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This vibrant Green Goddess Salad brings together the freshest produce in a symphony of textures and flavors, all wrapped in a luscious herb-filled dressing. The combination creates a nourishing meal that satisfies without weighing you down.
I first created this salad when my garden was overflowing with herbs and I needed a worthy vessel for my homemade Green Goddess dressing. Now it has become my go to lunch option during busy weekdays when I need something both satisfying and energizing.
Ingredients
- Green leaf lettuce: Makes the perfect base with its tender leaves and mild flavor. Look for bright crisp heads without any browning.
- Green pepper: Adds a satisfying crunch and subtle sweetness. Choose firm peppers with glossy skin.
- English cucumber: Provides refreshing hydration and texture. These have fewer seeds and thinner skin than regular cucumbers.
- Cherry tomatoes: Burst with juicy sweetness. Select plump tomatoes with vibrant color for the best flavor.
- Red onion: Contributes a sharp bite that balances the milder vegetables. Soak in cold water for 5 minutes if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Sunflower seeds: Offer protein and a delightful nutty crunch. Toast them briefly to enhance their flavor profile.
- Avocado: Creates creamy richness that makes the salad more satisfying. Choose slightly firm but yielding avocados.
- Green Goddess Dressing: The crowning glory that ties everything together with herbs and creaminess.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables:
- Wash all produce thoroughly under cold running water. Dry completely using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towels. Proper drying ensures your dressing will adhere to the vegetables rather than sliding off.
- Chop and dice:
- Precision matters for the perfect bite. Cut the lettuce into bite sized pieces, dice the cucumber and green pepper into quarter inch pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes, and finely dice the red onion for even distribution of flavor.
- Assemble the base:
- Add the chopped lettuce to a large bowl first, creating a foundation. Then layer in the green pepper, cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes and sunflower seeds. The order allows smaller ingredients to nestle between the lettuce leaves.
- Dress the salad:
- Drizzle the Green Goddess dressing evenly over the vegetables. Using two wooden spoons, gently toss from the bottom up to ensure every piece gets coated without bruising the delicate lettuce leaves.
- Finish with avocado:
- Add the sliced avocado last to prevent browning and maintain its texture. Placing it on top also creates a beautiful presentation and prevents it from getting mushy during mixing.
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The cucumber is my secret weapon in this salad. I discovered that English cucumbers with their thinner skin and fewer seeds create the perfect juicy crunch without watering down the dressing. My daughter initially picked them out but now requests extra cucumber slices whenever I make this colorful bowl.
Make Ahead Tips
This salad works beautifully for meal prep when properly stored. Prepare all vegetables except avocado and store them in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. Keep the dressing separate in a small jar. When ready to eat, simply combine and add fresh avocado. The components will stay fresh for up to three days when stored this way.
Creative Variations
Turn this side salad into a complete meal by adding protein options like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or seared salmon. For a different flavor profile, try swapping the sunflower seeds for toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds. You can also add fresh herbs like basil or mint directly to the salad for an extra layer of flavor that complements the dressing beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This Green Goddess Salad pairs wonderfully with grilled proteins or alongside hearty soups. For an impressive spread, serve it in a large shallow bowl to showcase all the colorful ingredients. I love to bring this to potlucks with the dressing on the side, allowing guests to dress their portions individually which keeps everything crisp and fresh throughout the gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different salad dressing?
Yes, feel free to substitute the Green Goddess dressing with another favorite, like balsamic vinaigrette or ranch.
- → Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance, but toss them with the dressing and add avocado just before serving for freshness.
- → What are some good protein add-ons?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas are great options to boost the protein content of this salad.
- → Can I make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! Ensure that the dressing and any optional add-ons are vegan-friendly.
- → How can I store leftovers?
Store salad components separately in airtight containers and eat within 1-2 days. Avoid mixing with the dressing in advance.