Green Goddess Cabbage Salad

If you’re looking for a fresh and zesty salad that can brighten up any meal, you’ve come to the right place! This Green Goddess Cabbage Salad is not only packed with vibrant flavors but also incredibly simple to whip up. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this salad fits right in as a hearty main dish or a delightful side. The combination of crisp cabbage and creamy dressing makes it an instant favorite.

What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it alongside your favorite chips, enjoy it on its own, or even add some grilled veggies for extra flair. Trust me, once you try this Green Goddess Cabbage Salad, it might just become your go-to dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 30 minutes! Perfect for those nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavorful and Fresh: The mix of fresh herbs and crunchy vegetables creates a burst of flavor. Every bite feels refreshing!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this colorful salad, making it a great addition to family meals.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Whip it up ahead of time for meal prep! It keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days without losing its crunch.
• Nutrient-Packed: With all those wholesome ingredients like spinach and nutritional yeast, you’re not just eating tasty food; you’re fueling your body with goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started on this Green Goddess Cabbage Salad is easy with these simple, wholesome ingredients. You might already have many of them in your kitchen!

For the Salad

• 1 small head of green cabbage, diced
• 1 bunch of green onions, diced
• 3 to 4 baby cucumbers (or 1 English cucumber), finely diced
• 1/4 cup diced chives
• 1 cup soft herbs (basil, parsley, or dill)
• 1 cup spinach

For the Dressing

• 1 shallot, peeled
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1/3 cup nutritional yeast
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup walnuts (or pecans, cashews, or hazelnuts)
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 2 tablespoons rice apple vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

Optional to Serve

• Tortilla chips
• Pita chips
• Pita bread

Variations

The beauty of this Green Goddess Cabbage Salad is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences.

• Add Some Protein: Toss in some chickpeas or grilled chicken for an extra protein boost.
• Change Up the Greens: Swap out spinach for arugula or kale for a different texture and flavor profile.
• Spice It Up: Add some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
• Go Nut-Free: If you’re allergic to nuts, sunflower seeds make a great crunchy alternative!

How to Make Green Goddess Cabbage Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Start by combining the chopped cabbage, green onions, cucumbers, and chives in a large mixing bowl. Toss everything together until well mixed. This step is crucial because it lays the foundation for all those wonderful flavors!

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a blender or food processor, add the herbs, spinach, shallot, garlic cloves, nutritional yeast, olive oil, nuts, lemon juice, rice apple vinegar, and sea salt. Blend for about 2 minutes until everything is combined. This dressing brings all the fresh ingredients together and adds that signature creamy taste!

Step 3: Combine Everything

Pour the dressing over your cabbage mixture and toss well to combine. Make sure every piece of cabbage is coated with that flavorful dressing – it makes all the difference!

Step 4: Serve It Up

Serve your Green Goddess Cabbage Salad with optional tortilla chips or pita bread for dipping. Whether as a main course or side salad, everyone will love this refreshing dish!

Enjoy every crunchy bite!

Pro Tips for Making Green Goddess Cabbage Salad

Creating the perfect Green Goddess Cabbage Salad is all about using fresh ingredients and balancing flavors. Here are some tips to help you nail this delicious dish!

• Use Fresh Herbs: The key to a vibrant dressing is fresh herbs. They provide a burst of flavor and aroma that dried herbs simply can’t match.
• Choose the Right Nuts: Opt for walnuts, pecans, or cashews depending on your taste preference. Each nut brings its own unique flavor and texture, enhancing the overall salad experience.
• Adjust the Acidity: Feel free to tweak the lemon juice and vinegar amounts to suit your palate. A little extra acidity can brighten up the flavors and make everything taste fresher.
• Prep Ahead: If you’re making this salad for meal prep, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This will ensure that your cabbage stays crisp and fresh!
• Experiment with Add-ins: Don’t hesitate to throw in some extras like shredded carrots or bell peppers for added crunch and color. Variety keeps things exciting!

How to Serve Green Goddess Cabbage Salad

This Green Goddess Cabbage Salad is not only tasty but also visually appealing, making it perfect for any occasion. You can serve it as a light main course or as a colorful side dish at gatherings.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some extra chopped nuts on top for added crunch and visual appeal.
• Edible flowers: Adding edible flowers can elevate your salad’s presentation while providing a pop of color.
• Extra herbs: Top with additional fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving for an aromatic touch.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Colorful skewers of seasonal vegetables charred on the grill add a smoky flavor that complements the freshness of the salad.
• Quinoa Pilaf: A fluffy quinoa pilaf seasoned with herbs pairs beautifully with this salad, adding protein and fiber.
• Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado spread on toasted bread makes for a delightful bite alongside your salad, bringing richness to the meal.
• Roasted Chickpeas: Crunchy roasted chickpeas seasoned with spices offer a satisfying crunch that balances the softness of the cabbage salad.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress family and friends with your delightful Green Goddess Cabbage Salad! Enjoy every crunchy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Green Goddess Cabbage Salad is a fantastic option for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy healthy meals throughout the week. You can make this salad in advance and store it for later, ensuring you always have a delicious dish on hand.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It’s best enjoyed within 3 to 5 days for optimal freshness.
• If possible, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain the crunchiness of the vegetables.

Freezing

• This salad is not recommended for freezing as the texture of fresh vegetables can change when thawed.
• However, you can freeze any leftover dressing separately in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Since this salad is served cold, there’s no need to reheat it. Just give it a good toss before serving!
• If you’ve stored it, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the Green Goddess Cabbage Salad.

Can I use other vegetables in my Green Goddess Cabbage Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or even avocado for extra creaminess. This salad is versatile!

How long does Green Goddess Cabbage Salad last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this salad can last for about 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. Enjoy it fresh!

Is Green Goddess Cabbage Salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This salad is perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy it as a side or main dish throughout.

What can I serve with Green Goddess Cabbage Salad?

You can pair this salad with tortilla chips, pita chips, or serve it alongside grilled vegetables or roasted chickpeas for a complete meal.

Can I make my own dressing for Green Goddess Cabbage Salad?

Certainly! Experiment with your favorite ingredients by blending soft herbs, nuts, lemon juice, and olive oil to create a personalized dressing that suits your taste!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this vibrant and nutritious Green Goddess Cabbage Salad! It’s not just a feast for your eyes but also a delightful way to incorporate more greens into your meals. Whether you’re serving it as a refreshing side or enjoying it as a main course with some crunchy chips, I know you’ll love every bite. Happy cooking!