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This refreshing green goddess salad has been my go-to for busy weeknights and potlucks alike, always earning rave reviews and recipe requests. The vibrant colors and bold flavors create a nutritional powerhouse that feels indulgent despite being packed with vegetables.
I first created this salad during a summer heatwave when turning on the oven was absolutely out of the question. Now my family requests it weekly, and I love how it helps us incorporate more vegetables into our meals effortlessly.
Ingredients
- Small head green cabbage: provides a satisfying crunch and serves as the perfect base to soak up all the delicious dressing flavors
- English cucumber: adds refreshing hydration and a lighter texture to balance the cabbage
- Green onions: bring a mild flavor that complements without overpowering like regular onions might
- Avocados: create creamy richness that makes this salad feel indulgent while adding healthy fats
- Feta cheese: optional but adds a wonderful tangy saltiness that elevates the entire dish
- Pepitas: provide protein and a delightful crunch contrast to the softer elements
- Green Goddess Dressing: ties everything together with its herbaceous creaminess
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare The Vegetables:
- Finely chop the cabbage until you have about 6 cups worth. The smaller you chop it, the better it will absorb the dressing. Then dice the cucumber into small pieces, approximately 1/4 inch. Slice the green onions thinly, including both white and green parts for maximum flavor. Finally, dice the avocados just before serving to prevent browning.
- Combine The Salad Components:
- In a large bowl, gently toss together all your prepared vegetables. Add the crumbled feta cheese if using and the pepitas. The combination creates a beautiful texture contrast from soft to crunchy that makes every bite interesting.
- Dress The Salad:
- Pour your prepared Green Goddess Dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated. The dressing should evenly coat all components but not pool at the bottom. Serve immediately with chips or crackers for dipping if desired.
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The avocado is truly the magic ingredient in this salad. It not only adds creaminess to complement the crunchy vegetables, but its healthy fats help your body absorb all the nutrients from the other vegetables. I always keep a few ripening on my counter specifically for this recipe.
Make It Ahead
The beauty of this salad is its make ahead potential. You can prep all the components up to three days in advance and store them separately. Chop the cabbage, cucumber, and green onions and store them in airtight containers. Make the dressing and keep it separate. When ready to serve, simply combine everything and add freshly diced avocado for the perfect texture contrast.
Easy Substitutions
This salad welcomes customization based on what you have available. No cabbage? Try romaine lettuce or kale for a different but equally delicious base. Swap the pepitas for chopped pistachios or almonds for a different crunch factor. For a dairy free option, replace the feta with extra avocado or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for that savory element. The salad maintains its character while adapting to your preferences.
Serving Suggestions
While delicious on its own, this salad pairs beautifully with grilled proteins like chicken or fish for a complete meal. I love serving it alongside simple grilled salmon for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special. For entertaining, present it in a large shallow bowl with extra dressing on the side and an assortment of dipping vehicles like pita chips, cucumber slices, or bell pepper wedges. It also makes an excellent topping for grain bowls or stuffed into pita pockets for lunch.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What sets the Green Goddess Salad apart?
The Green Goddess Salad stands out for its refreshing combination of fresh vegetables, creamy dressing, and flexible variations, making it light yet satisfying.
- → Can I meal prep this salad in advance?
Yes! Store the salad and dressing separately to keep ingredients fresh, and add avocado just before serving for optimal texture.
- → What can I serve with the salad?
The salad pairs wonderfully with chips, crackers, or even as a side dish to grilled proteins for a complete meal.
- → How can I customize the salad?
You can leave out the feta cheese, replace pepitas with chopped almonds or pistachios, and garnish with fresh herbs or your favorite toppings.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Keep the dressing separate if not consuming immediately.