✔ Updated · tidier ingredient amounts, a smoother dressing method, dip and storage tips
This is the viral TikTok green goddess salad: tiny bits of crunchy cabbage and cucumber in a creamy, herby, lemony dressing. I eat it with a spoon, or with chips when nobody is watching.
At a glance
The one tip that matters: Chop the cabbage really small. That fine, almost confetti-like texture is what makes this salad so addictive.
Why You'll Love This Salad
- Crunchy and creamy, with no mayo or dairy in sight.
- Doubles as a dip, so it disappears fast with a bag of tortilla chips.
- Make-ahead lunch, since cabbage stays crunchy much longer than lettuce.
What Is the TikTok Green Goddess Salad?
It's a finely chopped salad of cabbage, cucumber, green onion and chives, tossed in a thick, blended green goddess dressing. The dressing skips the usual mayo and sour cream and gets its creaminess from walnuts, olive oil and nutritional yeast, so it's vegan.
The salad blew up on TikTok in 2021, and honestly, I get the hype. My test for any viral recipe is simple: would I make it again next week? This one is a yes, every time.
Step-by-Step Photos
Here's how it comes together. Exact amounts, times and temperatures are in the recipe card below.
Tips for Success
- Go small with the chop. I slice the cabbage into thin ribbons, then turn the pile and chop across it until it's tiny. A food processor works too: pulse in short bursts so it doesn't turn to mush.
- Liquids in first. Lemon juice, oil and vinegar at the bottom of the blender help the blades catch the greens, so the dressing turns silky instead of chunky.
- Dry your greens. Wet basil and spinach water down the dressing. A quick spin in a salad spinner keeps it thick and punchy.
- Make it your own. Parmesan works in place of nutritional yeast (no longer vegan), cashews in place of walnuts, and lime in place of lemon. A pinch of cayenne gives it a little kick.
- Store dressing and veg apart if you're prepping ahead. Toss just before eating and the crunch stays perfect.
TikTok Green Goddess Salad
4
servings20
minutes0
minutes240
kcal20
minutesThe viral chopped green goddess salad: finely chopped cabbage, cucumbers, scallions and chives tossed in a creamy, tangy blended dressing of basil, spinach, lemon, walnuts and nutritional yeast. Vegan and ready in 20 minutes; eat it with a spoon or scoop it up with chips.
Ingredients
- For the Salad
1 small head green cabbage, very finely chopped (about 6 cups)
3 Persian or mini cucumbers, finely diced
1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh chives, finely chopped
- For the Green Goddess Dressing
1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
1 cup baby spinach, packed
1 shallot, roughly chopped
2 garlic cloves
2 lemons, juiced (about 1/4 cup)
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1/3 cup nutritional yeast
1/4 cup walnuts (or cashews)
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons water, to thin if needed
Directions
- Make the Dressing
- Add the lemon juice, olive oil and rice vinegar to a blender or food processor first, then the basil, spinach, shallot, garlic, nutritional yeast, walnuts and salt.
- Blend for 40 to 60 seconds, scraping down once, until smooth and bright green. Add a tablespoon or two of water if it’s too thick to move. Taste and adjust salt and lemon.
- Chop and Toss
- Chop the cabbage very finely, about the size of rice grains or a little bigger. Dice the cucumbers small and slice the green onions and chives.
- Add everything to a large bowl, pour over the dressing and toss until every bit is coated. Serve right away with a spoon or with tortilla chips for scooping.
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Ways to Serve It
- As a dip: with tortilla chips, pita chips or crackers.
- As a side: next to grilled chicken, salmon or burgers.
- In a wrap: roll it up with hummus or grilled chicken.
- On a bowl: spoon it over rice or quinoa with chickpeas for a quick lunch.
More Fresh Salads and Sides
Love a crunchy salad? Try our KFC coleslaw copycat or the Chick-fil-A coleslaw copycat, or check how long coleslaw lasts. Got extra cucumbers? Here's whether you can freeze cucumbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who created the TikTok green goddess salad?
The salad went viral on TikTok in 2021 thanks to Melissa Ben-Ishay, founder of Baked by Melissa. This is my version inspired by that viral recipe, with the same chopped cabbage base and a creamy basil and spinach dressing.
What does nutritional yeast taste like?
Nutritional yeast has a savory, nutty, slightly cheesy flavor, which is why it gives this vegan dressing a Parmesan-like depth. You'll find it in the baking or health food aisle. If you don't have it, use 1/3 cup grated Parmesan instead.
How long does green goddess salad last?
Dressed salad keeps 2 to 3 days in a covered container in the fridge. The cabbage softens a little and releases some liquid, so give it a stir. The dressing on its own keeps 4 to 5 days in a jar in the fridge.
Can I use something other than cabbage?
Yes. Finely chopped kale, romaine or iceberg lettuce all work, though lettuce won't last as long once dressed. A bag of shredded coleslaw mix, chopped smaller, is a handy shortcut.
What do you eat green goddess salad with?
Eat it on its own with a spoon, scoop it with tortilla chips or crackers, or serve it as a side with grilled chicken, salmon or burgers. It also makes a great topping for tacos and grain bowls.
