Dinner Tonight: Green Goddess Salad

Paula Gallagher on

I have been eager to try the viral Green Goddess Salad for a while, and now that the weather is finally warmer, it feels like the perfect time. Bursting with vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and a nutritional powerhouse of ingredients, this salad is a perfect delicious meal all on its own. Packed with leafy greens, nutrient-rich vegetables, and a zesty homemade dressing, every bite will leave you wanting more.

Reasons to Try This Salad

  • Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and arugula are all rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They provide essential nutrients like vitamin K, vitamin C, folate, and iron, supporting overall health and wellbeing.
  • Vegetables: Cucumber, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and red onion add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the salad. They contribute to hydration, promote digestion, and provide a range of antioxidants for immune support.
  • Sprouts: Alfalfa and broccoli sprouts are packed with enzymes, vitamins, and phytonutrients. They are known for their detoxifying properties and may help reduce inflammation in the body.
  • Pumpkin Seeds: These crunchy seeds are a fantastic source of plant-based protein, healthy fats, and essential minerals like magnesium, zinc, and iron. They add a satisfying crunch and boost the nutritional profile of the salad.
  • Green Goddess Dressing: Made with Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil, the homemade dressing offers a lighter, healthier alternative to store-bought varieties. Greek yogurt provides probiotics for gut health, while fresh herbs offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Overall, this healthy Green Goddess Salad is a nutrient-dense meal that nourishes the body from the inside out. With a rainbow of colorful ingredients and a burst of fresh flavors, it's a delightful way to enjoy a wholesome and satisfying meal that's as good for you as it is delicious.

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

4 cups mixed salad greens (such as spinach, kale, and arugula)
1 cup cucumber, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup avocado, diced
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup mixed sprouts (alfalfa, broccoli, etc.)
1/4 cup roasted pumpkin seeds
Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or tofu cubes for a vegan option

For the Green Goddess Dressing:

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or vegan yogurt for a dairy-free version)
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, packed
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Salad Greens: Thoroughly rinse and dry the mixed salad greens. Tear any larger leaves into bite-sized pieces before placing them in a large salad bowl.

Add the Vegetables: Add the sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, thinly sliced red onion, and mixed sprouts to the bowl with the salad greens.

Make the Dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine the Greek yogurt, basil leaves, parsley leaves, minced garlic, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Toss the Salad: Pour the Green Goddess dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Using salad tongs or two large spoons, gently toss the salad until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the roasted pumpkin seeds and crumbled feta cheese or tofu cubes (if using) over the top of the salad. Serve immediately and enjoy the crisp, refreshing flavors of this healthy Green Goddess Salad! Enjoy!

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