Green Goddess Salad Recipe

The Fresh & Tangy Green Goddess Salad Recipe You’ll Adore

Crisp vegetables dance with a zesty green goddess salad that promises pure culinary delight.

Herbs and greens mingle to create a refreshing symphony of flavors.

Bright, verdant ingredients leap from the plate, beckoning you to take a bite.

Creamy dressing coats each morsel with tangy goodness.

Nutrition meets incredible taste in this simple yet stunning dish.

Mediterranean influences shine through the vibrant mix of fresh ingredients.

Green Goddess Salad Full of Flavor and Color

  • Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with vibrant green vegetables and herbs, this salad delivers a massive nutrient boost that supports overall health and wellness.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients based on personal preferences or what's available in your kitchen, making this recipe incredibly flexible for different tastes and dietary needs.
  • Quick Culinary Magic: Requires minimal cooking skills and can be prepared in just a few minutes, perfect for busy individuals seeking a fast and fresh meal solution.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Works wonderfully as a side dish, light lunch, or can be transformed into a complete meal by adding protein like grilled chicken or tofu.

Ingredients Needed to Toss Green Goddess Salad

Main Ingredients:
  • Cabbage, Spinach: Fresh, crisp greens that create a nutritious foundation for the salad.
  • Cucumber, Avocado: Provide a cool, creamy texture and rich flavor to the dish.
  • Green Onions, Parsley: Add a fresh, bright herbal note to the salad.
Dressing Components:
  • Greek Yogurt, Olive Oil: Create a smooth, rich base for the Green Goddess dressing.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds a tangy brightness and helps balance the creamy elements.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic, Chives, Dill: Bring depth and aromatic complexity to the dressing.
  • Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the salad and dressing.

Instructions to Make Green Goddess Salad Perfectly

Step 1: Whirl the Magical Dressing

In a blender, combine the following ingredients:
  • Greek yogurt
  • Olive oil
  • Lemon juice
  • Garlic
  • Avocado
  • Parsley
  • Chives
  • Dill
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Blast everything together until the mixture transforms into a silky, creamy sauce. Taste and tweak the seasoning to make it sing with flavor.

Step 2: Chop and Toss Fresh Greens

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and add these colorful ingredients:
  • Crisp cabbage
  • Tender spinach
  • Cool cucumber
  • Creamy avocado
  • Zesty green onions
  • Fresh parsley

Slice and dice everything into bite-sized pieces that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Create Delicious Harmony

Pour the luscious Green Goddess dressing over the chopped vegetables.

Use salad tongs or two large spoons to gently mix and coat every single morsel with the dreamy green sauce.

Step 4: Present Your Culinary Masterpiece

Transfer the salad to a stunning serving plate.

If you want to amp up the visual appeal, sprinkle some extra herbs on top. Enjoy immediately as a refreshing side dish or a light, nutritious meal that celebrates green goodness.

Tips to Elevate Green Goddess Salad Taste

  • Swap Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut or almond yogurt for a vegan version of the salad.
  • Chop vegetables right before serving to maintain maximum crunchiness and freshness.
  • Store extra dressing separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Add protein like grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas to transform this salad into a complete meal.
  • Use a sharp knife when cutting herbs and vegetables to prevent bruising and preserve their vibrant green color.

Variations to Refresh Green Goddess Salad

  • Protein Power Salad: Replace Greek yogurt with silken tofu and add grilled chicken or tofu cubes for extra protein.
  • Vegan Herb Haven: Swap Greek yogurt with cashew cream, use plant-based mayo, and add nutritional yeast for a creamy, dairy-free version.
  • Mediterranean Mix: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and replace some herbs with fresh mint for a Greek-inspired variation.
  • Low-Carb Green Bowl: Substitute cabbage with cauliflower rice, add roasted seeds, and use a lighter dressing for a keto-friendly option.

Pairings That Complement Green Goddess Salad

  • Select a crisp, light Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the herbal green goddess dressing and enhances the fresh vegetable flavors.
  • Add grilled chicken breast or seared salmon to transform this salad into a complete, satisfying meal with balanced nutrition and additional texture.
  • Serve alongside toasted sourdough bread or herbed croutons to provide a delightful crispy contrast to the smooth, creamy salad dressing and soft vegetable components.
  • Sprinkle extra fresh chives, dill, or microgreens on top to intensify the green, herbaceous profile and add visual appeal to the dish.

Storing Green Goddess Salad to Keep Fresh

  • Refrigerate: Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers. Keep the dressing in a sealed jar and vegetables in a crisp container. Consume within 2-3 days for best quality and freshness.
  • Freezing: Not recommended due to high water content in vegetables, which will cause sogginess and texture breakdown when thawed.
  • Dressing Storage: Preserve Green Goddess dressing in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir well before using as separation might occur.
  • Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold. Gently mix stored ingredients before serving to redistribute dressing and revive crisp textures.

FAQs

  • Is Green Goddess Salad healthy?

This salad is incredibly nutritious, packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats from ingredients like avocado, spinach, and Greek yogurt. It provides excellent nutrients and supports overall wellness.

  • Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Green Goddess dressing up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and give it a quick stir before using.

  • What makes this dressing creamy without dairy?

The combination of Greek yogurt and avocado creates a rich, smooth texture without heavy cream. These ingredients provide natural creaminess and healthy fats.

Print
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Green Goddess Salad Recipe

Green Goddess Salad Recipe


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4.7 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Green goddess salad delivers fresh herbs and crisp vegetables in a creamy, tangy dressing that elevates simple ingredients. Crunchy textures and bold flavors will make you crave this California-inspired dish again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 head green leaf lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cucumber, sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley, chives, dill)
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1/2 avocado, diced
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley
  • 2 anchovy fillets (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (59 ml)
  • 2 tbsps lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Craft a vibrant green goddess dressing by blending Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, avocado, parsley, chives, dill, salt, and pepper in a blender until silky smooth. Taste and fine-tune seasoning as needed.
  2. Chop cabbage, spinach, cucumber, and green onions into uniform pieces for consistent texture and visual appeal.
  3. Slice fresh avocado into delicate cubes, ensuring they’re not too large to disrupt the salad’s balance.
  4. Transfer chopped vegetables into a spacious mixing bowl, creating a verdant base of crisp greens and crunchy textures.
  5. Pour the prepared green goddess dressing over the vegetables, using gentle tossing motions to ensure every ingredient is luxuriously coated.
  6. Allow salad to rest for 2-3 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and dressing to slightly soften the vegetables.
  7. Plate the salad immediately, garnishing with additional fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a burst of color and extra aromatic freshness.
  8. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light lunch, perfect for warm summer days.

Notes

  • Swap Greek yogurt with plant-based alternatives like coconut or almond yogurt for a vegan version that maintains creamy texture.
  • Massage chopped cabbage briefly with salt to soften its texture and reduce raw bitterness, making the salad more tender and digestible.
  • Toast sunflower or pumpkin seeds quickly in a dry pan for added crunch and nutty flavor that complements the green goddess dressing.
  • Prep vegetables just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and prevent wilting, ensuring crisp and vibrant salad presentation.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 2.0 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 17.0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13.0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9.5 g
  • Fiber: 3.4 g
  • Protein: 7.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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