If you’re looking for a vibrant, refreshing dish that bursts with flavor and nutrients, you’re going to adore this Green Goddess Cabbage Salad Recipe. It’s a perfect harmony of crisp cabbage and fresh herbs, tossed in a luscious, tangy green goddess dressing that’s both creamy and light without any dairy. This salad combines crunchy textures with herbaceous brightness, making it an irresistible choice for a healthy lunch, a side at dinner, or even a party platter staple. Once you try it, I promise it will become one of your go-to salads for any season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows fresh ingredients laid out on a white marbled surface. In the center top is a large green cabbage, with two bright yellow lemons positioned below it. To the left of the cabbage, there are several green onions with white bases and long green stalks, next to a reddish shallot and two garlic cloves. On the bottom right are small glass bowls filled with walnuts, olive oil, fresh green parsley and dill, dried green herbs, yellow flakes, and fresh spinach leaves. At the top right, there are two small glass bowls with a clear liquid and salt. The overall scene has a fresh and natural look with a mix of green, yellow, and neutral tones. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The best part about this Green Goddess Cabbage Salad Recipe is how straightforward and fresh the ingredients are. Each one plays a vital role, from the crunchy cabbage that forms the base, to the soft herbs that bring deep, aromatic complexity to the creamy dressing. Together, they create a salad that sings with both texture and taste.

Green cabbage, diced: Provides the crispy, slightly peppery foundation that holds all the flavors.
Green onions, diced: Adds a mild oniony bite, enhancing the overall depth without overwhelming.
Baby cucumbers or English cucumber, finely diced: Offers fresh, watery crunch that refreshes each forkful.
Chives, diced: Delivers gentle onion notes and a pop of green color for freshness.
Soft herbs (basil, parsley, or dill): Creates the signature green goddess flavor with earthy and bright herbal tones.
Spinach: Boosts nutrition and adds a subtle green backdrop that blends beautifully in the dressing.
Shallot, peeled: Adds a mild sweetness and sharpness, balancing the tangy dressing.
Garlic cloves, peeled: Brings subtle warmth and complexity to the dressing.
Nutritional yeast: Provides a slightly cheesy, nutty note that enriches the dressing without dairy.
Olive oil: Acts as a smooth, fruity base that binds the dressing’s flavors together.
Walnuts (or pecans, cashews, or hazelnuts): Adds crunchy texture and a lovely earthy richness.
Juice of 2 lemons: Injects bright acidity that sharpens every bite.
Rice wine vinegar: Offers subtle sweetness and tang to balance the lemon juice.
Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and brings harmony to the salad components.

How to Make Green Goddess Cabbage Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Veggies

Start by finely dicing the green cabbage, green onions, cucumbers, and chives. Toss them all together in a large mixing bowl. This combination of crunch and freshness sets the stage for your salad, delivering a satisfying bite in every mouthful.

Step 2: Blend the Herbaceous Dressing

In a blender or food processor, combine the soft herbs, spinach, shallot, garlic, nutritional yeast, olive oil, nuts, lemon juice, rice wine vinegar, and sea salt. Blend for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and the herbs are fully incorporated. This dressing is the magic behind the Green Goddess Cabbage Salad Recipe, rich with vibrant green color and layers of flavor that will literally transform your salad.

Step 3: Toss Salad and Dressing Together

Pour the freshly blended dressing over the chopped cabbage mixture and toss everything thoroughly. The goal is to coat each crunchy piece with that creamy, tangy, and herbaceous dressing so every bite bursts with flavor.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Your salad is now ready! You can serve it straight away or chill it briefly to let the flavors meld even more. It’s beautifully versatile and satisfies in every season.

How to Serve Green Goddess Cabbage Salad Recipe

A metal bowl holds three layers of chopped vegetables neatly separated: bright green chopped fresh green onions fill the top right section, finely chopped cabbage with a pale whitish-green color covers the left side, and a pile of dried, darker green chopped herbs sits at the bottom right corner. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle some extra chopped chives or a few crushed walnuts on top for a delightful finishing touch. A light dusting of nutritional yeast can add an extra layer of cheesy goodness. For an elegant touch, a wedge of lemon on the side brightens the presentation and lets your guests add a fresh squeeze.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or your favorite grain bowl for a nourishing meal. It also stands beautifully alongside Mediterranean dishes or as a crisp contrast to richer, heartier foods.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not serve the Green Goddess Cabbage Salad Recipe in individual mason jars for a fresh grab-and-go option? Or pile it in a vibrant bowl surrounded by pita chips or crunchy tortilla chips for dipping. This salad looks as delightful as it tastes, so don’t hesitate to get a little creative with your plating.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad holds up well for up to 2 days, though you might want to keep the dressing separate if you plan to store it longer to maintain crispness.

Freezing

Because of the fresh vegetables and creamy dressing, this salad does not freeze well. Freezing will alter the texture of the cabbage and separate the dressing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. Its crisp, refreshing qualities could be lost if warmed.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cabbage for this recipe?

Absolutely! While green cabbage is traditional here, you can use savoy or napa cabbage for a slightly different texture and flavor, but the classic crunch and mild flavor of green cabbage works best with the dressing.

Is nutritional yeast necessary for the dressing?

Nutritional yeast is what gives the dressing a subtle cheesy, umami depth without dairy. If you don’t have it, you can try a small amount of grated vegan cheese or leave it out, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.

Can I make this salad vegan?

This recipe is naturally vegan and packed with plant-based ingredients, perfect for anyone avoiding animal products while still indulging in creamy, tasty dressing.

How can I make this salad more filling?

Add cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or roasted sweet potatoes to bulk up the salad for a heartier meal. These ingredients complement the fresh green goddess dressing beautifully.

What can I substitute for walnuts in the dressing?

You can swap walnuts for pecans, cashews, or hazelnuts depending on what you have on hand. Each nut brings a slightly different flavor and texture but maintains that satisfying nutty richness.

Final Thoughts

I truly love sharing this Green Goddess Cabbage Salad Recipe with friends and family because it brightens up any meal effortlessly. It’s refreshing, nourishing, and packed with so much flavor that’s anything but ordinary. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a unique side, or a crowd-pleasing dish, this salad is an absolute winner. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it part of your regular recipe rotation!

Green Goddess Cabbage Salad Recipe