Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal prep idea? Look no further! This Green Goddess Chicken Salad is bursting with fresh herbs, creamy avocado, and tender chicken, making it a perfect lunch or light dinner option. It's so easy to make, even beginners will find it a breeze, and the vibrant green color is guaranteed to brighten up your day. This recipe offers a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional mayonnaise-based chicken salads, perfect for those seeking easy recipes and healthy meals. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (about 1 lb boneless, skinless breasts)
- 1 ripe avocado, pitted and diced
- ½ cup packed fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup packed fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt (plain or lemon flavored)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped red onion for a bit of zing!
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: If you haven't already, cook your chicken breasts. Grilling, baking, or poaching all work well. Let them cool completely before shredding or dicing. This ensures that the salad doesn't get soggy.
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced avocado, cilantro, parsley, chives, Greek yogurt, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. If using, add the red onion now.
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Mix Gently: Use a fork or spatula to gently toss all the ingredients together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can mash the avocado.
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Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for a truly delicious salad! Serve chilled on crackers, bread, lettuce cups, or enjoy it as a standalone dish.
Cooking Tips & Variations:
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Avocado Ripeness: Use a ripe but firm avocado for the best texture and flavor. Avoid using an overripe avocado, as it will make the salad too mushy.
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Herb Alternatives: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like dill, mint, or basil.
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Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a little kick.
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Add Crunch: Toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans would add a lovely crunchy texture.
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Make it a Meal: Serve this chicken salad over a bed of mixed greens for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-10g
This Green Goddess Chicken Salad is a perfect example of how quick dinner ideas can also be healthy and delicious. It’s a fantastic recipe for meal prepping, ensuring you have healthy lunches ready to go for the week. Its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients make it a standout amongst other easy recipes. Try it today and discover a new favorite among your best recipes!