This Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad with Crispy Chickpeas and Fresh Herb Dressing is the perfect meal when you’re craving something light yet satisfying. Packed with protein from shredded rotisserie chicken, healthy fats from creamy avocado, and a crunchy twist from crispy chickpeas, this salad is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious.

The fresh herb dressing made with basil, cilantro, and parsley ties it all together, making every bite full of flavor. If you’re looking for a nutrient-dense salad that’s easy to prepare, this recipe is a must-try!

Green Goddess Chicken Salad: The Ultimate Spring and Summer Salad Option

There’s nothing like a light and healthy, hearty salad for spring and summer, am I right? Crisp lettuce, fresh dressing… I’m drooling just thinking about it!

Well, this protein-packed salad made with whole food ingredients will nail it every time. That’s a promise!

The combination of crispy chickpeas and avocado adds a great texture and a boost of health benefits. Chickpeas are rich in fiber and plant-based protein, helping to keep you full longer and support digestive health.

And avocado, on the other hand, is loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, making this salad both delicious and nourishing. Paired a dressing made with fresh herbs and lemon juice, tahini and garlic (and more!), it’s the ultimate feel-good dish.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad

This Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad with Crispy Chickpeas and Fresh Herb Dressing is also great for meal prep! You can store the salad, crispy chickpeas, and dressing separately, so everything stays fresh throughout the week.

It’s such a good option for a quick lunch or dinner that’s both light and satisfying. Plus, the green goddess dressing is packed with herbs that provide not just flavor but also immune-boosting benefits.

Needless to say, if you’re looking for a salad that’s not only tasty but also supports a healthy lifestyle, this green goddess chicken salad with crispy chickpeas and avocado is the perfect choice. Whether you’re whipping it up for a light dinner or packing it for a workweek meal, this salad will keep you feeling energized and nourished.

Oh, and let me know what you think in the comment section below, or tag me on IG when you make it. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

For the Salad:

• Shredded organic rotisserie chicken
• Oranic arugula or mixed greens
• Organic cucumber, sliced
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Avocado, diced
• Crispy chickpeas (see below for full ingredients + instructions)

Crispy Chickpeas:

• Canned organic chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• Avocado oil
• Sea salt
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder

Dressing:

• Fresh herbs (basil, cilantro, parsley)
• Cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Apple cider vinegar
• Organic tahini
• Garlic clove
• Sea salt
• Black pepper

HOW TO MAKE HEALTHY GREEN GODDESS CHICKEN SALAD WITH CRISPY CHICKPEAS AND FRESH HERB DRESSING

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Pat the chickpeas dry with a paper towel, removing any loose skins.

In a small bowl, toss the chickpeas with avocado oil, sea salt, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Spread them on a lined baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy. Let them cool before using.

In a high-speed blender, make the dressing by blending together the fresh herbs, olive oil, fresh lemon juice apple cider vinegar, tahini, garlic clove, sea salt, and pepper until smooth.

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the shredded chicken, arugula, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado, and (cooled) crispy chickpeas. Drizzle with the green goddess dressing and toss to coat. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

RECIPE SUBSTITUTIONS & QUESTIONS

This green goddess chicken salad is easily adaptable to suit your preferences. I haven’t tested any of these yet, but here are some simple swaps you can try:

• Chicken: Use grilled chicken breast for a leaner option, or swap for tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian/vegan version.
• Crispy Chickpeas: Try roasted nuts or seeds (like almonds or pumpkin seeds) for crunch, or go with croutons for a more traditional topping.
• Greens: If you don’t have arugula, romaine lettuce, spinach or kale (massaged with olive oil) work great.
• Tahini: nut butters like cashew butter or almond butter, Greek yogurt, or even sunflower seed butter will work for a similar creamy and flavorful base. 
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Use lemon juice or white wine vinegar if you’re out of apple cider vinegar.

Hopefully this helps to make the salad your own, no matter what ingredients you have on hand. Let me know your thoughts if you try any of these!

You can also always find my go-to kitchen items (and more) on my Amazon Storefront, and more of my favorite Salads, and Sides, on the blog.

Can I make the green goddess chicken salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad is perfect for meal prep. To keep it fresh, store the salad ingredients (chicken, avocado, greens, etc.) separately from the dressing and crispy chickpeas. The dressing can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, and the crispy chickpeas can stay crunchy for several days as long as they are stored in a sealed container. Simply assemble the salad and toss with the dressing when you’re ready to eat.

Is this green goddess chicken salad gluten-free and dairy-free?

Yes, this recipe is both gluten-free and dairy-free! The salad itself doesn’t contain any gluten or dairy, and the dressing is naturally free from both. Just be sure to check the labels for any store-bought ingredients, such as the rotisserie chicken or croutons (if you opt to use), to ensure they’re gluten-free and dairy-free if needed.

LOOKING FOR MORE NUTRITIOUS SALAD RECIPES?

Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad

Grilled Summer Pasta Salad

Asian-Inspired Chicken Salad

Herby Spring Pasta Salad with Protein

Flank Steak & Avocado Chimichurri Salad