Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Chopped Green Goddess Salad is a refreshing, vibrant dish that’s packed with crisp vegetables and a creamy, flavorful dressing. The combination of green cabbage, cucumbers, and green onions provides a fresh crunch, while the homemade Green Goddess dressing, made with spinach, basil, garlic, and cashews, brings a rich, herbaceous flavor. This salad is a fantastic side dish, and it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite protein. Serve it with crispy tortilla chips for an added crunch and a burst of flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

• ½ head of green cabbage
• 3 Persian cucumbers
• 1 bundle of green onions
• Tortilla chips for serving

Dressing:

• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1 cup fresh basil
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 small shallot
• 2 lemons, juiced
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup cashews
• ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Start by preparing the vegetables. Shred the green cabbage into bite-sized pieces and slice the Persian cucumbers into thin rounds. Chop the green onions into small pieces.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine the baby spinach, fresh basil, garlic cloves, shallot, lemon juice, olive oil, cashews, parmesan cheese, rice vinegar, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Toss the chopped vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
4. Pour the Green Goddess dressing over the vegetables and toss well to coat.
5. Serve the salad immediately with a generous handful of tortilla chips on the side for added crunch.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 10 minutes

Variations

• For a more robust flavor, you can add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the dressing.
• If you don’t have cashews, you can use almonds or walnuts for a similar creamy texture.
• Add some protein to the salad by including grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a satisfying meal.
• For a tangier dressing, you can add a little more lemon juice or rice vinegar.

Storage/Reheating

• The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• If you plan to store leftovers, it’s best to keep the dressing separate and add it to the salad just before serving to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular cabbage instead of green cabbage?

Yes, you can substitute green cabbage with napa cabbage or even shredded romaine for a slightly different flavor and texture.

2. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving.

3. Is the dressing dairy-free?

No, the dressing contains parmesan cheese, which is dairy. However, you can substitute the parmesan with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan version.

4. Can I use a different type of nut instead of cashews?

Yes, you can swap cashews with almonds, walnuts, or even pine nuts to achieve a similar creamy texture in the dressing.

5. What kind of tortilla chips should I serve with this salad?

Any crispy tortilla chips will work, but you can opt for baked chips or even lime-flavored chips for an added zing.

6. Can I add more vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, radishes, or cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor.

7. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs for the dressing?

Fresh herbs are key for the vibrant flavor of this dressing, but if you need to substitute, use 1/3 of the amount of dried herbs as a general rule.

8. Can I make this salad gluten-free?

Yes, the salad itself is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure the tortilla chips you serve are labeled as gluten-free if you need to adhere to a gluten-free diet.

9. Can I use a different nut butter instead of cashews in the dressing?

Yes, you can use almond butter or peanut butter, but the flavor and texture may vary slightly from the cashew-based dressing.

10. How can I make the salad spicier?

You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing or include some chopped jalapeños to the salad for a spicy kick.

Conclusion

The Chopped Green Goddess Salad is a deliciously fresh and vibrant dish that’s perfect for a light lunch, a side dish, or a refreshing addition to any meal. The creamy Green Goddess dressing made from fresh herbs, cashews, and parmesan elevates the flavors, while the crunchy vegetables and tortilla chips bring the perfect balance of textures. This simple yet flavorful salad is sure to become a go-to favorite for those looking for something healthy, satisfying, and full of flavor.

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