Upgraded Green Goddess Salad — Protein Boost + Flavor Explosion

Have you heard about the Green Goddess Salad that went viral by Baked by Melissa? If not — get ready, because this salad became the internet sensation for good reason: it’s fresh, vibrant, crunchy, and packed with herby goodness. And of course, I had to give it my own little rawkstar twist.

In my “insanely tasty and good-for-you version”, I’ve:

• Added shaved fennel for an extra layer of crunch and a hint of sweetness (so refreshing!)
• Sprinkled in pepitas for a little satisfying crunch and a boost of healthy fats
• Included creamy avocado because, honestly, when does avocado not make everything better?
• Left out the nutritional yeast because I wanted to keep the flavors bright and not weighed down with a cheesy flavor. (I prefer nutritional yeast in my Kale Caesar Salad.)

The result? A super crisp, protein-rich, and seriously delicious salad that’s perfect for a spring reset, light lunches, or just whenever your body’s craving some serious green goodness. 🌱💚

Why this Recipe Rawks

Looking for a salad that feels more like a meal and less like a side dish? This green goddess salad has you covered. With layers of crisp napa cabbage, sweet fennel, crunchy cucumbers, and a zesty green dressing that ties everything together, it’s proof that a salad can be just as satisfying as your favorite comfort dish. Whether you’re plant-based or just trying to get more greens in, this bowl delivers serious flavor and texture in every bite.

Here’s why this salad works so well:

• Creamy and flavor-packed: The homemade cashew-avocado dressing is smooth, tangy, and full of bright, herby flavor. Cashews are a great source of healthy monounsaturated fats, which support heart health by lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) levels.
• Crunch in every bite: Thanks to napa cabbage, fennel, and cucumbers, this salad stays crisp and fresh. These veggies are high in fiber and water content, which can help keep you hydrated and support healthy digestion.
• Avocado: Avocados are known for their heart-healthy fats, particularly oleic acid, which is linked to reduced inflammation and improved cholesterol levels.
• Leafy greens: Spinach, basil, and cabbage are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium. These nutrients are essential for maintaining healthy skin, boosting the immune system, and supporting bone health.
• Plant-Based protein: Toasted pumpkin seeds add protein, zinc, and a satisfying crunch. The protein in pepitas also supports muscle growth and repair, making them a great addition for those on plant-based diets.
• Dairy-free and vegan: The creamy texture comes from soaked cashews and ripe avocado—no dairy needed. By skipping dairy, this salad is both vegan and dairy-free.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prep the dressing and chop the veggies ahead of time for quick, easy meals all week long. This makes it easy to incorporate more nutritious meals into your routine without spending extra time in the kitchen.

Key Ingredients for Green Goddess Salad

You don’t need anything fancy to rawk this Green Goddess Salad — just a handful of fresh, vibrant ingredients that come together in the most magical way.

Think: crisp veggies, toasty seeds, and a bright, creamy dressing that makes every bite taste like springtime in a bowl. Simple, satisfying, and SO worth it.

Here’s what you’ll need — and why each ingredient truly matters for making this salad next-level delicious:

• Napa Cabbage: Light, crunchy, and perfect for soaking up the creamy dressing. Choose heads with crisp, fresh leaves. Find it at most grocery stores or Asian markets.
• Green Onions: These mild alliums add a fresh bite without overpowering the salad. Look for firm, bright green stalks that are available year-round in the produce section.
• Persian Cucumbers: These mini cucumbers are crisp, less watery, and have tender skin, no peeling necessary. Pick firm cucumbers with smooth skin. They are found in specialty produce or Mediterranean sections.
• Fennel: Adds a refreshing, slightly sweet anise flavor and extra texture. Look for firm bulbs with bright green fronds, often in the specialty produce section.
• Pepitas (Pumpkin Seeds): Toasted pepitas bring a nutty, savory crunch. Buy raw, unsalted pepitas and toast them yourself. Available in bulk or health food stores.
• Green Goddess Dressing: This dressing is a total game-changer — creamy, vibrant, and loaded with fresh flavor. The soaked cashews and avocado create a rich, silky texture without needing dairy, while basil, spinach, and tarragon pack it with bright, herbaceous goodness.

How to Make Viral TikTok Green Goddess Salad

This green goddess salad looks impressive, but it’s actually super simple to make. Inspired by the viral TikTok sensation, this version features vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and that creamy, herb-packed dressing that’s just impossible to resist. Once you taste it, you’ll see why it’s taken the internet by storm. My green goddess salad might look fancy, but it comes together in just a few easy steps:

1. Cover raw cashews in water and let them soak for at least 1 hour (or overnight). Drain and rinse before using for the smoothest dressing.
2. Combine the soaked cashews, avocado, olive oil, basil, spinach, tarragon, garlic, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a blender.

3. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dressing ingredients to add a bright, zesty note.
4. Blend everything until completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure everything is well incorporated.

5. Pour the finished green goddess dressing into a bowl and set it aside while you prep the salad.
6. Finely chop napa cabbage into bite-sized pieces on a large cutting board.

7. Dice cucumbers, and thinly slice fennel and green onions. Keep the slices even for the best texture in every bite.
8. Add all the chopped veggies to a large mixing bowl.

9. Pour the creamy Green Goddess dressing over the salad and toss well until everything is evenly coated.
10. Sprinkle toasted pepitas on top for that perfect, nutty crunch.

Recipe Tips

Want to get a little creative with this green goddess salad? You can easily switch things up and make it your own with these fun and flavorful variations:

• Add Protein: For a heartier meal, try adding chickpeas, edamame, or grilled tofu. These options bring a satisfying texture and a boost of protein to make your salad more filling.
• Swap the Greens: If you prefer something different, kale, romaine, or arugula work perfectly as replacements for napa cabbage. Each adds its own unique flavor and texture to the mix.
• Nut-Free Dressing: If you need a nut-free option, swap cashews for soaked sunflower seeds in the dressing. They blend smoothly and provide a mild, creamy base without the nuts.
• No Fennel? Substitute shaved celery or radishes for fennel. Both options add a crisp, refreshing crunch with a touch of extra flavor.
• Spicy Vibes: Add a little heat by blending in a jalapeño or sprinkling chili flakes. These additions give the salad a spicy kick that balances the creamy dressing.

What to Serve with Green Goddess Salad

This green goddess salad recipe is a fresh, crunchy, flavor-packed addition to a variety of meals. Because it’s chopped so finely and coated in creamy dressing, it pairs beautifully with dippables, mains, and more:

• Tortilla Chips: The OG way to enjoy this salad! Scoop it up like a chunky salsa or guac. Pita chips or sturdy crackers work great too, just make sure they’re thick enough to handle the crunch. If you have extra chips, use ’em in my vegetarian tortilla soup.
• Flatbreads + Dips: Warm vegan flatbreads served with hummus or muhammara make a fun, shareable meal next to a bowl of green goddess salad.
• Grilled Veggie Skewers: Lightly season and char juicy zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and cherry tomato skewers for a smoky companion to the bright, herby salad. Drizzle with tahini or chimichurri for extra flavor.
• Rice Bowls: Build a grain bowl with your favorite base (like jasmine rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice), then top with green goddess chopped salad for an instant upgrade in flavor, texture, and nutrition.
• Soup + Salad Combo: Pair it with a warm bowl of my carrot ginger soup or vegan pumpkin soup for a comforting, balanced meal.

If you make this green goddess salad, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below. Your feedback helps me and all the readers in this community. And if you’re interested in more plant-based recipes (and exclusive content), sign up for my weekly recipe newsletter.