Green Goddess Chicken Salad with Dates
Makes: 4 servings
Per Serving: 32g Protein | 360 Cal
Who doesn’t love chicken salad? If you’re like me, and LOVE chicken salad but want something lighter, fresher, and bursting with flavor, this Green Goddess Chicken Salad with Dates is the perfect recipe for you! It’s a protein-packed, creamy, and slightly sweet take on a classic chicken salad, loaded with crunchy snap peas, rich pistachios, salty feta, and naturally sweet dates. This refreshing salad is an easy, nutrient-dense meal that's perfect for meal prep, a quick lunch, or a dinner side dish. With the creamy richness of avocado, the crunch of pistachios, and the sweet pop of dates, every bite feels like a burst of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Green Goddess Chicken Salad
This salad checks all the boxes for those looking to enjoy a meal that's not only delicious but also packed with good-for-you ingredients. It combines fresh, whole foods that provide a variety of health benefits. Here's why you'll love this recipe:
High in Protein: With rotisserie chicken as the base of the salad, you're getting a solid dose of protein, which helps with muscle repair, keeping you fuller longer, and supporting overall health.
Creamy Texture: The combination of avocado and Green Goddess dressing gives the salad a rich, creamy texture, making each bite feel indulgent.
Sweet & Savory Balance: Dates bring a natural sweetness to the salad that pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of chicken and feta. The slight bitterness of snap peas rounds out the flavor profile perfectly.
Customizable: This salad is incredibly versatile, and you can add or swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
Quick & Easy: With shredded rotisserie chicken as the base and pre-made Green Goddess dressing, this recipe comes together in just minutes. It’s perfect for those busy days when you still want to eat something nutritious and flavorful.
Ingredients
12 oz shredded rotisserie chicken
1 whole avocado, diced
1 container Green Goddess dressing (I used the fresh one from Trader Joe’s! It ends up being 1.5 cups)
1 cup chopped snap peas
1/2 cup chopped dates
1/3 cup pistachios, roughly chopped
1/2 cup fat-free feta cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prep the Ingredients: Start by chopping your snap peas into bite-sized pieces and dicing your avocado. If you haven't already shredded your rotisserie chicken, do that now. Chop the dates into small pieces and roughly chop the pistachios. This will make it easier to combine everything later and ensure each bite is packed with flavor.
Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, chopped snap peas, diced avocado, dates, pistachios, and feta cheese. Give everything a quick toss to mix the ingredients together evenly.
Dress the Salad: Pour the Green Goddess dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything together until it's well coated with the dressing.
Season and Serve: Taste the salad and season with salt and pepper to your preference. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The flavors will continue to meld and develop, making this salad even more delicious the next day!
Make It Your Own!
Want it thicker? Add more frozen spinach or a few ice cubes.
Need a lower-carb option? Swap the banana for frozen cauliflower and use monk fruit sweetener instead of syrup.
Love extra creaminess? Add a little more avocado or a spoonful of Greek yogurt.
Nutrition Info (makes 4 serving)
Calories: 360
Protein: 32g
Carbs: 20g
Fat: 17g
Substitutions and Additions
One of the best things about this Green Goddess Chicken Salad with Dates is how easily it can be adapted. If you’re missing an ingredient or simply want to try something different, here are some substitutions and additions to consider:
Chicken Alternatives: If you don’t have rotisserie chicken on hand, cooked chicken breast or thighs would work just as well. You can also use shredded turkey for a lighter version.
Dressing: While Green Goddess dressing adds a nice herbal and creamy component, feel free to swap it out for a different dressing of your choice. Ranch, tahini dressing, or a yogurt-based dressing would work just as well if you prefer something different.
Nuts: If pistachios aren’t your thing, you can use any other nut like almonds, walnuts, or cashews for crunch. Walnuts, in particular, would add a nice depth of flavor with their earthiness.
Dried Fruit: Dates bring a natural sweetness to the salad, but if you’re not a fan of dates, dried apricots or cranberries would be great alternatives.
Cheese: While this recipe uses fat-free feta cheese, you can opt for goat cheese!
Greens: Add some greens like spinach, arugula, or mixed greens for more volume and a dose of extra nutrients.
FAQs
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es! This salad is great for meal prep. You can prep all the ingredients ahead of time and store them in separate containers. However, I recommend adding the dressing and avocado just before serving to prevent the avocado from browning and the dressing from wilting the vegetables.
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Yes! This Green Goddess Chicken Salad with Dates is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent option for those with gluten sensitivities or who are following a gluten-free diet.
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Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, because of the avocado and the dressing, it’s best to eat it within a day or two for the freshest taste and texture.
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AYes, you can definitely add more vegetables! Cucumbers, bell peppers, or shredded carrots would all be great additions. If you like a little more crunch, try adding some sliced radishes.
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This Green Goddess Chicken Salad with Dates is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables or a slice or two of whole-grain bread!
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To make this salad vegan, simply substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu, and use a dairy-free cheese option or leave out the cheese altogether. The dressing is already vegan!
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Because of the avocado and the dressing, freezing this salad is not recommended. The texture of the avocado and
This Green Goddess Chicken Salad with Dates is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. It’s the perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, and it's incredibly satisfying without leaving you feeling sluggish. Whether you’re making it for a busy week ahead or for a dinner party, it’s sure to be a hit.
The unique combination of ingredients—creamy avocado, crunchy snap peas, sweet dates, and tangy feta—gives every bite an exciting flavor profile. And the convenience of using rotisserie chicken and pre-made Green Goddess dressing means you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal in minutes. What’s not to love about that?
Next time you're craving a salad that's both filling and refreshing, whip up this Green Goddess Chicken Salad with Dates, and I guarantee you'll be hooked!

Green Goddess Chicken Salad with Dates
This refreshing salad is an easy, nutrient-dense meal that's perfect for meal prep, a quick lunch, or a dinner side dish. With the creamy richness of avocado, the crunch of pistachios, and the sweet pop of dates, every bite feels like a burst of flavor.
Ingredients
- 12 oz shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 whole avocado, diced
- 1 container Green Goddess dressing (I used the fresh one from Trader Joe’s! It ends up being 1.5 cups)
- 1 cup chopped snap peas
- 1/2 cup chopped dates
- 1/3 cup pistachios, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup fat-free feta cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Start by chopping your snap peas into bite-sized pieces and dicing your avocado. If you haven't already shredded your rotisserie chicken, do that now. Chop the dates into small pieces and roughly chop the pistachios. This will make it easier to combine everything later and ensure each bite is packed with flavor.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, chopped snap peas, diced avocado, dates, pistachios, and feta cheese. Give everything a quick toss to mix the ingredients together evenly.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the Green Goddess dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything together until it's well coated with the dressing.
- Season and Serve: Taste the salad and season with salt and pepper to your preference. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The flavors will continue to meld and develop, making this salad even more delicious the next day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories
360Fat
17 gCarbs
20 gFiber
22 gProtein
32 gNutritional info is for the salad only, not with bread. It represents one serving.