Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nutrient-Dense: Packed with fiber, protein, and essential vitamins from fresh vegetables and chickpeas.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weekdays.
Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite herbs and vegetables.
Deliciously Creamy: The homemade Green Goddess dressing adds a rich, tangy flavor that elevates the salad.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Stays fresh in the fridge, making it great for preparing ahead of time.

Ingredients

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

For the Dressing:

1 avocado, peeled and pitted
1 ½ cups buttermilk
¼ cup chopped fresh herbs (such as tarragon, sorrel, mint, parsley, and/or cilantro)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
½ teaspoon salt

For the Salad:

3 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1 cup sliced cucumber
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed
¼ cup diced low-fat Swiss cheese
6 cherry tomatoes, halved

Directions

Prepare the Dressing: In a blender, combine the avocado, buttermilk, chopped herbs, rice vinegar, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss the chopped romaine lettuce and sliced cucumber with ¼ cup of the prepared dressing until evenly coated.
Add Toppings: Top the salad with rinsed chickpeas, diced Swiss cheese, and halved cherry tomatoes.
Serve: Divide the salad into two servings and enjoy immediately. Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

Vegan Option: Substitute buttermilk with a plant-based alternative like almond milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice, and replace Swiss cheese with vegan cheese.
Add Grains: Incorporate cooked quinoa or farro for added texture and nutrition.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the dressing for some heat.
Different Greens: Swap romaine lettuce with kale, spinach, or mixed greens based on your preference.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to maintain freshness.
Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold. If you prefer a warm element, consider adding freshly roasted chickpeas or warm grains just before serving.

FAQs

What is Green Goddess dressing made of?

Green Goddess dressing typically includes a blend of fresh herbs, avocado, a creamy base like buttermilk or yogurt, vinegar or lemon juice, and seasonings. This combination creates a rich, tangy, and herbaceous flavor profile.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dressing in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste.

Is this salad suitable for vegans?

The base recipe contains buttermilk and Swiss cheese, which are not vegan. However, you can easily make it vegan by using plant-based milk with lemon juice as a buttermilk substitute and opting for vegan cheese alternatives.

How can I add more protein to this salad?

To increase the protein content, consider adding grilled chicken, tofu, or tempeh. Additionally, incorporating cooked quinoa or other legumes can boost the protein levels.

What other herbs can I use in the dressing?

Feel free to experiment with herbs like basil, dill, chives, or cilantro based on your taste preferences. Mixing different herbs can create a unique flavor profile.

Can I use a different type of lettuce?

Absolutely. While romaine lettuce provides a crisp texture, you can substitute it with spinach, arugula, kale, or mixed greens to suit your taste.

How do I keep the avocado from browning in the dressing?

To prevent the avocado in the dressing from browning, store it in an airtight container and press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the dressing before sealing. This minimizes air exposure, keeping the dressing fresh.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. However, always check the labels of store-bought items like cheese to ensure they don’t contain hidden gluten.

Can I add nuts or seeds to this salad?

Certainly. Adding nuts like almonds or seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds can provide additional crunch and nutritional benefits.

How can I make the salad more filling?

Incorporate whole grains like brown rice, farro, or barley, or add roasted vegetables to make the salad more substantial and satisfying.

Conclusion

The Green Goddess Salad with Chickpeas is a delightful blend of fresh vegetables, creamy dressing, and hearty chickpeas, making it a perfect choice for a nutritious and satisfying meal. Its versatility allows you to customize it to your dietary preferences and taste, ensuring it becomes a staple in your meal rotation. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the health benefits this salad brings to your table.

Green Goddess Salad with Chickpeas

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The Green Goddess Salad with Chickpeas is a vibrant, nutrient-packed salad featuring crisp vegetables, protein-rich chickpeas, and a creamy avocado-herb dressing.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

In a blender, combine avocado, buttermilk, herbs, rice vinegar, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
In a large bowl, toss romaine lettuce and cucumber with ¼ cup of the dressing until coated.
Top the salad with chickpeas, Swiss cheese, and cherry tomatoes.
Divide into two servings and serve immediately. Store leftover dressing in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Notes

Use plant-based buttermilk and cheese for a vegan version.
Add cooked grains like quinoa for more texture and nutrition.
Spice it up with red pepper flakes or jalapeños in the dressing.
Store dressing separately to keep salad fresh longer.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 320
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 460mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 13g
Cholesterol: 15mg