Green Goddess Chopped Salad: A Vibrant, Flavorful Dish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and Crisp: With cauliflower, kale, and cucumber, this salad is full of crunch and freshness.
Herb-Infused: The green goddess dressing made with spinach, basil, parsley, dill, and garlic gives this salad a flavorful, herbaceous kick.
Nutrient-Packed: Thanks to the quinoa, kale, and cauliflower, this salad is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad can be made ahead of time and the flavors only get better as they marinate, making it ideal for meal prep or picnics.

Ingredients

For the Salad Base:

1 large head cauliflower, trimmed, cored, and finely diced
3 small Persian cucumbers, finely diced
4 green onions, chopped
3 cups kale, stems removed, finely chopped
2 cups cooked quinoa

For the Green Goddess Dressing:

¼ to ⅓ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
4 garlic cloves, peeled
1 medium shallot, peeled
3 tablespoons capers, drained
1 cup baby spinach
½ cup fresh basil leaves
½ cup fresh parsley leaves
½ cup fresh dill sprigs
⅓ cup shelled pumpkin seeds
1 teaspoon kosher salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Prepare the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cauliflower, cucumbers, green onions, chopped kale, and cooked quinoa. Toss to mix the ingredients evenly.
Make the Green Goddess Dressing: In a blender or food processor, add the lemon juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic cloves, shallot, capers, spinach, basil, parsley, dill, pumpkin seeds, and kosher salt. Blend on high speed until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
Dress the Salad: Pour the creamy green goddess dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Serve: Serve immediately for a vibrant, fresh texture, or refrigerate the salad for 1 hour to allow the flavors to develop and intensify.

Notes

Flavor Development: Chilling the salad for at least 1 hour will enhance the flavor and improve the texture of the ingredients.
Herb Substitutions: You can adjust the herbs based on what you have available. Cilantro or mint can be used in place of parsley or dill for a different twist.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving Suggestions

As a Main Course: This salad is hearty enough to serve as a light main course, especially with the addition of quinoa and vegetables.
As a Side Dish: Pair it with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a balanced meal.
Top with Seeds or Nuts: For extra crunch, sprinkle some sunflower seeds, toasted almonds, or walnuts on top before serving.

Storing and Reheating

Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad is best enjoyed within this time frame, as the ingredients may lose their crispness after longer storage.
Reheating: This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad actually gets better as it marinates, so preparing it a few hours or the night before will intensify the flavors. Just be sure to toss it well before serving.

2. Can I substitute the quinoa?

Yes, you can use other grains like farro, bulgur, or couscous if you prefer. Make sure to cook them according to package instructions before adding them to the salad.

3. Can I use different greens instead of kale?

Yes, you can substitute kale with other leafy greens such as spinach, arugula, or mixed greens.

4. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dressing a few days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir or shake before using.

5. How do I make this salad spicier?

If you like spice, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sliced jalapeño to the salad base for a bit of heat.

Conclusion

Green Goddess Chopped Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish that brings together a variety of textures and flavors, from the crunch of cauliflower and kale to the creamy, herb-infused dressing. Whether served as a side dish or a light main course, this salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The green goddess dressing is the star of the show, giving the salad a tangy, herby kick that complements the fresh ingredients perfectly. Try it today and enjoy a healthy, flavorful dish that’s sure to satisfy!

Green Goddess Chopped Salad: A Vibrant, Flavorful Dish