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.

Ingredients

• 5 ozboneless, skinless chicken breast, raw
• 3 tbspplain non-fat Greek yogurt
• 2 tbspfresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 tbspfresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbspfresh chives, chopped
• 1 tbsplemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 smallgarlic clove, minced
• 1 cupcucumber, diced
• 2 cupsmixed salad greens, washed
• 1/4 cupcelery, diced
• 1/4 tspsalt
• 1/8 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
• 2 cupswater, for poaching

Method

1. Fill a medium saucepan with 2 cups of water and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. 0:05
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. 0:05
3. 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. 0:05
4. 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. 0:05
5. Whisk the dressing ingredients together until smooth and well combined. Season with remaining salt and pepper to taste. Set aside. 0:04
6. Dice the cucumber into small, bite-sized pieces and dice the celery as well. Set aside. 0:04
7. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the water and place on a cutting board. Let it rest for 3-4 minutes. 0:04
8. Using two forks, shred the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, pulling the meat apart along the natural grain. 0:05
9. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced cucumber, and diced celery. 0:04
10. Add the green goddess dressing to the chicken mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. 0:04
11. Arrange the mixed salad greens on a serving plate or bowl. 0:03
12. Top the greens with the dressed chicken salad mixture. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately. 0:04