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Fresh Green Goddess Avocado Salad with edamame, cherry tomatoes, and creamy herb dressing in a ceramic bowl.
Layla

Green Goddess Avocado Salad

Creamy, herb-packed dressing coats crisp greens and buttery avocado for a salad that tastes like spring in every bite.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, California
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

For the Green Goddess Dressing
  • 1 large ripe avocado pitted and flesh scooped
  • 0.5 cup fresh parsley leaves lightly packed
  • 0.25 cup fresh chives cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tbsp fresh tarragon leaves lightly packed
  • 1 clove garlic grated on microplane
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 0.25 cup olive oil extra virgin
  • 2 tbsp water plus more as needed
  • 0.5 tsp fine sea salt plus more to taste
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground
For the Salad
  • 2 heads butter lettuce or Little Gem lettuce leaves separated, washed and dried
  • 1 medium cucumber thinly sliced
  • 1 large ripe avocado diced
  • 4 oz radishes thinly sliced
  • 0.25 cup toasted pepitas for crunch

Equipment

  • Blender or Food Processor
  • Large salad bowl
  • Microplane or fine grater

Method
 

Make the Dressing
  1. In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado flesh, parsley, chives, tarragon, grated garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, water, salt, and pepper. Blend until completely smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides once or twice. The dressing should be thick but pourable - add another tablespoon of water if it seems too stiff. Taste and adjust salt or lemon as needed. Transfer to a jar and set aside.
Prep the Salad Components
  1. Tear the lettuce leaves into bite-sized pieces if they are large, or leave small leaves whole. Pat completely dry with a clean kitchen towel - wet lettuce will dilute the dressing. Slice the cucumber into thin rounds or half-moons. Halve the second avocado, remove the pit, and dice the flesh into half-inch cubes. Slice the radishes paper-thin using a mandoline or sharp knife.
Assemble the Salad
  1. Place the dried lettuce in a large bowl. Add the cucumber and radishes. Spoon about two-thirds of the dressing over the greens and toss gently with your hands or salad tongs until everything is lightly coated - you want the leaves glossy, not drenched. Tuck the diced avocado throughout the salad so it doesn't break apart. Scatter the toasted pepitas over top. Serve right away with extra dressing on the side.

Notes

The dressing can be made up to 2 hours ahead and kept in a jar with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface to prevent browning. If you cannot find fresh tarragon, use an extra tablespoon of chives plus a pinch of dried tarragon - the flavor won't be identical but still delicious. For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, flaked salmon, or a jammy six-minute egg on top.