green goddess salad

How to Make the Perfect Green Goddess Salad at Home

Tuesday 01st Jul 2025 |

The Ultimate Guide to Making a Perfect Green Goddess Salad

Looking for a fresh, flavour-packed salad that’s as vibrant as it is delicious? The Green Goddess salad is a bold, herby classic that’s made a big comeback in the world of clean eating. With its creamy, zesty dressing and layers of green goodness, it’s the kind of dish that looks just as good as it tastes — and it’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or pulling together a light lunch that feels indulgent without the guilt, this salad is your new best friend. Here’s how to make the perfect Green Goddess salad from scratch — with simple swaps to suit every diet and craving.

Start with the Star: The Green Goddess Dressing

At the heart of this salad is its signature dressing — rich, creamy, and packed with fresh herbs.

Classic Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yoghurt
  • 1 ripe avocado (for extra creaminess)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped chives
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 anchovy fillet (optional for umami)
  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Vegan Swap Tip: Use coconut or soy yoghurt and skip the anchovy. Add a teaspoon of nutritional yeast for depth.

Method:
Blend all dressing ingredients until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. For a thinner texture, add a splash of cold water or extra lemon juice.

💡 Pro tip: Chill your dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving — it makes the flavours sing.

Build the Perfect Green Base

The base is all about texture and layering green-on-green freshness. Don’t overcomplicate it — just mix crisp, leafy greens with crunchy veg for contrast.

Greens to Use:

  • Romaine or butter lettuce
  • Baby spinach
  • Kale (massage with a little olive oil to soften)
  • Arugula or rocket

Crunchy Additions:

  • Cucumber (thinly sliced)
  • Spring onions
  • Sugar snap peas or mangetout
  • Celery
  • Shredded Brussels sprouts

Add everything to a large mixing bowl, keeping portions balanced and light.

Boost It with Extras (Optional but Delicious)

Turn your Green Goddess salad into a satisfying main with proteins and toppings.

Add Protein:

  • Grilled chicken or salmon
  • Tofu or tempeh (pan-fried or baked)
  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Chickpeas or edamame

Add Crunch:

  • Toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds
  • Pistachios or crushed almonds
  • Homemade croutons

Optional Cheese:

  • Crumbled feta
  • Shaved parmesan
  • Soft goat cheese

Assembly Tips for Maximum Freshness

  • Dress the salad just before serving to avoid sogginess.
  • Store chopped veg and dressing separately if meal-prepping.
  • Use a large bowl to toss everything evenly — don’t be shy with the dressing!

Why You’ll Love It

This salad isn’t just healthy — it’s crave-worthy. It’s adaptable, fast to prep, and packed with nutrients and healthy fats. Plus, it’s endlessly photogenic, making it a favourite for sharing on socials or impressing guests.

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