Green Goddess Avocado Cucumber (Printable version)

Refreshing salad featuring avocado, cucumber, fresh herbs, and tangy green goddess dressing.

# What you'll need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 large English cucumber, diced
02 - 2 ripe avocados, diced
03 - 1 cup finely chopped romaine lettuce
04 - 1 cup finely chopped baby spinach
05 - 4 green onions, thinly sliced
06 - 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
07 - 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
08 - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

→ Dressing

09 - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
10 - 1/4 cup mayonnaise
11 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
12 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
13 - 1 garlic clove, minced
14 - 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon or 1 teaspoon dried
15 - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
16 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
17 - Salt and black pepper to taste

# Directions:

01 - In a large salad bowl, combine diced cucumber, avocados, romaine lettuce, baby spinach, sliced green onions, chopped parsley, chives, and basil. Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
02 - Place Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, tarragon, dill, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed.
03 - Pour the green goddess dressing over the prepared vegetables. Use salad tongs or a large spoon to toss gently, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
04 - Serve immediately while vegetables are crisp. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired. For optimal freshness, do not let salad sit dressed for more than 15-20 minutes before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The creamy dressing clings to every crisp vegetable bite while still letting each herbs personality shine through
  • You can assemble the entire thing in under twenty minutes, making it perfect for those nights when cooking feels like too much effort but takeout is not the answer
02 -
  • Avocado oxidizes quickly once cut, so dress your salad immediately after dicing to keep it looking vibrant and appetizing
  • The dressing tastes even better after sitting for an hour in the refrigerator, giving the herbs time to meld and mellow
03 -
  • Use a microplane to grate the garlic so it incorporates seamlessly without any harsh raw chunks
  • Season your vegetables with a pinch of salt before adding the dressing to wake up all the flavors