Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I tossed together the kale, crunchy napa cabbage, and those bright sweet peppers, I felt like I was creating a canvas of vibrant colors and flavors. This Green Goddess Salad is just that—a stunning mix of fresh vegetables paired with a creamy avocado dressing that will make your taste buds dance. Not only is it a healthy choice, but it’s also vegan-friendly and ridiculously customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your personal preference! Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a show-stopping side at your next gathering, or a quick meal prep option, this salad is sure to impress. What exciting additions will you bring to your own Green Goddess masterpiece? Why is Green Goddess Salad a Must-Try? Vibrant Colors: This salad is a feast for the eyes, featuring a rainbow of fresh vegetables that not only look amazing but also pack a nutritional punch. Creamy Avocado Dressing: The homemade dressing is a game changer, creamy yet healthy, enhancing every bite with a luxurious texture. Versatile Base: You can easily customize it! Swap in arugula for a peppery kick, or add quinoa to make it a hearty main dish. Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy days, it takes minimal prep while still bringing impressive flavor to the table. Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving it at a picnic or a casual dinner, this salad is bound to impress guests and keep them coming back for more! Pair it with other fresh options like a Tomato Salad Refreshing or Watermelon Cucumber Salad to complete your meal. Green Goddess Salad Ingredients For the Salad Kale – A nutritious base that is rich in vitamins A, C, and K; substitute with arugula for a milder flavor. Napa Cabbage – Adds a mild sweetness and crunchy texture; regular cabbage or mixed greens also work well. Red Cabbage – Provides beautiful color and a peppery taste; you may use more green cabbage if preferred. Red Onion – Adds a sharp, zesty flavor; consider green onions for a milder touch or omit entirely. Cucumbers – Contributes a refreshing crunch and hydration; celery can serve as a great alternative. Sweet Peppers – Offers a burst of sweetness; mix colors for visual appeal or swap for radishes for extra spice. Avocado – Brings creamy texture and healthy fats; mango can be an exciting substitute for a tropical twist. For the Dressing Baby Spinach – Fresh base for the dressing; kale can boost the nutrient content as an alternative. Basil Leaves – Infuses the dressing with a sweet, herbal aroma; cilantro can be a refreshing substitute. Shallot – Adds depth and sweetness; replace with onion if necessary. Garlic – Essential for flavor; use garlic powder in a pinch if fresh isn’t on hand. Cashews – Creates a creamy consistency; sunflower seeds can provide a nut-free alternative. Parmesan – Provides a savory note; opt for nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly option. Black Pepper and Salt – Season to elevate flavors; adjust according to your taste preference. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – The key component of the dressing; avocado oil can bring a unique flavor twist. Rice Wine Vinegar – Adds needed acidity; apple cider vinegar works beautifully as a substitute. Lemon Juice – Brightens the dressing and flavors; lime juice is a delightful alternative. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Green Goddess Salad Step 1: Make the Dressing In a blender, combine baby spinach, fresh basil leaves, diced shallot, garlic cloves, cashews, grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, olive oil, rice wine vinegar, and lemon juice. Blend on high for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is silky smooth and creamy. You’ll know it’s ready when it has a vibrant green color and a luscious consistency. Set it aside to let the flavors meld. Step 2: Prepare the Salad Chop the kale into bite-sized pieces, discarding any tough stems, and finely slice the napa cabbage and red cabbage. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the chopped greens with diced red onion, and peel and chop the cucumbers, sweet peppers into thin strips. Mix well so that the colors and textures blend beautifully, making the salad visually enticing. Step 3: Assemble the Salad Drizzle the creamy green goddess dressing over the prepared salad mixture. Toss gently using tongs or salad servers to ensure that every piece of vegetable is generously coated with the dressing. This is a crucial step in creating the perfect Green Goddess Salad, as the dressing enhances each ingredient’s flavor. Step 4: Finish and Serve Top your salad with sliced avocado, additional cucumber, and sweet peppers for a pop of color and extra creaminess. For an inviting presentation, serve the salad in a large bowl while keeping extra dressing on the side for those who love a bit more. This Green Goddess Salad is ready to impress at your gathering or to enjoy as a nutritious meal. Expert Tips for Green Goddess Salad Dress Ahead: Prepare the green goddess dressing a few hours before serving for richer flavors. This small step makes a world of difference in taste! Freshness is Key: Chop your salad ingredients just before serving. This keeps the vegetables crisp, vibrant, and packed with nutrients. Add Protein: Boost the heartiness of your Green Goddess Salad by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. It’s a perfect way to make it a complete meal! Mix It Up: Don’t hesitate to swap in your favorite seasonal vegetables or grains. The beauty of this salad is its customizable nature! Taste Before Serving: Always taste and adjust the seasoning just before serving. A pinch of salt or extra lemon juice can elevate the flavor profile to perfection! Make Ahead Options This Green Goddess Salad is a perfect choice for those who want to save time and enjoy fresh meals throughout the week! You can prepare the dressing up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to let the flavors deepen. Additionally, chop the kale, napa cabbage, and red cabbage ahead of time—simply keep them in a sealed container for up to 24 hours to retain their crunch. When you’re ready to serve, just toss the salad with the dressing, add in diced red onion, cucumber, sweet peppers, and avocado, and you’ll have a delightful, fresh meal with minimal effort. This way, you can enjoy delicious, homemade Green Goddess Salad even on your busiest days! Green Goddess Salad Customization Ideas Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize this delightful dish with these tempting swaps and twists! Dairy-Free: Swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a cheesy, vegan twist that still packs a punch. Herb Variations: Substitute basil with fresh cilantro or parsley for a completely new flavor profile. The brightness will elevate your dressing to new heights! Crunchy Add-ins: Toss in sunflower seeds or chopped nuts for an extra crunch and delightful texture boost! Those little bites will make each forkful even more exciting. Grain Boost: Incorporate cooked quinoa or farro for added heartiness and fiber, making it a fulfilling main course option. You’ll find that grains blend beautifully with the veggies. Heat Factor: Want a bit of spice? Add diced jalapeños or sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a subtle kick that dances on your palate. Sweet Twist: Throw in some diced apples or pears for a sweet contrast to the savory dressing, creating a wonderfully balanced flavor experience. Seasonal Options: Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables, such as roasted beets or grilled zucchini, to keep things fresh and exciting. Options like a vibrant Roasted Carrot Salad add beautiful color as well! The possibilities are endless! Pair your gorgeous Green Goddess Salad with an equally refreshing Watermelon Cucumber Salad for a delightful summer spread! What to Serve with Vibrant Green Goddess Salad? Elevate your dining experience by pairing this refreshing salad with complementary dishes that bring out its vibrant flavors and textures. Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty, fluffy side dish that adds protein and complements the crunchy textures of the salad. Grilled Chicken: The smoky flavor of grilled chicken pairs beautifully with the salad’s freshness, making it a satisfying meal. Herbed Couscous: Fluffy couscous with fresh herbs mirrors the bright notes of green goddess dressing and adds a touch of heartiness. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their sweetness contrasts pleasantly with the greens and creamy avocado, creating a delicious flavor balance. Chickpea Fritters: These add a crunchy, protein-packed element, enhancing the satisfying crunch and richness of the salad. Lemon Garlic Hummus: A creamy dip that can kick off your meal while echoing the flavors of the green goddess dressing seamlessly. Sparkling Water: A refreshing beverage that cleanses the palate and enhances the overall dining experience without overshadowing the salad. Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, sweet fruit adds a delightful twist to the meal, perfect for a light dessert option after the salad. Chocolate Covered Almonds: A sweet final touch that pairs well with the salad’s herbaceous notes, leaving you with a delightful taste. How to Store and Freeze Green Goddess Salad Fridge: Store the prepared Green Goddess Salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve for the best flavor. Dressing Storage: The homemade dressing can be refrigerated in a separate airtight container for up to a week. Shake well or re-blend before using to restore its creamy texture. Chopped Ingredients: If you wish to prep ingredients ahead of time, chop the vegetables and keep them in the fridge in sealed containers. Combined salad ingredients should be mixed just before serving. Freezer: Avoid freezing the assembled salad, as it may compromise the texture of the fresh vegetables. However, you can freeze the dressing for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before reusing. Green Goddess Salad Recipe FAQs How do I select ripe vegetables for the Green Goddess Salad? Absolutely! When choosing vegetables, look for kale with vibrant green leaves, and avoid any that appear wilted or have dark spots. Sweet peppers should be firm and glossy, while cucumbers should be crisp and free from blemishes. For ripe avocados, gently squeeze; they should yield slightly without feeling mushy. What’s the best way to store Green Goddess Salad? To keep your salad fresh, store the assembled Green Goddess Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain crunchiness, store dressing separately until you’re ready to serve it. If you prep ingredients in advance, keep the chopped vegetables in sealed containers, ready to mix just before serving. Can I freeze the dressing for the Green Goddess Salad? Yes, you can! To freeze the green goddess dressing, pour it into a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and give it a good shake or blend to restore its creamy texture. What if my dressing turns out too thick? Very! If you find your dressing is thicker than you’d like, no worries! You can thin it out by whisking in a little water or additional olive oil until it reaches your desired consistency. Just add it a tablespoon at a time to avoid over-thinning. This little hack ensures your dressing perfectly coats the salad. Is this Green Goddess Salad suitable for people with nut allergies? Absolutely! If you’re making this salad for someone with nut allergies, you can easily substitute the cashews in the dressing with sunflower seeds. They provide a nice creaminess without the risk of allergens. Additionally, ensure the Parmesan is gluten-free if that’s a concern. How can I customize the Green Goddess Salad to fit my dietary needs? The more the merrier when it comes to customization! You can add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal. If you’re looking for a vegan twist, simply use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan and ensure all ingredients, especially seasonings, are vegan-friendly. Experiment with seasonal vegetables or grains to create your own unique version! Delicious Green Goddess Salad with Creamy Avocado Twist This vibrant Green Goddess Salad is packed with fresh vegetables and a creamy avocado dressing, making it a perfect vegan-friendly choice. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsResting Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 25 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: SaladCuisine: VeganCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Salad2 cups Kale Chopped, substitute with arugula if desired1 cup Napa Cabbage Finely sliced1 cup Red Cabbage Finely sliced0.5 cup Red Onion Finely diced, can substitute with green onions1 cup Cucumbers Peeled and chopped1 cup Sweet Peppers Thinly sliced, mix colors for appeal1 large Avocado Sliced, adds creaminessFor the Dressing1 cup Baby Spinach Fresh, can substitute with kale0.5 cup Basil Leaves Fresh1 small Shallot Diced1 clove Garlic Minced0.5 cup Cashews Soaked for creaminess0.25 cup Parmesan Grated, or use nutritional yeast for vegan0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper To taste0.5 teaspoon Salt To taste0.5 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil2 tablespoons Rice Wine Vinegar Can substitute with apple cider vinegar2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Or lime juice Equipment BlenderMixing bowlSalad Servers Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Green Goddess SaladIn a blender, combine baby spinach, basil leaves, shallot, garlic, cashews, Parmesan, salt, pepper, olive oil, rice wine vinegar, and lemon juice. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy.Chop kale, slice napa cabbage and red cabbage. In a mixing bowl, combine chopped greens, diced red onion, cucumbers, and sweet peppers.Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.Top the salad with sliced avocado, additional cucumber, and sweet peppers. Serve in a large bowl with extra dressing on the side. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 4gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 6gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 3000IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2mg NotesFor richer flavors, prepare the dressing a few hours before serving. Freshly chop ingredients just before serving for best texture and nutrients. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
