Q1: Can I use chicken other than boneless, skinless chicken breast for this recipe?

While the recipe specifically calls for boneless, skinless chicken breast, you can substitute with other chicken cuts. Chicken thighs work well and can provide more flavor, but you'll need to adjust cooking time in Step 3 to ensure they reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F. If using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, you can skip the poaching step entirely and simply shred the meat. Just be sure to check the chicken's temperature and remove any skin before shredding as noted in Step 8.

Q2: What if I don't have fresh herbs for the green goddess dressing?

If fresh herbs aren't available, you can use dried herbs, though the flavor will be less vibrant. Use about 1/3 the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh (so approximately 2 teaspoons total instead of 2 tablespoons). You can also substitute with dried herb blends or Italian seasoning. If you're missing a specific herb like chives, you can use finely chopped green onions or simply omit it without drastically changing the recipe's overall profile.

Q3: How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked during poaching?

As specified in Step 3, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don't have a meat thermometer, look for visual cues: the chicken should be completely white throughout with no pink areas, and the meat should easily pull apart when tested with two forks as described in Step 8. The poaching time of 12-15 minutes is a guideline, but thickness of the chicken breast can affect cooking time, so always verify the temperature.

Q4: Are there ways to modify this recipe for different dietary needs?

For a lower-fat version, you can use Greek yogurt with reduced fat content, which is already specified in the recipe. If you're following the Optavia diet, this recipe aligns well with those guidelines. For those avoiding dairy, you could substitute the Greek yogurt with a non-dairy alternative like unsweetened coconut yogurt or a cashew-based yogurt. Those wanting to increase protein can add additional diced chicken or incorporate hard-boiled eggs into the salad.

Green Goddess Chicken Salad

This Green Goddess Chicken Salad is a vibrant, nutrient-packed meal that perfectly embodies the Optavia Lean & Green philosophy. Tender, shredded chicken breast serves as the protein foundation, while crisp cucumber, fresh herbs, and leafy greens create a refreshing base that's both satisfying and light. The star of this dish is the creamy green goddess dressing, made with protein-rich Greek yogurt instead of traditional mayonnaise, blended with fresh basil, parsley, chives, and a hint of lemon to create a tangy, herbaceous coating that brings every ingredient to life.

Inspired by the classic green goddess dressing created at San Francisco's Palace Hotel in the 1920s, this modern adaptation transforms the indulgent original into a metabolism-supporting powerhouse. By swapping heavy cream and mayonnaise for non-fat Greek yogurt, we've created a dressing that's rich in protein and probiotics while remaining incredibly low in calories and fat. The abundance of fresh herbs not only provides exceptional flavor but also delivers antioxidants and phytonutrients that support overall health.

This salad is ideal for meal prep, as the components can be prepared in advance and assembled when ready to eat. The chicken stays moist and flavorful, the vegetables remain crisp, and the yogurt-based dressing holds up beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a post-workout meal, or a light dinner that won't derail your health goals, this Green Goddess Chicken Salad delivers on taste, nutrition, and convenience.

With its perfect balance of lean protein, non-starchy vegetables, and fresh herbs, this salad supports lean muscle maintenance, promotes satiety, and keeps your metabolism humming along. Each bite offers a symphony of textures and flavors—from the tender chicken to the crisp cucumber and the creamy, herb-infused dressing—making healthy eating feel like a true culinary pleasure rather than a sacrifice.

Mia

Recipe Author: Welcome to Mia's Kitchen, where every recipe is plant-forward, anti-inflammatory, and full of flavor. Her meals make it easy to eat well, support gut health, and enjoy balanced, wholesome cooking at home.

Nutrition

30 minutes

None servings

285 calories

Fat 3.50g

Carbs 12.00g

Protein 48.00g

Ingredients

5 oz	boneless, skinless chicken breast, raw
3 tbsp	plain non-fat Greek yogurt
2 tbsp	fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 tbsp	fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp	fresh chives, chopped
1 tbsp	lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1 small	garlic clove, minced
1 cup	cucumber, diced
2 cups	mixed salad greens, washed
1/4 cup	celery, diced
1/4 tsp	salt
1/8 tsp	black pepper, freshly ground
2 cups	water, for poaching

Equipment

Cutting board

Whisk

measuring spoons

measuring cups

small mixing bowl

medium saucepan

medium mixing bowl

meat thermometer

sharp knife

two forks

serving plate or bowl

Clean Eating

Exemplifies clean eating principles with whole, minimally processed ingredients like fresh chicken, Greek yogurt, herbs, and vegetables. No refined sugars, artificial additives, or processed components are used.

Intermittent Fasting

Ideal for intermittent fasting with its nutrient-dense ingredients, balanced macronutrients, and focus on lean protein and vegetables. The high-protein chicken and low-calorie green goddess dressing support satiety during eating windows.

Low-Carb Diet

Perfectly aligned with low-carb requirements, containing only 4-5g net carbs per serving. The recipe emphasizes lean protein and non-starchy vegetables while avoiding high-carb ingredients like grains or sugars.

Mindful Eating

Supports mindful eating by featuring vibrant, colorful ingredients with varied textures and fresh herbs, encouraging slow, conscious consumption and sensory appreciation of each ingredient.

Optavia

Perfectly matches Optavia's Lean & Green philosophy with lean chicken protein, abundant non-starchy vegetables, and a low-calorie Greek yogurt-based dressing that supports metabolic health.

Weight Watchers

An excellent Weight Watchers-friendly recipe featuring lean protein (chicken breast), abundant non-starchy vegetables, and a low-fat Greek yogurt dressing that supports weight management goals.

Instructions

5 min

Fill a medium saucepan with 2 cups of water and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

15 min

Reduce heat to low and gently place the chicken breast into the simmering water. Poach for 12-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is cooked through.

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the green goddess dressing by combining Greek yogurt, chopped basil, parsley, chives, lemon juice, and minced garlic in a small bowl.

3 min

Whisk the dressing ingredients together until smooth and well combined. Season with remaining salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

1 min

Dice the cucumber into small, bite-sized pieces and dice the celery as well. Set aside.

2 min

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the water and place on a cutting board. Let it rest for 3-4 minutes.

4 min

Using two forks, shred the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, pulling the meat apart along the natural grain.