Green Goddess Bowl

If you’re looking for a fresh and vibrant dish that feels like a hug in a bowl, then the Green Goddess Bowl is just what you need! This recipe has quickly become one of my favorites because it combines delicious flavors with wholesome ingredients. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying yet healthy, or for family gatherings where everyone can customize their own bowl.

What I love most about this Green Goddess Bowl is how versatile it is. You can easily tweak the toppings to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Plus, the homemade green goddess dressing is a game changer—it adds a burst of flavor that ties everything together beautifully!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious meal in no time.
• Customizable Toppings: Everyone can create their perfect bowl by adding their favorite ingredients!
• Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein, this dish is as nutritious as it is tasty.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make extra servings for lunch tomorrow—this bowl tastes great even after a day in the fridge!
• Impressive Presentation: The colors and textures make this bowl visually stunning, sure to impress any guest at your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to bring this Green Goddess Bowl to life! You’ll find that each component adds its unique flair while complementing the others perfectly.

For the Marinade

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari or coconut aminos)
• 2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest, minced
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

For the Dressing

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup fresh chives
• 1/4 cup fresh tarragon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

For Assembly

• 2 cups rice of your choice, cooked
• feta cheese, crumbled
• fresh dill, chopped
• 1 avocado, sliced
• green onions, sliced
• quick pickled onions

Variations

One of the best things about the Green Goddess Bowl is its flexibility. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!

• Swap the protein: Try grilled shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different twist.
• Add more veggies: Toss in roasted bell peppers or steamed broccoli for extra nutrition.
• Change the grain: Use quinoa or farro instead of rice for a hearty alternative.
• Make it vegan: Substitute chicken with chickpeas and use vegan mayo in the dressing for a plant-based version.

How to Make Green Goddess Bowl

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Put olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon zest into a bowl. Whisk everything together until combined. This marinade will infuse your chicken with flavor! Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl and pour the marinade over them. Let them soak up those delicious flavors for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Green Goddess Dressing

While your chicken marinates, let’s whip up that irresistible dressing! Add all dressing ingredients to a food processor. Blend until fully combined but be careful not to over-blend—little pieces of those vibrant herbs should still be visible. This adds texture and freshness to your dressing!

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Get your grill nice and hot—around 400 degrees F is perfect! Place your marinated chicken on direct heat and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Then move it off direct heat to finish cooking through on indirect heat. This ensures juicy chicken without burning it. When done, let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before cutting into cubes; this helps keep all those flavorful juices inside.

Step 4: Assemble Your Bowls

Now comes the fun part—assembling your bowls! Start with a base of cooked rice in each bowl. Top with grilled chicken cubes, crumbled feta cheese, dill, sliced avocado, green onions, and quick-pickled onions. Drizzle on as much Green Goddess Dressing as you like—trust me; you won’t regret it!

Enjoy every bite of this delightful Green Goddess Bowl! It’s sure to be a hit at your table!

Pro Tips for Making Green Goddess Bowl

Creating the perfect Green Goddess Bowl is all about flavor balance and presentation. Here are some tips to elevate your dish!

• Marinate Longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate for a longer period, even overnight, infuses it with more flavor and tenderness, making every bite delectable.
• Fresh Herbs are Key: Using fresh herbs in the dressing not only enhances flavor but also adds vibrant color and nutrition. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorites!
• Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Ensure you use an instant-read meat thermometer to achieve that perfect 165 degrees F. This guarantees juicy chicken that’s cooked just right.
• Customize Your Bowl: Feel free to swap out the grains or proteins based on what you have on hand. Quinoa or farro can be great alternatives to rice, and grilled shrimp or tofu can replace chicken.
• Dress It Up: Drizzling extra Green Goddess Dressing over your bowl just before serving adds a burst of flavor and makes the dish visually appealing.

How to Serve Green Goddess Bowl

Serving your Green Goddess Bowl is as much about aesthetics as it is about taste! Here are some ideas to help present this colorful dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of lemon right before eating brightens up all the flavors in your bowl.
• Microgreens: Sprinkling some microgreens on top adds a lovely crunch and a pop of freshness.
• Chili Flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a sprinkle of chili flakes can add that extra kick!

Side Dishes

• Crispy Roasted Vegetables: Roasting seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers brings out their natural sweetness and complements the bowl perfectly.
• Garlic Bread: A slice of warm garlic bread on the side provides a satisfying crunch and indulgent flavors that pair well with the freshness of the bowl.
• Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad tossed with a vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dressing and chicken.
• Hummus and Veggies: Serve a small platter of hummus with sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, or carrots for an extra dose of veggies and protein.

Enjoy creating your beautiful Green Goddess Bowl! Each ingredient works together harmoniously, making it not just a meal but an experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Meal prepping just got a whole lot easier with this Green Goddess Bowl! It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to have delicious meals ready to go. Here’s how to store and prepare your bowls in advance.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover grilled chicken separately from the other ingredients to maintain freshness.
• Place rice, toppings, and dressing in airtight containers.
• Refrigerate everything separately; it will keep well for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, place grilled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Cooked rice can also be frozen in individual portions.
• Dressings should be stored separately and can be frozen in ice cube trays for easy portioning later.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen chicken and rice overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Use a microwave or skillet to reheat the chicken until warmed through.
• For best results, reheat rice with a splash of water covered to steam it.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious Green Goddess Bowl!

What is a Green Goddess Bowl?

A Green Goddess Bowl is a nutritious meal that typically includes grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and a zesty green goddess dressing made with herbs. It’s vibrant, flavorful, and perfect for lunch or dinner!

How do I make the Green Goddess Dressing?

To make the Green Goddess Dressing, blend together mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh herbs (like parsley, chives, and tarragon), lemon juice, garlic, and some seasoning until creamy but still chunky. Adjust flavors as desired!

Can I customize my Green Goddess Bowl?

Absolutely! You can swap out proteins like tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version. Feel free to add extra veggies or grains based on your preferences!

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! The Green Goddess Bowl is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare components ahead of time and assemble when you’re ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Green Goddess Bowl as much as I do! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with flavor and freshness. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or sharing with loved ones, I’m sure it will bring joy to your dining table. Happy cooking!