A refreshing and vibrant salad featuring a blend of crisp vegetables and a creamy, herb-infused dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for dinner.

FULL RECIPE

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh tarragon, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/2 cup avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds (optional)

1.Dressing

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, cucumber, celery, green onions, parsley, tarragon, basil, and avocado.
2. For the dressing, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, and Dijon mustard until smooth and creamy.
3. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Top with toasted pumpkin seeds, if desired.
6. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 150 per serving
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 3g

Health Benefits of Chopped Green Goddess Salad

The Chopped Green Goddess Salad is not just delicious, it’s packed with nutrients that contribute to overall health and wellness. The combination of fresh vegetables and herbs provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. From promoting digestion to supporting immune function, this salad can play a key role in a balanced diet.

Rich in Antioxidants

The fresh greens and herbs used in this salad are loaded with antioxidants. These compounds help fight free radicals in the body, which can contribute to chronic diseases and aging. Ingredients like parsley, basil, and tarragon are especially rich in antioxidants, making the salad an excellent choice for supporting long-term health.

Supports Digestive Health

The high fiber content of this salad makes it great for digestive health. Ingredients like celery, cucumber, and avocado are packed with fiber that supports smooth digestion. A fiber-rich diet promotes healthy bowel movements and can reduce the risk of digestive issues like constipation or bloating.

Boosts Immune System Function

Green leafy vegetables, such as those found in this salad, are full of vitamin C and other immune-boosting nutrients. Vitamin C is crucial for fighting infections and maintaining healthy skin. Parsley, in particular, is an excellent source of this important vitamin, helping the body to fight off illnesses and stay strong.

Promotes Healthy Skin

The vitamins and antioxidants in the ingredients of this salad are beneficial for skin health. Vitamin A from ingredients like parsley and basil helps maintain healthy skin by promoting cell turnover and reducing the appearance of fine lines. The healthy fats from avocado also support skin hydration, keeping it soft and glowing.

Helps Maintain a Healthy Weight

This salad is not only low in calories but also high in fiber, which can help keep you feeling full longer. The fiber and healthy fats from avocado work together to curb hunger, preventing overeating. Eating low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods like this salad is a great strategy for weight management and healthy eating habits.

Supports Heart Health

The Chopped Green Goddess Salad is heart-healthy due to its combination of fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants. Olive oil, a key ingredient in the dressing, contains monounsaturated fats that are known to reduce bad cholesterol levels and promote heart health. Additionally, avocado is rich in heart-healthy fats that support cardiovascular wellness.

Improves Mental Clarity and Focus

The omega-3 fatty acids found in ingredients like avocado play an important role in brain function. Omega-3s support cognitive function and can improve memory, focus, and overall mental clarity. Adding this salad to your diet is an excellent way to nourish your brain and improve mental performance.

Aids in Detoxification

The combination of herbs like parsley and cilantro in the salad can help support your body’s natural detoxification processes. These herbs contain compounds that assist in flushing out toxins from the body, making the salad a great choice for supporting your liver and kidneys. Detoxifying your body regularly is important for maintaining good health.

Improves Bone Health

Many of the ingredients in this salad, especially the herbs, are rich in vitamin K, which is crucial for bone health. Vitamin K helps regulate calcium levels in the bones, supporting their strength and structure. A diet rich in vitamin K can help reduce the risk of bone fractures and conditions like osteoporosis.

Promotes Healthy Blood Pressure

The high potassium content in ingredients like avocado and cucumber helps regulate blood pressure levels. Potassium is known for balancing the effects of sodium in the body and reducing the strain on the cardiovascular system. Maintaining a healthy blood pressure is important for reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Maintains Healthy Cholesterol Levels

The healthy fats found in avocado and olive oil help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. These fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, work to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol while raising HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Including these heart-healthy fats in your diet regularly can help protect against cardiovascular disease.

Versatility in Meal Planning

The Chopped Green Goddess Salad is incredibly versatile. It can serve as a main dish for lunch or dinner, or as a side dish to accompany other meals. Its flexibility allows it to pair well with a variety of proteins, such as grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. You can also add other ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Simple and Quick to Prepare

One of the best aspects of this salad is its simplicity and speed. It requires minimal cooking and can be prepared in just 15-20 minutes. This makes it an ideal option for busy individuals who still want to eat healthy without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Perfect for Meal Prep

This salad is also a great option for meal prepping. The ingredients hold up well when stored in the fridge, and the dressing can be kept separately to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. You can prepare large batches of this salad ahead of time, making it easy to have a healthy meal ready to go throughout the week.

A Dairy-Free Option

For those who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet, this salad can easily be adapted. Simply substitute the Greek yogurt in the dressing with a plant-based yogurt or omit it entirely. The creamy texture of the dressing can still be achieved with the other ingredients, such as avocado and olive oil.

Ideal for Vegan and Vegetarian Diets

This salad is an excellent option for both vegan and vegetarian diets. It contains no animal products (unless the optional pumpkin seeds are substituted with a non-vegan alternative) and is rich in plant-based nutrients. It’s a filling and satisfying meal that provides all the necessary vitamins and minerals to support a plant-based lifestyle.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly

The Chopped Green Goddess Salad is a great choice for individuals looking to adopt a more sustainable diet. Many of the ingredients, such as leafy greens, cucumbers, and herbs, are low in environmental impact compared to animal-based foods. Opting for plant-based meals like this salad can contribute to reducing your carbon footprint.

Enhances Hydration

The cucumber in this salad is not only crunchy and refreshing but also hydrating. Cucumbers are made up of around 95% water, which makes them a great ingredient for maintaining hydration levels in the body. Proper hydration is essential for numerous bodily functions, including temperature regulation, digestion, and circulation.

Encourages Mindful Eating

The vibrant colors and textures of the Chopped Green Goddess Salad make it a visually appealing dish. Engaging all of your senses when eating encourages mindfulness, which can help improve your relationship with food. Taking time to enjoy the flavors and textures of your meal can foster better digestion and prevent overeating.

Incorporating More Greens into Your Diet

The Chopped Green Goddess Salad is a great way to incorporate more greens into your diet. Many people fall short of the recommended daily intake of vegetables, but a salad like this makes it easy to consume a variety of fresh greens. Regularly consuming a wide range of greens can improve overall health and provide a wealth of nutrients.

Conclusion

The Chopped Green Goddess Salad is more than just a tasty dish; it’s a powerhouse of nutrients that support your body’s health in numerous ways. From boosting immunity to promoting digestive health and mental clarity, this salad has a lot to offer. It’s versatile, easy to make, and can be tailored to suit different dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal, a nutritious side dish, or a new way to enjoy leafy greens, this salad is a perfect choice. Make it a regular part of your meal rotation and reap the many benefits it offers.