### If You Adore Chopped Salads, This Green Goddess Salad Will Delight You
Chopped salads have surged in popularity, and the Green Goddess Salad certainly stands out. This colorful dish has taken TikTok by storm, featuring a delightful take on the traditional Green Goddess salad. Whether you’re looking to eat healthier, try out vegan options, or simply savor a tasty salad, this recipe is essential.
#### What is the Green Goddess Salad?
A Green Goddess Salad is any salad showcasing the beloved green goddess dressing. With numerous variations to choose from, this salad offers incredible customization possibilities, letting you adjust it to your preferences.
#### Green Goddess Salad Dressing
The term “Green Goddess” derives from the dressing’s striking green color. Originally crafted in San Francisco, the classic dressing contains anchovies, green onions, parsley, tarragon, mayo, sour cream, and chives. However, the contemporary vegan alternative excludes anchovies, mayo, and sour cream, instead using fresh herbs and nutritional yeast for a creamy, zesty taste. This dressing is akin to vegan pesto, providing a fresh and vibrant flavor with a cheesy undertone.
#### Ingredients for Green Goddess Salad
The salad base is made up of finely chopped cabbage, cucumbers, green onions, and chives, akin to a finely diced coleslaw. The dressing features walnuts and nutritional yeast, imparting a rich taste without any dairy.
#### How to Prepare Green Goddess Dressing
**Ingredients:**
– Juice of two lemons
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 small shallot
– 2 cloves garlic
– 1 cup fresh basil
– 1 cup spinach
– 1/3 cup nutritional yeast
– 1/4 cup walnuts
– 1 teaspoon salt
**Instructions:**
1. Blend all ingredients in a blender, starting with the liquids. Process until smooth and creamy.
#### Storage and Advanced Preparation Tips
This salad can be kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, whether it has been dressed or not. For the best freshness, it’s advisable to dress the salad in advance, as the acidity in the dressing helps preserve the ingredients.
#### What is Nutritional Yeast?
Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast that imparts a cheesy, nutty flavor. It is packed with protein, B vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a favored ingredient in vegan cuisine. This recipe is best suited for large flake nutritional yeast, which can be purchased at health food stores or online.
#### Green Goddess FAQ
– **Can I prepare this beforehand?** Yes, the salad can be made in advance and stored well in the fridge.
– **What if cabbage isn’t to my liking?** You can substitute with shredded kale or chopped lettuce.
– **How long is the dressing good for?** The dressing can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
– **Does the salad taste good the next day?** Yes, the flavors blend beautifully, much like coleslaw.
– **What nuts can I use in place of walnuts?** Other alternatives include pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds.
#### Variations
This salad is naturally vegan, but if you’re not vegan and desire a richer taste, you can replace the nutritional yeast with parmesan. Here are some exciting variations to try:
– Add crispy bacon for texture.
– Include diced chicken breast or crumbled tofu for additional protein.
– Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor.
– For some heat, add diced jalapeños.
– Make a guacamole variant by mixing in diced avocados and lime juice.
– Exchange cabbage for shredded Brussels sprouts and toss in chopped spinach and kale for an ultra-green salad.
### Conclusion
The Green Goddess Salad is a revitalizing and fulfilling dish that can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Whether you enjoy it with a spoon or pair it with protein, this salad is bound to become a favorite. Enjoy trying out various ingredients and flavors!