Description
This Viral Green Goddess Salad features a vibrant and creamy homemade green goddess dressing made from fresh herbs, pine nuts, lime, and Parmesan, tossed with crisp lettuce, cucumbers, and green onions for a refreshing and flavorful salad perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Green Goddess Dressing:
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup fresh basil
- 1 small shallot
- 1/2 jalapeño, seeded for less spice
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 Tablespoons seasoned rice wine vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons green onion, chopped
- 2 squeezed limes (juice only)
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt, more or less to taste
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
For the Salad:
- 1 head leafy lettuce, chopped into strips
- 2 large cucumbers, diced
- 6 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: Place the pine nuts, fresh basil, shallot, jalapeño, garlic, and chopped green onions into the bowl of a food processor. Add the lime juice, followed by the olive oil and vinegar. Sprinkle in the salt and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Process the Dressing: Pulse the mixture until smooth and well combined, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides to ensure everything is evenly blended.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped lettuce, diced cucumbers, and chopped green onions.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the prepared green goddess dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together to ensure the lettuce and vegetables are evenly coated.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the salad right away for the freshest taste and texture.
Notes
- Storage: Store salad ingredients and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Salad ingredients will keep fresh for 3–5 days, while the dressing stays good for up to 3 days.
- Serving Suggestion: Toss salad with dressing just before serving to prevent sogginess.
- Adjust Spice Level: Seed the jalapeño fully or use less if a milder dressing is preferred.
- Nut-Free Version: Substitute pine nuts with pumpkin seeds or omit for a nut-free option.
