Green Goddess Turkey Salad

Highlighted under: Fit & Flavorful Recipes

When it comes to healthy lunches, I love this Green Goddess Turkey Salad. It’s packed with vibrant colors and fresh flavors that make each bite a delight. The creamy herbal dressing elevates the turkey, making this dish not just nutritious but deliciously satisfying too. I often prepare it in advance, and it holds up beautifully in the fridge, which makes it perfect for meal prep. Trust me, you’ll feel energized and happy with every forkful of this refreshing salad!

Mario

Created by

Mario

Last updated on 2026-02-04T17:37:28.098Z

I remember the first time I made this Green Goddess Turkey Salad; the vibrant colors and aromatic herbs drew me in. The combination of fresh vegetables with creamy dressing creates a flavor explosion that is perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. I’ve played around with various herbs, and I’ve found that a hint of dill really brightens up the dish!

One thing I found essential was letting the salad marinate for a little while after preparation; this really allows all those herbaceous flavors to meld together beautifully. Don’t skip this step! Each bite is a refreshing reminder that healthy eating can be incredibly tasty and enjoyable.

Why You'll Love This Salad

  • Creamy Green Goddess dressing enhances every ingredient
  • Packed with fresh vegetables that add crunch and flavor
  • Easy to make and perfect for meal prep

Elevate Your Salad with Fresh Ingredients

For this Green Goddess Turkey Salad, using high-quality, fresh ingredients is key to achieving the best flavor and texture. Opt for fresh, crisp mixed greens like organic spinach and peppery arugula to form the base of your salad. Seasonal, ripe cherry tomatoes not only add vibrant color but also a juicy burst of sweetness. When selecting cucumbers, look for firm ones with a smooth skin to ensure the crunch factor in every bite.

Avocado adds a creamy richness that complements the salad perfectly. To prevent browning, slice the avocado just before serving or toss it with a little lemon juice. The red onion should be thinly sliced as it can have quite a strong flavor; soaking it in cold water for about 10 minutes can help mellow that flavor if you prefer a milder taste.

Mastering the Green Goddess Dressing

The Green Goddess dressing is crucial in bringing the salad together, and making it from scratch allows you to control the taste and texture. To achieve the right consistency, start with Greek yogurt for a creamy base while keeping it healthy. A good tip is to mix the dressing in a bowl by hand or use a small food processor for a smoother texture; blend until it's glossy and well combined.

Feel free to customize your dressing by adjusting the herbs. Adding basil or dill can give your dressing a unique flair. If you prefer a lighter dressing, substitute half of the mayonnaise with an extra 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt. To enhance the flavor, let the dressing sit for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the ingredients to meld together.

Ingredients

Gather all the fresh ingredients to prepare this vibrant salad:

Salad Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
  • 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, romaine)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

Green Goddess Dressing

  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Combine these fresh ingredients for a healthy and satisfying meal!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your salad:

Prepare the Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, parsley, chives, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooked turkey, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and red onion.

Dress the Salad

Drizzle the Green Goddess dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is coated.

Serve

Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for a while to let the flavors meld.

Your refreshing salad is now ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips

  • For added texture, you can toss in some toasted nuts or seeds. Also, feel free to swap turkey for grilled chicken or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

Storage and Meal Prep

This salad is ideal for meal prep, as it can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When stored properly in an airtight container, the salad will stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure to keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve to prevent the greens from wilting, which helps maintain their crispness and vibrant color.

If you want to enjoy the salad later, consider batching the turkey and vegetables separately as well. The turkey can be reheated in the microwave or enjoyed cold. Just be sure to keep any sensitive ingredients, like avocado, on the side to preserve their taste and texture until the last moment.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This Green Goddess Turkey Salad is incredibly versatile and can easily be modified to suit your taste. For a protein boost, try adding chickpeas or even shredded cheese like feta. If you're looking for extra crunch, sunflower seeds or nuts can provide delightful texture and flavor. You could also serve this salad over a bed of quinoa for a more filling meal.

For a low-carb option, instead of using mixed greens, consider substituting it with shredded cabbage or cauliflower rice. These alternatives can hold up well under the dressing, providing a satisfying base for the turkey and veggies. Experiment with different herbs in the dressing, or swap the lemon juice for lime for a zesty twist.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use leftover turkey for this salad?

Absolutely! Leftover roasted or grilled turkey works perfectly in this dish.

→ How long can I store the salad in the fridge?

The salad can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.

→ Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Just store the dressing separately to keep the greens crisp until you're ready to eat.

→ What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?

You can use sour cream or a plant-based yogurt if you're looking for alternatives.

Secondary image

Green Goddess Turkey Salad

When it comes to healthy lunches, I love this Green Goddess Turkey Salad. It’s packed with vibrant colors and fresh flavors that make each bite a delight. The creamy herbal dressing elevates the turkey, making this dish not just nutritious but deliciously satisfying too. I often prepare it in advance, and it holds up beautifully in the fridge, which makes it perfect for meal prep. Trust me, you’ll feel energized and happy with every forkful of this refreshing salad!

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration0 minutes
Overall Time15 minutes

Created by: Mario

Recipe Type: Fit & Flavorful Recipes

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Salad Ingredients

  1. 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
  2. 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, romaine)
  3. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  4. 1 cucumber, diced
  5. 1 avocado, sliced
  6. 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

Green Goddess Dressing

  1. 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  2. 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  3. 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  4. 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  5. 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  6. 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
  7. 1 clove garlic, minced
  8. Salt and pepper to taste

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, parsley, chives, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine the cooked turkey, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and red onion.

Step 03

Drizzle the Green Goddess dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is coated.

Step 04

Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for a while to let the flavors meld.

Extra Tips

  1. For added texture, you can toss in some toasted nuts or seeds. Also, feel free to swap turkey for grilled chicken or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Dietary Fiber: 5g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 28g