This is one of those salads that ticks all the boxes – fast, fresh, and actually satisfying.
We’re talking crisp lettuce, crunchy bits, creamy avocado,
and a generous drizzle of green goddess dressing that ties everything together in the best way.
I’ll be honest – I’m usually skeptical of “just toss it in a bowl” salads. Sometimes they’re… underwhelming.
But this one? It’s got texture, flavour, and that creamy-herby punch that makes you
keep going back for another bite.
And the best part? No cooking, no fuss, and on the table in 15 minutes. This is the kind of recipe you pull out when you want something light but still crave-worthy.
For the Green Goddess Salad
- Green Leaf Lettuce – the base of the salad, crisp and fresh with plenty of volume.
- Green Pepper – adds a mild crunch and a subtle bite.
- English Cucumber – light, refreshing, and juicy—perfect for balancing the creaminess.
- Cherry Tomatoes – bring a pop of sweetness and color to the mix.
- Red Onion – a little sharpness to wake up all the flavors.
- Sunflower Seeds – for a nutty crunch that adds texture to every bite.
- Avocado – creamy, rich, and the element that makes this salad feel satisfying.
For the Green Goddess Dressing
- Greek Yogurt – the creamy base that keeps the dressing light but still rich.
- Parsley – fresh and vibrant, giving the dressing its signature green color.
- Basil – adds a soft, slightly sweet herbal flavor.
- Tarragon – brings a subtle, slightly fancy anise-like note.
- Garlic – where that bold, savory flavor comes from.
- Green Onions (or Chives) – add a mild, fresh onion flavor without overpowering.
- Lemon Juice – brightens everything up with a fresh, tangy kick.
- Olive Oil – smooths it out and adds a touch of richness.
- Honey – just a little to balance out the tang and herbs.
- Salt & Black Pepper – to round out and enhance all the flavors.
- Red Pepper Flakes – a small pinch for a gentle background heat.
Fresh Green Goddess Salad (Ready in 15 Minutes)
This quick and vibrant salad combines crunchy greens, fresh vegetables, creamy avocado, and a sprinkle of sunflower seeds. Everything is tossed in a rich green goddess dressing, creating a refreshing dish that comes together in no time.
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PinServings: 6
Notes
Ingredients
The Salad- 1 head of green leaf lettuce, chopped (4–5 cups)
- 1/2 cup diced green pepper
- 1 cup diced English cucumber
- 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/3 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup unsalted sunflower seeds
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Green Goddess Salad Dressing
The Dressing
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup fresh basil
- 2 tbsp fresh tarragon
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/4 cup green onions (or chives)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Place the chopped lettuce, green pepper, cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and sunflower seeds into a large mixing bowl.
- Make the dressing : Add all dressing ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the green goddess dressing over the salad mixture.
- Use two wooden spoons to gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Arrange the sliced avocado on top and serve immediately.
- Store any extra dressing in a sealed jar in the refrigerator.
- Keep leftover salad ingredients in a separate airtight container.
- The salad will stay fresh for up to 24 hours, while the dressing will last up to 5 days.
- Freezing is not recommended for either the salad or the dressing.
- Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Chop everything ahead and keep it chilled, but don’t toss with the dressing just yet. Wait until right before serving so everything stays crisp and fresh. No soggy salad here! - How do I keep the avocado from browning?
Slice it last. Always. If you need a little buffer time, a quick squeeze of lemon or lime juice will help slow things down. But fresh is best! - How long do leftovers last?
This is definitely a “best eaten fresh” situation. But if you have leftovers, they’ll keep for about 24 hours in the fridge. Just know the texture softens a bit once it’s dressed. - Can I use store-bought dressing?
Absolutely! Shortcut approved. A good-quality green goddess dressing will still give you that creamy, herby goodness without any extra effort. - How can I make it more filling?
Easy fix. Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas. It instantly turns this into a full, satisfying meal while keeping all those fresh flavors intact.
