Panera’s Green Goddess Salad (Copycat Recipe!)

Hey there, friend! Avery Collins here, from my little kitchen in Portland. Today, we’re whipping up something truly special: a copycat version of Panera’s Green Goddess Salad. You know the one – that vibrant, refreshing salad that just makes you feel good from the inside out? Well, we’re bringing that magic home, and trust me, it’s easier than you think.

My journey into healthier eating started with a wake-up call, and salads like these were my saving grace. They’re not just about counting calories; they’re about nourishing your body with real, whole foods. This Green Goddess Salad is packed with goodness, and it’s a joy to make. So, grab your apron, and let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Green Goddess Salad

This isn’t just another salad recipe; it’s a celebration of fresh flavors and vibrant ingredients. Here’s why I think you’ll absolutely adore this copycat Green Goddess Salad:

• Taste Explosion: The combination of creamy avocado, tangy pickled onions, savory bacon, and the bright green goddess dressing is simply divine.
• Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and plenty of vitamins and minerals, this salad is a nutritional powerhouse.
• Quick & Easy: From start to finish, this salad comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or a quick lunch.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. More on that later!
• That Dressing!: The star of the show is the homemade green goddess dressing. It’s creamy, herbaceous, and bursting with flavor. You’ll want to put it on everything!

I think you’ll find, if you’re looking for a flavorful salad, that this one is it!

Ingredients for the Perfect Green Goddess Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to create your own Panera-inspired Green Goddess masterpiece:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise: I like using a heart healthy brand, like Chosen Foods Avocado Mayo.
• 1/2 cup Greek Yogurt: Plain, I used whole fat.
• 3/4 cup basil leaves: Packed, rinsed and patted dry.
• 1 tablespoon shallot: Minced.
• 1 tablespoon pesto: Homemade or storebought.
• 2 tablespoons white grape juice vinegar
• 1/2 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Pinch of kosher sat and black pepper
• 2 medium chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless (may use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken).
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 4 large hard-boiled eggs: Sliced into 4 wedges each.
• 8 slices turkey bacon: Cooked, drained and chopped into pieces.
• 6 cups lettuce: I used a blend of Romaine and Spring Mix, rough chopped, use your favorite.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes: Diced, or use grape tomatoes.
• 1 avocado: Sliced or diced.
• 1/2 cup pickled red onions: Or just sliced red onions*.
• 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles: This is optional, use your favorite cheese.

How to Make Panera’s Green Goddess Salad at Home

Alright, let’s break down how to make this incredible salad. Don’t worry; it’s super straightforward!

1. Prepare the Chicken: If you’re cooking your own chicken, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. Let cool, then slice or dice. Alternatively, use rotisserie or leftover chicken to save time.
2. Make the Dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, basil leaves, shallot, pesto, white grape juice vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. The dressing is the key to making this a true green goddess salad.
3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, cooked chicken, hard-boiled eggs, turkey bacon, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and pickled red onions.
4. Dress and Serve: Drizzle the green goddess dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles (if using). Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Green Goddess Salad

Here are a few insider tips to elevate your Green Goddess Salad game:

• Fresh Herbs are Key: The fresher your basil, the more vibrant your dressing will be. Look for bright green, fragrant leaves.
• Taste as You Go: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings in the dressing to your liking. Add more honey for sweetness, Dijon for tang, or salt and pepper to taste.
• Chill the Chicken: If you’re cooking your own chicken, let it cool completely before adding it to the salad. This will prevent the lettuce from wilting.
• Don’t Overdress: Start with a little dressing and add more as needed. You don’t want your salad to be soggy.
• Prep Ahead: You can save time by prepping the ingredients in advance. Cook the chicken, bacon, and eggs ahead of time, and store them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the salad. You can even make the green goddess dressing a day or two in advance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the simplest recipes can have pitfalls. Here’s what to watch out for when making your Green Goddess Salad:

• Overblending the Dressing: Be careful not to overblend the dressing, as this can make it too thin. Blend just until smooth and creamy.
• Using Old Herbs: Old, wilted herbs will result in a dull, flavorless dressing. Make sure your basil is fresh and vibrant.
• Adding Warm Chicken to the Salad: This will cause the lettuce to wilt and the salad to become soggy. Let the chicken cool completely before adding it.
• Overdressing the Salad: As mentioned earlier, start with a little dressing and add more as needed. It’s always better to add more than to have too much.
• Skipping the Taste Test: Always taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings to your liking. This is your chance to make it perfect!

Green Goddess Salad Variations

One of the best things about this salad is how easily it can be customized. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for grilled tofu or tempeh. Add some chickpeas or white beans for extra protein.
• Vegan: Use vegan mayonnaise and yogurt alternatives. Substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Add More Veggies: Cucumber, bell peppers, shredded carrots, or radishes would all be delicious additions.
• Change the Cheese: Feta, goat cheese, or Parmesan would all work well in place of blue cheese.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little heat.

If you are trying to make a cobb salad, you could add even more ingredients to the salad with the chicken. I can see how easy it is to make this at home!

How to Store Leftover Salad

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Store the dressing separately to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. Keep the chicken and the eggs separate as well, if you know it will be a while. If you are storing it to eat the next day, you can store the dressing on the salad. The salad is best when fresh, though.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• Can I make the dressing ahead of time? Absolutely! The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
• Can I use a different type of lettuce? Of course! Romaine, spring mix, butter lettuce, or even spinach would all work well.
• Can I use rotisserie chicken? Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe.
• Can I freeze the dressing? I don’t recommend freezing the dressing, as the mayonnaise and yogurt may separate upon thawing.
• Is this salad gluten-free? Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

This Green Goddess Salad is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out your meal:

• Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the dressing.
• Pair with a cup of soup for a cozy lunch.
• Add a side of fruit salad for a refreshing dessert.

And there you have it! A delicious, healthy, and easy copycat Panera Green Goddess Salad that you can make right in your own kitchen. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Remember, cooking should be fun and forgiving. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. Happy cooking, friends!

If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy my classic potato salad recipe with egg, creamy potato salad with eggs and pickles, or my potato salad with soft-boiled eggs and maple mustard dressing!

Print Pin

Green Goddess Salad (Panera Copycat)

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 45 minutes minutes

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450

A refreshing and healthy salad inspired by Panera's Green Goddess Salad. Packed with protein and fresh flavors, it's a perfect lunch or light dinner.

Ingredients

Green Goddess Dressing

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (I like using a heart healthy brand, like Chosen Foods Avocado Mayo)
• 1/2 cup Greek Yogurt (plain, I used whole fat)
• 3/4 cup basil leaves (packed, rinsed and patted dry)
• 1 tablespoon shallot (minced)
• 1 tablespoon pesto (homemade or storebought)
• 2 tablespoons white grape juice vinegar
• 1/2 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 Pinch kosher sat and black pepper

Chicken

• 2 medium chicken breasts (boneless, skinless (may use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken))
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salad

• 4 large hard-boiled eggs (sliced into 4 wedges each)
• 8 slices turkey bacon (cooked, drained and chopped into pieces)
• 6 cups lettuce (I used a blend of Romaine and Spring Mix, rough chopped, use your favorite)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (diced, or use grape tomatoes)
• 1 avocado (sliced or diced)
• 1/2 cup pickled red onions (or just sliced red onions*)
• 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles (this is optional, use your favorite cheese)

Notes

Adjust the dressing ingredients to your taste. For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and bacon.

Calories: 450kcal

Cost: $20

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chicken, Salad

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 25g | Sodium: 700mg