Chicken Caesar Salad with Green Goddess Dressing

This Green Goddess Caesar Salad with rotisserie chicken is bright, creamy, and herb-forward. By using fat-free Greek yogurt in the dressing, the salad stays lighter while remaining high in protein, satisfying, and ideal for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.

Serve it alongside a simple pizza or crusty bread for an easy, balanced meal.

Green Goddess Caesar Salad with Chicken

Green Goddess Caesar Salad

This recipe starts with a creamy yogurt-based Caesar dressing and adds a trio of fresh herbs—parsley, dill, and basil—to create a vibrant Green Goddess twist. The dressing is tangy and rich without relying on mayonnaise or raw egg, and quick pulled rotisserie chicken makes assembly effortless. Crisp romaine, cucumber coins, and thinly sliced radish provide texture, while ribbons of Parmigiano Reggiano add salty richness. I skip heavy croutons to keep the salad lighter and let the dressing and herbs shine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Gina @ Skinnytaste.com

This salad blends the savory, umami notes of a classic Caesar with the bright, herbaceous character of Green Goddess dressing. The result is a lighter, fresher salad that still feels indulgent.

  • Two classics in one: Green Goddess herbs combined with Caesar flavors for a fresh twist.
  • High-protein and satisfying: Rotisserie chicken boosts protein, making this great for lunch or dinner.
  • Lighter dressing: Greek yogurt replaces most of the oil or mayonnaise for a creamy texture with less fat.
Gina signature

Ingredients You’ll Need

Below are the ingredients for the Green Goddess Caesar dressing and the salad. Exact measurements are included in the recipe card.

Green Goddess Caesar Salad with Chicken

Green Goddess Caesar Dressing

  • Parmigiano Reggiano: Use good-quality cheese for the best flavor—reserve some sliced ribbons for topping.
  • Lemon juice: Adds brightness and balance.
  • Garlic & Dijon mustard: Provide savory depth and tang.
  • Anchovies: Traditional in Caesar dressing; they add umami once blended.
  • Extra virgin olive oil: A small amount rounds the dressing; Greek yogurt provides most of the creaminess.
  • Fat-free Greek yogurt: Keeps the dressing creamy and boosts protein.
  • Fresh herbs: Parsley, basil, and dill give the dressing its “green goddess” character.

Chicken Caesar Salad

  • Romaine lettuce: Crisp and sturdy to hold the dressing.
  • Rotisserie chicken: Pulled into bite-sized pieces for convenience and protein.
  • Vegetables: Sliced cucumber and thin watermelon radish add crunch.
  • Parmigiano Reggiano: Shaved or ribboned for garnish.
  • Freshly ground black pepper: For finishing.

How to Make Green Goddess Caesar Salad

Dress the salad lightly so the romaine stays crisp—start with a drizzle and add more to taste. The dressing is quick to make in a food processor or small blender. See the recipe card below for printable directions and measurements.

Green Goddess Dressing in food processor
Green Goddess Dressing in food processor
Green Goddess Dressing in food processor
  1. Make the dressing: In a food processor combine grated Parmigiano, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, and anchovies. Blend until smooth. Add olive oil, Greek yogurt, parsley, basil, and dill; blend again until creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  2. Assemble the salad: Place chopped romaine in a large bowl. Top with pulled rotisserie chicken, cucumber coins, and thin radish slices. Drizzle with dressing, then finish with Parm ribbons, extra herbs, and freshly cracked black pepper.
Green Goddess Caesar
Green Goddess Caesar Salad with Chicken

Variations & Tips

  • Cheese options: Pecorino Romano or regular Parmesan work as substitutions. For best flavor, grate from a wedge instead of using pre-grated powder.
  • Anchovy alternatives: If you’re unsure about anchovies, try anchovy paste (about 1 teaspoon) or replace with a small amount of miso for vegetarian umami.
  • Herb tip: Use fresh herbs—dried won’t deliver the same bright flavor. Chives or tarragon can substitute in a pinch.
  • Protein swaps: Try salmon or shrimp instead of chicken for a different high-protein option.
  • Dairy-free/vegan: Use a vegan Caesar base and omit cheese and chicken; add the fresh herbs for the green goddess twist.
  • Greens: Little gem lettuce is a great alternative to romaine.
  • Radish substitute: If you can’t find watermelon radish, use regular radish, avocado, cherry tomatoes, or snap peas.
  • Add crunch: Toasted homemade or store-bought croutons provide texture if you prefer.
Green Goddess Caesar Salad with Chicken

Serving Suggestions

This Green Goddess Caesar chicken salad is excellent for lunch or dinner because it’s protein-packed. To make it a fuller meal, serve with warm bread, a simple bowl of soup, or wrap the salad in a tortilla for a hearty sandwich-style option.

  • Serve with crusty sourdough or whole-grain bread.
  • Pair with a light tomato or cucumber soup for a balanced dinner.
  • Turn leftovers into wraps or grain bowls for an easy next-day lunch.

Storage

The dressing and cooked chicken will keep for up to four days in the refrigerator. For meal prep, pack components separately:

  • Keep dressing in a sealed container.
  • Store chopped lettuce and vegetables in another container.
  • Keep chicken and shaved cheese in a third container and assemble just before serving to maintain crispness.
Green Goddess Caesar Salad with Chicken

More High-Protein Salad Recipes You’ll Love

For more protein-forward lunch and dinner ideas, try other hearty salads such as Mason Jar Cobb Salad, Tuna Sub-in-a-Tub, Thai-inspired Chicken Salad, Salmon Avocado Salad, or Chicken Milanese with Mediterranean salad. These recipes are great for meal prep and balanced eating.

Green Goddess Caesar Salad with Chicken — Recipe Card

Yield: 2 servings • Prep: 20 mins • Total: 20 mins

Nutrition per serving: Calories: 432 • Protein: 55 g • Carbs: 12 g • Fat: 17.5 g • Fiber: 3 g

Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano, plus 2 tablespoons thinly sliced for garnish
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 small garlic clove
  • ½ tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 anchovy fillets (or 1 tsp anchovy paste)
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 5 tbsp fat-free Greek yogurt
  • ⅓ cup parsley, plus extra leaves for finishing
  • ⅓ cup basil, plus extra leaves for finishing
  • ¼ cup dill, plus extra leaves for finishing
  • 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken breast, pulled into bite-size pieces
  • ½ cup cucumber, sliced into coins
  • ¼ cup watermelon radish, thinly sliced (or substitute)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a food processor, combine the grated Parmigiano, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, and anchovies. Pulse until combined, about 15–20 seconds.
  2. Add the olive oil, Greek yogurt, parsley, dill, and basil. Blend until smooth and creamy, 15–30 seconds. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Reserve the dressing.
  3. Place chopped romaine in a large bowl. Top with pulled rotisserie chicken, cucumber coins, and radish slices. Drizzle with the Green Goddess Caesar dressing.
  4. Finish with Parmigiano ribbons, extra herbs, and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve immediately.

Notes

Watermelon radishes are seasonal but can be replaced with regular radish or other crunchy vegetables. Use a vegetable peeler to create Parm ribbons for a pretty finish.