Get ready to elevate your lunch game with a restaurant-inspired salad that's about to become your new obsession! This Panera Green Goddess Salad with Chicken is not just a meal; it's a flavor explosion that combines fresh, crisp ingredients with a creamy, herbaceous dressing that will have you forgetting all about boring diet food. Whether you're a health enthusiast, a foodie looking for a quick gourmet meal, or simply someone who wants to impress their lunch companions, this recipe is your ticket to culinary satisfaction.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup green goddess dressing
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup cucumber, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: If not already cooked, season chicken breast with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-sear until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let cool slightly, then shred using two forks.
- Wash and prepare the vegetables: Rinse mixed greens thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels. Slice cucumber into thin rounds. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Slice avocado into thin slices.
- Prepare the green goddess dressing: If using store-bought, whisk to ensure even consistency. If making homemade, blend fresh herbs like basil, chives, and parsley with mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, and garlic.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, spread mixed greens as the base. Arrange shredded chicken evenly across the greens.
- Add toppings: Distribute cucumber slices, cherry tomato halves, and avocado slices over the chicken and greens.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle green goddess dressing evenly over the salad. Use just enough to coat ingredients lightly.
- Season and serve: Sprinkle with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately to maintain freshness and crispness of ingredients.
Tips
- Chicken Preparation: For maximum flavor, marinate your chicken in a little olive oil and herbs before cooking. This adds depth to the meat's taste.
- Dressing Hack: If you're short on time, store-bought green goddess dressing works perfectly. But for an extra wow factor, try making your own – it's surprisingly simple!
- Freshness is Key: Wash your greens thoroughly and dry them completely to prevent a soggy salad. A salad spinner can be a game-changer here.
- Temperature Matters: Serve the salad slightly chilled. Keep ingredients refrigerated until just before assembling to maintain crisp textures.
- Customization Tip: Feel free to add extra protein like nuts or seeds, or swap chicken for grilled tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Meal Prep Friendly: You can prepare components separately and assemble just before eating to keep everything fresh and crisp.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 65mg
