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**Green Goddess Salad: A Refreshing & Versatile Power Bowl**
Discover this vibrant green goddess salad featuring chopped kale and cabbage, offering extra crunch and color. Tossed with a creamy herb dressing that includes chickpeas for added protein, it’s a fresh and satisfying dish perfect as a dip, light lunch, or a base topped with your favorite proteins.
This Green Goddess Salad gained popularity through viral trends (thanks to the original recipe from Baked By Melissa), and I’m thrilled to introduce my version. For an extra nutritional boost and textural variety, I’ve incorporated kale alongside greens, plus added chickpeas for protein and substance—my twist making it feel like a complete meal.
**Why You’ll Love This Recipe**
This salad hits all the right notes: fresh, flavorful, and incredibly adaptable. Here’s what makes it stand out:
* **Bold Flavor:** The dressing is bright and herbaceous thanks to fresh basil and dill, balanced perfectly with tangy lemon juice and a savory garlic note.
* **Versatility:** It doubles as an appetizer (with chips) or a main course bowl when topped with protein. Its flavor profile suits almost anything!
* **Easy Prep & Prep Ahead:** This salad performs beautifully for meal prep, staying crisp and delicious in the refrigerator for several days, allowing you to grab it on busy weeknights.
* **Customizable Goodness:** Feel free to swap kale or cabbage for romaine, incorporate different nuts (or nut butters), add avocado, shredded carrots, or any other favorite veggies. It’s naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
**Ingredients You’ll Need**
For the Salad:
* Kale and Green Cabbage Blend: Finely chopped greens form the base of this salad.
* Mini Cucumber: Adds a refreshing, hydrating crunch.
* Green Onions (scallions) and Dried Chives: These contribute that distinctive onion flavor – both fresh and dried versions work well together for depth.
For the Creamy Herb Dressing:
* Base Greens (Basil & Spinach): Essential for creating the signature creamy dressing along with its herby essence.
* Garlic and Shallot: Key components to build a rich, savory dressing foundation.
* Fresh Dill: Brightens the flavors significantly; fresh is strongly recommended.
Other Dressing Elements:
* Lemon Juice (Fresh Squeezed & Cider Vinegar): Creates brightness and tanginess in the creamy dressing.
* Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Recommended for its superior flavor, adds richness to the dressing.
* Thickeners (Walnuts or Cashews): These provide creaminess and a nutty depth – either is delicious.
**Customizing Your Salad**
The beauty of Green Goddess lies in its adaptability. Here are some ideas:
1. **Protein Power:** Elevate it as a main dish by adding your choice: grilled chicken, baked salmon, tofu, or tempeh.
2. **Alternative Legumes:** Swap chickpeas for white beans or edamame if desired, keeping the salad plant-based.
3. **Herb Variations:** Feel free to experiment with different fresh herbs depending on what’s in season – basil, parsley, mint, or cilantro can all work beautifully alongside or replacing basil and dill.
4. **Nut-Free Option:** Don’t have nuts? Sunflower seeds or hemp seeds are excellent substitutes for texture and thickness.
5. **Extra Crunch/Tang:** Boost the textural element by adding shredded carrots, sunflower seeds, or sliced radishes.
**Making It Perfect**
To achieve that signature Green Goddess experience:
* **Chop it Fine:** Ensure all ingredients are finely chopped to ensure even flavor distribution and a desirable bite-sized texture.
* **Let it Bloom:** Allow the salad to sit for 5-10 minutes after dressing before serving. This lets flavors meld beautifully, though not too long or the greens might wilt slightly.
* **Herb Freshness is Key:** Use fresh basil and dill leaves in the dressing whenever possible; dried versions won’t capture the vibrant essence.
**Storage Solutions**
This salad stores exceptionally well:
* Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The greens stay crisp, and flavors often deepen.
* For optimal freshness when prepping ahead, store the dressing separately from the chopped vegetables. Combine just before serving.
**Serving Suggestions**
The possibilities are endless! Enjoy this versatile green goddess salad:
* **As a Main:** Served over rice or quinoa for a hearty, satisfying meal; top with grilled chicken, salmon, tofu, or tempeh.
* **As an Appetizer/Dip:** Blend the dressing into a thinner consistency and serve with tortilla chips for game day snacking.
* **With Proteins:** Pair it alongside baked fish like mahi-mahi, alongside burgers (veggie or chicken), or as part of charcuterie board selections.
Don’t forget to check out our other salad recipes for more fresh ideas!
