Upgraded Green Goddess Salad — Protein Boost + Flavor Explosion

Have you ever heard in regards to the Inexperienced Goddess Salad that went viral by Baked by Melissa? If not — prepare, as a result of this salad grew to become the web sensation for good purpose: it’s contemporary, vibrant, crunchy, and filled with herby goodness. And naturally, I needed to give it my very own little rawkstar twist.

In my “insanely tasty and good-for-you model”, I’ve:

• Added shaved fennel for an additional layer of crunch and a touch of sweetness (so refreshing!)
• Sprinkled in pepitas for a little bit satisfying crunch and a lift of healthy fats
• Included creamy avocado as a result of, actually, when does avocado not make every part higher?
• Unnoticed the dietary yeast as a result of I wished to maintain the flavors shiny and never weighed down with a tacky taste. (I desire dietary yeast in my Kale Caesar Salad.)

The end result? A brilliant crisp, protein-rich, and critically scrumptious salad that’s good for a spring reset, mild lunches, or simply each time your physique’s craving some critical inexperienced goodness. 🌱💚

Why this Recipe Rawks

In search of a salad that feels extra like a meal and fewer like a facet dish? This inexperienced goddess salad has you lined. With layers of crisp napa cabbage, candy fennel, crunchy cucumbers, and a zesty inexperienced dressing that ties every part collectively, it’s proof {that a} salad might be simply as satisfying as your favourite consolation dish. Whether or not you’re plant-based or simply attempting to get extra greens in, this bowl delivers critical taste and texture in each chew.

Right here’s why this salad works so effectively:

• Creamy and flavor-packed: The do-it-yourself cashew-avocado dressing is easy, tangy, and filled with shiny, herby taste. Cashews are an incredible supply of wholesome monounsaturated fat, which support heart health by lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) levels.
• Crunch in each chew: Because of napa cabbage, fennel, and cucumbers, this salad stays crisp and contemporary. These veggies are excessive in fiber and water content material, which may help maintain you hydrated and assist wholesome digestion.
• Avocado: Avocados are recognized for his or her heart-healthy fat, significantly oleic acid, which is linked to reduced inflammation and improved cholesterol levels.
• Leafy greens: Spinach, basil, and cabbage are wealthy in nutritional vitamins A, C, and Okay, in addition to minerals like iron and calcium. These vitamins are important for maintaining healthy skin, boosting the immune system, and supporting bone health.
• Plant-Primarily based protein: Toasted pumpkin seeds add protein, zinc, and a satisfying crunch. The protein in pepitas additionally helps muscle progress and restore, making them an incredible addition for these on plant-based diets.
• Dairy-free and vegan: The creamy texture comes from soaked cashews and ripe avocado—no dairy wanted. By skipping dairy, this salad is each vegan and dairy-free.
• Make-ahead pleasant: Prep the dressing and chop the veggies forward of time for fast, simple meals all week lengthy. This makes it simple to include extra nutritious meals into your routine with out spending further time within the kitchen.

Key Components for Inexperienced Goddess Salad

You don’t want something fancy to rawk this Inexperienced Goddess Salad — only a handful of contemporary, vibrant substances that come collectively in probably the most magical method.

Assume: crisp veggies, toasty seeds, and a shiny, creamy dressing that makes each chew style like springtime in a bowl. Easy, satisfying, and SO price it.

Right here’s what you’ll want — and why every ingredient actually issues for making this salad next-level scrumptious:

• Napa Cabbage: Gentle, crunchy, and excellent for absorbing the creamy dressing. Select heads with crisp, contemporary leaves. Discover it at most grocery shops or Asian markets.
• Inexperienced Onions: These gentle alliums add a contemporary chew with out overpowering the salad. Search for agency, shiny inexperienced stalks which might be out there year-round within the produce part.
• Persian Cucumbers: These mini cucumbers are crisp, much less watery, and have tender pores and skin, no peeling obligatory. Choose agency cucumbers with easy pores and skin. They’re present in specialty produce or Mediterranean sections.
• Fennel: Provides a refreshing, barely candy anise taste and additional texture. Search for agency bulbs with shiny inexperienced fronds, typically within the specialty produce part.
• Pepitas (Pumpkin Seeds): Toasted pepitas deliver a nutty, savory crunch. Purchase uncooked, unsalted pepitas and toast them your self. Accessible in bulk or well being meals shops.
• Inexperienced Goddess Dressing: This dressing is a complete game-changer — creamy, vibrant, and loaded with contemporary taste. The soaked cashews and avocado create a wealthy, silky texture while not having dairy, whereas basil, spinach, and tarragon pack it with shiny, herbaceous goodness.

Make Viral TikTok Inexperienced Goddess Salad

This inexperienced goddess salad seems spectacular, however it’s really tremendous easy to make. Impressed by the viral TikTok sensation, this model options vibrant flavors, contemporary substances, and that creamy, herb-packed dressing that’s simply not possible to withstand. When you style it, you’ll see why it’s taken the web by storm. My inexperienced goddess salad would possibly look fancy, however it comes collectively in just some simple steps:

1. Cowl uncooked cashews in water and allow them to soak for at the least 1 hour (or in a single day). Drain and rinse earlier than utilizing for the smoothest dressing.
2. Mix the soaked cashews, avocado, olive oil, basil, spinach, tarragon, garlic, sea salt, and freshly floor black pepper in a blender.

3. Squeeze contemporary lemon juice over the dressing substances so as to add a shiny, zesty observe.
4. Mix every part till utterly easy and creamy. Scrape down the edges as wanted to make sure every part is effectively integrated.

5. Pour the completed inexperienced goddess dressing right into a bowl and set it apart whilst you prep the salad.
6. Finely chop napa cabbage into bite-sized items on a big slicing board.

7. Cube cucumbers, and thinly slice fennel and inexperienced onions. Maintain the slices even for the very best texture in each chew.
8. Add all of the chopped veggies to a big mixing bowl.

9. Pour the creamy Inexperienced Goddess dressing over the salad and toss effectively till every part is evenly coated.
10. Sprinkle toasted pepitas on high for that good, nutty crunch.

Recipe Suggestions

Need to get a little bit inventive with this inexperienced goddess salad? You possibly can simply swap issues up and make it your individual with these enjoyable and flavorful variations:

• Add Protein: For a heartier meal, attempt including chickpeas, edamame, or grilled tofu. These choices deliver a satisfying texture and a lift of protein to make your salad extra filling.
• Swap the Greens: In the event you desire one thing totally different, kale, romaine, or arugula work completely as replacements for napa cabbage. Every provides its personal distinctive taste and texture to the combo.
• Nut-Free Dressing: In the event you want a nut-free possibility, swap cashews for soaked sunflower seeds within the dressing. They mix easily and supply a gentle, creamy base with out the nuts.
• No Fennel? Substitute shaved celery or radishes for fennel. Each choices add a crisp, refreshing crunch with a contact of additional taste.
• Spicy Vibes: Add a little bit warmth by mixing in a jalapeño or sprinkling chili flakes. These additions give the salad a spicy kick that balances the creamy dressing.

What to Serve with Inexperienced Goddess Salad

This inexperienced goddess salad recipe is a contemporary, crunchy, flavor-packed addition to a wide range of meals. As a result of it’s chopped so finely and coated in creamy dressing, it pairs superbly with dippables, mains, and extra:

• Tortilla Chips: The OG option to get pleasure from this salad! Scoop it up like a chunky salsa or guac. Pita chips or sturdy crackers work nice too, simply be sure they’re thick sufficient to deal with the crunch. In case you have further chips, use ’em in my vegetarian tortilla soup.
• Flatbreads + Dips: Heat vegan flatbreads served with hummus or muhammara make a enjoyable, shareable meal subsequent to a bowl of inexperienced goddess salad.
• Grilled Veggie Skewers: Calmly season and char juicy zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and cherry tomato skewers for a smoky companion to the intense, herby salad. Drizzle with tahini or chimichurri for further taste.
• Rice Bowls: Construct a grain bowl together with your favourite base (like jasmine rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice), then high with inexperienced goddess chopped salad for an prompt improve in taste, texture, and vitamin.
• Soup + Salad Combo: Pair it with a heat bowl of my carrot ginger soup or vegan pumpkin soup for a comforting, balanced meal.

In the event you make this inexperienced goddess salad, I’d love to listen to the way it turned out within the remark field beneath. Your suggestions helps me and all of the readers on this group. And when you’re desirous about extra plant-based recipes (and unique content material), join my weekly recipe newsletter.