Chicken salad is classic and always a hit for lunch, but what if we give it a twist? This Green Goddess Chicken Salad combines the convenience of pre-cooked chicken with the zesty kick of Trader Joe’s Zhoug Sauce and creamy mayo to bring it all together. 

I hope you’re enjoying this new Trader Joe’s Recipe Series – I’d love to hear what you think in the comments! While you can follow-along in real time over on Instagram, I’m also compiling them all over on the Trader Joe’s Recipe Page. If you’re a TJ’s shopper, I hope this becomes a resource for quick and easy semi-homemade recipes.

But today we’re talking chicken salad. Not just any chicken salad, but a Green Goddess Chicken Salad that is full of bright, fresh herb flavor. It gets crunch from salty almonds and can be spicy or not. Serve this chicken salad in any of your favorite ways – as lettuce wraps on crisp lettuce leaves, on whole wheat bagels (my favorite way to serve Curried Turkey Salad), or on homemade focaccia (try it this way and you’ll never go back).

Here’s what you need to make this delicious chicken salad with a twist!

Ingredients to grab at Trader Joe’s:

• Hardwood Smoked Pulled Chicken – This has become a go-to for easy meals at my house. It has a very subtle smoky flavor and pulls apart easily into bite-sized pieces. It’s also great in Buffalo Chicken Dip Bites.
• Zhoug Sauce – Oh how I love this zesty, spicy sauce. The main ingredient is cilantro and it does pack a punch, so if either of those things aren’t your favorite, try one of the other options below. 
• Mayo – Gotta have mayo to give chicken salad that creamy texture. 
• Almonds – For the most texture, use whole roasted almonds and roughly chop them. Sliced or slivered almonds will also work. See below for some other options. 
• Limes – Add citrus to the finished salad to brighten and bring out all of the fresh herb flavors. 

Variations

There are so many ways to customize this recipe and make it your own. 

• Instead of Zhoug Sauce try it with Vegan, Kale, Cashew and Basil Pesto or classic pesto or Chimichurri Sauce. 
• Instead of plain roasted almonds, try any of the Trader Joe’s flavored almonds like Garlic and Black Pepper or Smoked. Or any other chopped roasted nut.

How to Make It

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by heating the Trader Joe’s Hardwood Smoked Pulled Chicken according to the package instructions. Once heated through, shred it with two forks and let it cool slightly. 
2. Add sauce: Add the Zhoug sauce and mayo. Stir until combined. 
3. Serve immediately or refrigerate, well-covered, for up to 3 days.
4. Just before serving, squeeze some lemon or lime wedges over the chicken salad and add some chopped almonds for crunch. 

What is Green Goddess Dressing?

Green Goddess dressing is a creamy, herby dressing that typically includes mayonnaise, sour cream, and fresh herbs. It often also includes anchovies, lemon juice, and garlic. In this recipe, the combination of Zhoug sauce and mayo work as a shortcut to get the creamy, herb flavor of a classic Green Goddess Dressing.

How to Store Chicken Salad

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Serve within 3 days. 

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Salad:

• Lettuce wraps – Crisp, cold romaine lettuce leaves complement the creamy salad. 
• Bread – Serve as sandwiches, open-faced, or with slices of crusty bread on the side.  
• Over grains – Serve as a grain bowl with some greens or fresh vegetables and extra Zhoug Sauce.

More Easy Salad Recipes

Bacon, Corn and Avocado Salad

Nectarine, Arugula and Crispy Pancetta Summer Salad

Spring Cobb Salad with Creamy Herb Yogurt Dressing

Thai Chopped Chicken Salad with Peanut Vinaigrette