If you are craving a salad that bursts with freshness, creaminess, and vibrant green hues, you are going to love this Green Goddess Salad Recipe. It’s the perfect harmony of crisp cabbage, tender spinach, and creamy avocado, all brought together by a luscious homemade herb-packed dressing. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a stunning side dish, or a way to brighten up your meal routine, this recipe delivers incredibly bold flavors and textures that will make your taste buds sing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Green Goddess Salad Recipe lies in its carefully balanced, simple ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—from the crunchy cabbage to the silky dressing—ensuring every bite is fresh and exciting.
- 4 cups finely chopped green cabbage: Adds a satisfying crunch and acts as the hearty base of the salad.
- 2 cups spinach, finely chopped: Brings tender greens and a mild flavor that complements the cabbage.
- 1 cucumber, diced: Offers a refreshing burst of moisture and a crisp texture.
- 1 avocado, diced: Provides creamy richness and healthy fats.
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced: Delivers a subtle sharpness and vibrant color.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Adds herby brightness and freshness.
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise: Forms the creamy, tangy base of the dressing.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Smooths out the dressing and adds a fruity depth.
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice: Lends zesty brightness that wakes up the flavors.
- 1 small garlic clove: Introduces a gentle pungency to round out the dressing.
- 1/2 avocado (for the dressing): Makes the dressing ultra creamy and luscious.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley: Enriches the dressing with fresh herbaceous notes.
- 1/4 cup fresh chives: Adds a mild oniony kick that’s uniquely delightful.
- 1 tbsp fresh dill: Imparts a subtle, sweet tang that lifts the dressing.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning for perfect balance.
How to Make Green Goddess Salad Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dressing
Start by blending the creamy Green Goddess dressing. Toss Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, half an avocado, parsley, chives, dill, and a pinch of salt and pepper into a blender or food processor. Blend until perfectly smooth and creamy. This dressing is the heart and soul of the salad, offering an herb-packed punch that beautifully ties all the fresh ingredients together.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad
Next, in a large bowl, combine the finely chopped green cabbage, spinach, diced cucumber, diced avocado, sliced green onions, and fresh parsley. Each ingredient brings its unique texture and flavor, giving this salad a wonderful complexity and a refreshing green color palette.
Step 3: Assemble Your Salad
Drizzle the freshly made Green Goddess dressing over the chopped veggies. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to make sure every crunchy, tender, creamy bite is generously coated in that luscious dressing. This step ensures every forkful has the perfect balance of flavors.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
Once dressed, the salad is ready to serve! This recipe is best enjoyed fresh to preserve the crisp textures and vibrant flavors. It shines as a light main course or a complementary side dish that can elevate any meal with its bright, fresh appeal.
How to Serve Green Goddess Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Green Goddess Salad Recipe even more, sprinkle extra chopped parsley or chopped chives on top just before serving. Not only does this add a fresh pop of color, but it also enhances the herbal aroma and flavor, making your salad feel extra special and inviting.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or a simple quinoa dish. Its fresh, herby notes and creamy dressing balance perfectly with protein-rich sides, offering a wholesome and satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in hollowed-out avocado halves or crisp lettuce cups. You can also layer it in mason jars for a portable, vibrant lunch option. Presentation not only makes the dish visually appealing but also invites your guests to dive in with enthusiasm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the veggies crisp and the dressing fresh. Combine them right before serving to maintain the salad’s wonderful texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended because the fresh greens, cucumber, and avocado will become mushy and lose their texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored briefly in the fridge as noted above.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. Reheating is unnecessary as it would diminish the refreshing quality and crispiness that make the Green Goddess Salad Recipe so incredibly delicious.
FAQs
Can I make the dressing without Greek yogurt?
Absolutely! If you prefer a dairy-free option or a different texture, mayonnaise or a plant-based yogurt works beautifully and still delivers that rich, creamy texture the dressing is known for.
Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, but keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to prevent the greens and veggies from becoming soggy. Assemble the salad fresh each time with the pre-chopped ingredients and homemade dressing.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas make excellent protein additions that complement the fresh flavors and keep the salad hearty and satisfying.
What herbs can I substitute if I don’t have fresh dill?
If fresh dill is unavailable, try substituting it with fresh tarragon or basil for a different but still delicious herbal note that blends well with the other ingredients.
How long does the dressing keep in the fridge?
The Green Goddess dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Always give it a good stir before using since separation may occur naturally.
Final Thoughts
This Green Goddess Salad Recipe is a delightful celebration of fresh greens, herbs, and creamy dressing, perfect for anytime you want something vibrant and nourishing. Once you try it, you’ll find it hard to resist making it again and again. Go ahead, brighten your day with this recipe and share the green goodness with those you love!
Print
Green Goddess Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Delicious Green Goddess Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and creamy vegetable salad featuring a tangy and herbaceous homemade Green Goddess dressing made with Greek yogurt, avocado, and fresh herbs. It comes together quickly in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for a healthy side dish or a light main course that’s bursting with flavor and nutrients.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups finely chopped green cabbage
- 2 cups spinach, finely chopped
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 small garlic clove
- 1/2 avocado
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup fresh chives
- 1 tbsp fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, half an avocado, fresh parsley, chives, dill, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, adjusting the seasoning as needed to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, mix together the finely chopped green cabbage, chopped spinach, diced cucumber, diced avocado, sliced green onions, and chopped fresh parsley to create a delicious and vibrant vegetable base.
- Assemble: Drizzle the freshly prepared Green Goddess dressing evenly over the salad mixture. Toss thoroughly to coat all the vegetables in the flavorful dressing for a harmonious taste in every bite.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately as a refreshing side dish or a light and healthy main course. Optionally, garnish with extra parsley or chives for added color and freshness.
Notes
- Substitute mayonnaise for Greek yogurt in the dressing for a richer, creamier texture.
- Adjust the amount of garlic according to your taste preference.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch (reduce quantity accordingly).
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to one day; toss again before serving.
- For added protein, consider including grilled chicken or chickpeas.
