Green Goddess Cabbage Salad with a Creamy Herb Dressing

Oh, what a delight it is to gather around a table with good food and even better company! Today, I’m bubbling with excitement to share a recipe that brings a vibrant freshness to any meal: my Green Goddess Cabbage Salad. This isn’t just any salad; it’s a symphony of crisp textures and bright, herbaceous flavors, all brought together by a dressing so creamy and dreamy, it feels like a comforting hug in every bite. It’s a wonderful reminder that sometimes the simplest ingredients, when treated with a little love, can create something truly magical and incredibly satisfying.

I remember countless afternoons in my grandmother’s kitchen, her hands deftly chopping fresh herbs from her garden. She taught me the secret to a truly unforgettable dish often lies in the quality of your fresh ingredients and the care you put into preparing them. Much like those cherished memories, this Green Goddess Cabbage Salad evokes a feeling of homemade goodness and a touch of nostalgic charm.

This vibrant salad is wonderfully easy to prepare, making it a perfect, family-friendly addition to your weeknight dinners or a standout at your next potluck. My top tip for truly savoring this dish? Allow the flavors to mingle for a little while before serving – it makes all the difference!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Crafting this delightful salad starts with a celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients. For the luscious Green Goddess dressing, you’ll find a harmonious blend of creamy mayonnaise and sour cream, brightened by a medley of fresh parsley, chives, and tarragon, with a zing from lemon juice and a hint of savory depth from anchovy paste and Dijon mustard. The salad itself bursts with crisp green and red cabbage, sweet carrots, crunchy red bell pepper, cool cucumber, and zesty green onions, making this Green Goddess Cabbage Salad a true garden on a plate. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and precise measurements in the recipe card below.

How to Make Green Goddess Cabbage Salad

Creating this refreshing Green Goddess Cabbage Salad is a straightforward two-step dance! First, we’ll whisk together all the wonderful ingredients for that iconic creamy herb dressing, ensuring every component is beautifully blended. Once our dressing is ready, we simply combine it with the crisp, colorful array of prepared vegetables, tossing everything gently until each piece of cabbage and every other vibrant ingredient is lovingly coated. It’s truly that simple to bring this gorgeous Green Goddess Cabbage Salad to life!

Green Goddess Cabbage Salad

A refreshing and crunchy salad featuring crisp green and red cabbage, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy, herb-packed Green Goddess dressing. Perfect as a bright side dish or a light, satisfying meal.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Healthy, Vegetarian

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Green Goddess Dressing

• 1 cup Mayonnaise full-fat or light
• 1/2 cup Sour Cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter option
• 1/2 cup Fresh Parsley packed, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup Fresh Chives roughly chopped
• 2 tbsp Fresh Tarragon roughly chopped
• 2 tbsp Lemon Juice freshly squeezed
• 1 tsp Anchovy Paste optional, but adds umami depth
• 1 clove Garlic minced
• 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
• 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground, or to taste
• 2-4 tbsp Water or Milk as needed to thin to desired consistency

For the Cabbage Salad

• 1/2 head Green Cabbage about 1.5 lbs, thinly sliced or shredded
• 1/4 head Red Cabbage about 0.75 lbs, thinly sliced or shredded
• 2 medium Carrots peeled and shredded or julienned
• 1 medium Red Bell Pepper cored, seeded, and thinly sliced
• 1/2 medium Cucumber English or regular, thinly sliced and quartered
• 4 Green Onions thinly sliced, white and green parts

Equipment

• Large Mixing Bowl
• Food processor or blender
• Cutting Board
• Sharp Knife
• Whisk

Method

 

Prepare the Green Goddess Dressing

1. In a food processor or blender, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh parsley, fresh chives, fresh tarragon, lemon juice, anchovy paste (if using), minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Process until completely smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick, add water or milk 1 tablespoon at a time until your desired consistency is reached.
2. Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want more salt, pepper, or lemon juice. Set aside.

Prepare the Cabbage Salad

1. Wash all vegetables thoroughly. On a large cutting board, thinly slice or shred both the green and red cabbage. For best texture, aim for very fine strips. Peel and shred or julienne the carrots. Core, seed, and thinly slice the red bell pepper. Halve the cucumber lengthwise, then thinly slice and quarter the pieces. Thinly slice the green onions, including both white and green parts.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, sliced red bell pepper, cucumber, and green onions. Toss gently to mix the vegetables evenly.
3. Pour about three-quarters of the prepared Green Goddess dressing over the mixed vegetables. Using clean hands or large salad tongs, toss the salad thoroughly until all the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing. Add more dressing if desired, reserving some for serving or future use if you prefer a less heavily dressed salad.
4. For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the Green Goddess Cabbage Salad for at least 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cabbage to slightly soften. Serve chilled.

Notes

This Green Goddess Cabbage Salad is best enjoyed within a few hours of making for optimal crunch, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The cabbage will soften over time. For a dairy-free option, use a vegan mayonnaise and replace sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt alternative.

Pro Tips for Making This Green Goddess Cabbage Salad

To truly elevate your Green Goddess Cabbage Salad from simply delicious to absolutely divine, I’ve gathered a few cherished tips from my own kitchen adventures. These are the little secrets that make all the difference, ensuring your salad is always at its best.

My Secret Trick: I always make the Green Goddess dressing a few hours, or even a day, ahead of time. This allows the fresh herbs and savory notes to really meld and deepen, creating a more robust and flavorful dressing for your Green Goddess Cabbage Salad. Just keep it chilled in an airtight container!

When preparing your cabbage and other vegetables for this Green Goddess Cabbage Salad, make sure they are thoroughly dry after washing. Excess water can dilute the dressing and make your salad less flavorful and crisp. I find a salad spinner works wonders here!

Don’t be shy about seasoning! Taste your Green Goddess dressing before combining it with the salad. Adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your preference. A perfectly seasoned dressing is the heart of a truly memorable Green Goddess Cabbage Salad.

For the best texture, I recommend dressing the Green Goddess Cabbage Salad just before serving. While the dressing is robust, the cabbage will start to soften over time. Tossing right before mealtime ensures maximum crunch and freshness.

Fun Variations for Green Goddess Cabbage Salad

One of the greatest joys of cooking is getting to play around with flavors and textures, making each recipe uniquely yours. This Green Goddess Cabbage Salad is wonderfully versatile, and I love encouraging you to get creative! Here are a few ways you can adapt this vibrant salad to suit your mood or what you have on hand.

Add a Protein Punch

My sister loves when I add some shredded cooked chicken or grilled shrimp to her Green Goddess Cabbage Salad, transforming it into a hearty main course. You could also try canned chickpeas or white beans for a vegetarian option that adds extra substance and fiber.

Spice It Up or Sweeten It

For those who enjoy a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the dressing or a finely diced jalapeño in the salad can add a wonderful warmth. On the other hand, if you prefer a touch of sweetness, a few dried cranberries or golden raisins can be a delightful addition to this Green Goddess Cabbage Salad.

Seasonal Vegetable Swaps

Feel free to swap some of the vegetables based on what’s fresh and in season! Crisp snap peas, thinly sliced radishes, or even some blanched broccoli florets could make lovely additions to your Green Goddess Cabbage Salad. It’s all about experimenting with what you love!

What to Serve With Green Goddess Cabbage Salad

This Green Goddess Cabbage Salad is so vibrant and flavorful, it truly holds its own as a side dish, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses, enhancing any meal. My mom always said a good side dish should complement, not overpower, and this salad does just that!

I love serving this crisp Green Goddess Cabbage Salad alongside simple grilled chicken or fish. The creamy, herbaceous dressing and refreshing crunch cut through the richness of grilled meats perfectly. It’s an ideal partner for a light summer barbecue.

For a comforting weeknight meal, try pairing the Green Goddess Cabbage Salad with a [[hearty lentil soup]]. The fresh, bright flavors of the salad offer a wonderful contrast to a warm, savory bowl.

It’s also an excellent choice to bring to a potluck or picnic. It travels well and offers a delightful, refreshing counterpoint to richer, heavier dishes often found at gatherings. A simple crusty bread on the side is all you need to complete the experience!

How to Store Green Goddess Cabbage Salad

Making sure your delicious creations stay fresh and tasty is an important part of the baking and cooking journey! When it comes to preserving the wonderful flavors of your Green Goddess Cabbage Salad, a little care goes a long way.

To store leftover Green Goddess Cabbage Salad, the key is an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dressed salad will remain fresh and delightfully crisp for about 1-2 days. While it’s best enjoyed on the day it’s made for peak crunch, it still makes a lovely lunch the next day.

If you anticipate leftovers, my personal tip is to store the dressing and the chopped vegetables separately. This way, you can dress individual portions as needed, keeping the cabbage and other veggies perfectly crisp for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. This ensures your Green Goddess Cabbage Salad retains its wonderful texture every single time you serve it.

Nutritional Benefits

While my heart sings for decadent desserts, I also believe in balancing indulgence with wholesome ingredients, and this Green Goddess Cabbage Salad truly embodies that spirit! Packed with a colorful array of fresh vegetables like cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, and cucumber, it’s a wonderful source of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. The fresh herbs also contribute their own nutritional goodness, making this Green Goddess Cabbage Salad a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing, proving that wholesome can be incredibly delicious.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I prepare the Green Goddess dressing in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend making the Green Goddess dressing ahead of time. It allows the flavors of the fresh herbs and other ingredients to meld beautifully, creating an even more delicious dressing for your Green Goddess Cabbage Salad. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Faq 2

What kind of cabbage works best for this salad?
I love using a mix of both green and red cabbage for this Green Goddess Cabbage Salad. The combination offers a beautiful visual contrast and a slightly varied texture. However, feel free to use just green cabbage if that’s what you have on hand – it will still be wonderfully crisp and flavorful.

Faq 3

Can I add protein to this Green Goddess Cabbage Salad?
Yes, absolutely! This Green Goddess Cabbage Salad is wonderfully adaptable if you want to make it a more substantial meal. Shredded grilled chicken, cooked shrimp, flaked salmon, or even some roasted chickpeas are fantastic additions that add satisfying protein to your fresh salad.

Faq 4

How long does Green Goddess Cabbage Salad last once dressed?
Once dressed, your Green Goddess Cabbage Salad is best enjoyed within 1-2 days. The vegetables, especially the cabbage, will start to soften over time. For the freshest crunch, toss the salad with the dressing just before serving your Green Goddess Cabbage Salad.

Conclusion

There’s something truly magical about a dish that brings together simplicity, incredible flavor, and a touch of homemade warmth. This Green Goddess Cabbage Salad with its creamy herb dressing is just that – a celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients that come together to create a truly delightful experience. It’s a testament to the fact that with a little love and patience, even the humblest of vegetables can be transformed into a memorable dish. So, I wholeheartedly encourage you to step into your kitchen, embrace the joy of creating, and share this wonderful Green Goddess Cabbage Salad with those you love, creating sweet memories one delicious bite at a time.