Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Method
• Notes & Tips
• Substitutions
• Recipe Card

Here’s what you’ll need to create this fantastic Green Goddess Chicken Salad:

• Cooked Chicken: The foundation of our salad. Use diced or shredded.
• English Cucumber: For a refreshing crispness and mild flavor.
• Red Onion: Adds a sharp bite that’s mellowed by quick-pickling.
• Green Cabbage: Provides essential crunch and a fresh, earthy taste.
• Rosé Vinegar: My secret ingredient for a unique tart sweetness.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Fragrant and herbaceous, torn or chiffonade for maximum flavor release.
• Fresh Dill: Brings a bright, slightly anise-like note, remove stems.
• Green Onions (Scallions): Mild onion flavor with a vibrant green hue, finely minced.
• Chives: Delicate oniony flavor, minced for even distribution.
• Water Chestnuts: The ultimate crunch factor, roughly chopped.
• Green Goddess Dressing: The creamy, herb-packed heart of the salad. Half a recipe is usually perfect.
• Kosher Salt (Diamond Crystal): To season and enhance all flavors.
• Fresh Cracked Black Pepper: Adds a subtle spice and aroma.
• Sourdough Bread Slices: The ideal vehicle for a hearty sandwich.
• Romaine Lettuce Leaves: Crisp and cool for layering sandwiches or serving cups.
• Hot House Tomato: Sliced for juicy sweetness and acidity.
• Sheep’s Milk Feta Cheese: For a creamy, salty, and tangy finish, preferably sliced.

For precise measurements and detailed instructions, please use the JUMP TO RECIPE button at the top of the post, or scroll directly to the bottom to find the full recipe card.

Expert Notes & Tips for Success

Achieving quick and delicious results with this Green Goddess Chicken Salad largely depends on good preparation. The key takeaway here is: “prep is the name of the game.” If you’re specifically making this recipe from scratch, take the time to cook your chicken beforehand. This could involve poaching, grilling, or even baking it. However, this recipe truly shines as an ideal way to utilize any leftover cooked chicken you might have on hand. Don’t let those delicious chicken pieces go to waste!

Another excellent option for convenience, especially on busy days, is to simply pick up a rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store. Remove the meat from the bones and chop it up, and you’re halfway there. No matter which method you choose for your chicken, make sure it’s cooled, cooked, and prepared (diced or shredded) before you start assembling the salad.

Equally important is having your Green Goddess Dressing ready to go. I personally find that whipping up a batch in a blender makes light work of it, creating a smooth, creamy, and perfectly emulsified dressing. I often make a double batch of the dressing; it stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and is incredibly versatile. You can use the extra dressing for other green salads, as a delicious dip for vegetables during meal prep, or for a variety of other Green Goddess-themed recipes I’ve shared, which you’ll find linked further down the page.

One technique I particularly adore and frequently employ in recipes like this is the quick pickling of vegetables. In this specific chicken salad, starting with the red onion, cabbage, and cucumber tossed in vinegar is a game-changer. This process not only removes the harsh, raw bite often associated with onions but also transforms them into a more delicate, subtly sweet, and flavorful component, enhancing the overall profile of the salad. It’s a simple step that yields significant flavor dividends.

When it comes to serving your chicken salad layered in a sandwich, as I’ve demonstrated with lettuce, tomato, and sliced feta, presentation makes a difference. I often purchase large blocks of feta cheese from warehouses like Costco because I enjoy slicing it myself for sandwiches. While feta crumbles are convenient, they tend to spill out of sandwiches. By using a sharp knife and working slowly, you can achieve beautiful, intact slices of feta, similar to those pictured, which stay neatly in place and provide a satisfying creamy texture with every bite.

Versatile Substitutions to Suit Your Taste

This Green Goddess Chicken Salad recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences or what you have available in your pantry. As previously discussed, the type of cooked chicken you use is entirely up to you. Whether it’s home-cooked chicken that has been grilled, pan-seared, or poached, or the convenient meat from a store-bought rotisserie chicken, any method is perfectly acceptable. Choose what works best for your schedule and taste buds – there’s no right or wrong here, just delicious chicken!

The array of fresh vegetables and herbs in this recipe provides a fantastic opportunity for customization. Feel free to omit anything you don’t prefer or swap it out for a vegetable or herb you have on hand. For example, while I’ve specified green cabbage, red cabbage works just as well and adds a different visual contrast. Similarly, any color of onion (red, yellow, or even sweet onion) can be used; the color primarily impacts aesthetics and the intensity of its flavor, which is already mellowed by the vinegar. The goal is always a great texture and flavor, so mix and match to your heart’s content.

My current favorite for this recipe is Rosé Vinegar, which imparts a unique tart sweetness. However, if you don’t have it or can’t easily find it, excellent substitutes include red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Both will provide the necessary acidity and tang to help quick-pickle the vegetables and brighten the overall flavor profile of the salad.

For that irresistible crunch, I chose water chestnuts. They offer a unique, firm texture that holds up well in the salad. If you’re looking for alternatives, consider diced apple for a touch of sweetness and crispness, jicama for an earthy crunch, or even your favorite toasted nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a nutty dimension. Each substitution will lend a slightly different character to the salad, so experiment and find your favorite!

When it comes to sandwich toppings, let your creativity run wild! Instead of romaine lettuce, fresh sprouts could add an interesting texture and earthy flavor. If feta cheese isn’t quite your preference, provolone slices or even a mild cheddar could be excellent creamy and savory alternatives, adding their own distinct touch to your Green Goddess Chicken Salad sandwich.

More Green Goddess Goodness!

I’ve been on a major Green Goddess kick lately, and it all began with perfecting my own version of the original dressing. It’s incredibly bright, packed with herbaceous flavor, and perfectly forms the heart of this chicken salad recipe, making it truly special.

For another fantastic side dish that just screams summer, you have to try my Green Goddess Pasta Salad. It’s vibrant, refreshing, and completely loaded with bold flavors that make it an instant hit at any potluck or barbecue.

If you’re looking for another all-green showstopper to impress your guests, my Green Goddess Potato Salad is a must-make. It beautifully showcases fresh produce and highlights the delicious, bright, and fresh notes of the Green Goddess dressing.

And for my fellow chicken salad enthusiasts, don’t stop here! I have a whole collection of diverse chicken salad recipes you might enjoy. Check out my unique Cobb Style Chicken Salad, the effortlessly delicious Simple Chicken Salad, the savory BLT Chicken Salad, the sophisticated Martini Chicken Salad, or the flavorful Greek Style Chicken Salad.