Twist – Add diced apple, grapes, or dried cranberries for a sweet contrast.
Substitutions
Gluten-Free
This recipe is already gluten-free!
Dairy-Free
Use plant-based plain yogurt instead of Greek yogurt
Vegetarian/Vegan
Vegetarian: Swap the shredded chicken for chickpeas
Vegan: Use chickpeas in place of the shredded chicken and a plant-based plain yogurt instead of Greek yogurt
Nutrition
This Green Goddess Chicken Salad Sandwich isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with nutrients that your body will love.
The shredded chicken provides a lean source of protein to keep you full and energized, while the Greek yogurt and avocado add healthy fats and probiotics to support gut health and satiety.
Fresh herbs like basil and dill bring in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, and the lemon juice gives you a boost of vitamin C.
Plus, with fiber-rich ingredients and no heavy mayo, it’s a lighter take on traditional chicken salad that still delivers on flavor and satisfaction. It’s a feel-good meal you can enjoy any day of the week!
Cooking Chicken in the Crockpot
Use my shredded chicken recipe, or simply follow the steps below!
Place Chicken in Crockpot: Lay the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Add Liquid: Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Cook on Low or High:
- Low for 6–7 hours
- High for 3–4 hours
The chicken should be fully cooked and easy to shred with a fork.
Shred & Serve: Use two forks or a handheld mixer to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot
My Favorite Ways to Enjoy this Chicken Salad
Out of all the ways to eat a chicken salad, I love keeping it simple by eating it with whole grain crackers! But if I were to have it on a sandwich these are the breads I would choose:
- Sourdough – Slightly tangy and sturdy, sourdough adds flavor and holds up well to creamy fillings without getting soggy.
- Croissant – Buttery and flaky, croissants turn your chicken salad into an elevated café-style treat.
Whole Grain Bread – A wholesome choice packed with fiber and texture, perfect for a more nutritious option.
Storage for Green Goddess Chicken Salad
Keep any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. The flavors get even better as they sit! If it thickens up, just give it a stir and mix in a splash of lemon juice or a little extra yogurt to freshen it up before serving.
Top tip
Use Rotisserie Chicken for a Shortcut – If you're short on time, using store-bought rotisserie chicken adds flavor and cuts down on prep without sacrificing quality.
FAQ
Green Goddess Chicken Salad is a fresh and flavorful twist on classic chicken salad, featuring a creamy herb-packed dressing inspired by traditional Green Goddess flavors. Instead of using mayonnaise, the dressing is typically made with Greek yogurt, avocado, and fresh herbs like basil, dill, and green onions, blended with lemon juice, garlic, and vinegar for a tangy, vibrant kick.
In this recipe, I used plain Greek yogurt. This helps increase the protein content and make this a healthy green goddess chicken salad!
This is definitely a preference, but if I were to choose a few, I would choose sourdough, whole grain bread (for extra fiber!), or a croissant!
Pairing
Did you try this recipe? I would love to see what you made! Tag me (@bewelltable) on Instagram and leave a 5 ⭐️ review below!
Avocado Green Goddess Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cooked chicken breasts shredded
- ½ red onion finely diced
Green Goddess Dressing
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 avocado
- ½ cup basil fresh
- ⅓ cup dill fresh
- 4 green onions
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a food processor, blend all of the green goddess dressing ingredients until smooth.
- Add all the ingredients and green goddess dressing to a large bowl. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Add chicken salad to a sandwich or use crackers to scoop. Enjoy!
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