12g-High-Protein Green Goddess Salad

You know those days when you need something fresh, filling, and fast? That’s exactly why I’m obsessed with this High-Protein Green Goddess Salad. It’s my go-to when I want a lunch that keeps me energized without weighing me down. The first time I threw this together—between work calls and a pile of laundry—I couldn’t believe how something so simple tasted so good. Packed with greens, protein from chickpeas and quinoa, and that creamy, herby dressing, it’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together. And trust me, the flavors get even better as they mingle in the fridge!

Why You’ll Love This High-Protein Green Goddess Salad

This salad is my superhero on busy days, and here’s why you’ll adore it too:

• No-cook magic: Done in 15 minutes flat—just chop, whisk, and toss. Even the quinoa can be prepped ahead!
• Protein powerhouse: Chickpeas, quinoa, and Greek yogurt pack 12g of protein per serving to keep you full for hours.
• Crave-worthy flavors: Creamy avocado, zesty lemon, and fresh herbs make eating healthy actually exciting.
• Endless swaps: Use what you’ve got—swap kale for spinach, add grilled chicken, or skip the feta for vegan vibes.

It’s the salad that never gets boring and always leaves me feeling amazing. Try it once, and it’ll become your fridge staple too!

Ingredients for High-Protein Green Goddess Salad

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavor-packed salad come together in minutes. I like to group them so you can see how the layers work:

• Greens & Veggies: 2 cups chopped kale (stems removed), 1 cup fresh spinach, 1 avocado (diced), 1 cucumber (thinly sliced), 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
• Protein Boosters: 1/2 cup cooked quinoa (cooled), 1/2 cup chickpeas (drained and rinsed), 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional – omit for vegan)
• Herbs & Dressing: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 clove garlic (minced), salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Substitutions & Notes

This salad is crazy adaptable! Swap kale for baby spinach or arugula if you prefer milder greens. No quinoa? Try farro or even brown rice. For vegan versions, swap Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt and skip the feta (or use a dairy-free alternative). Tofu or grilled chicken make great protein additions too. The key is keeping that fresh, herby vibe – everything else is flexible!

How to Make High-Protein Green Goddess Salad

Okay, here’s how we bring this beauty together—it’s so easy you’ll laugh!

1. Prep those greens: First, grab your kale and give it a good massage with clean hands (yes, really!). This helps soften those tough leaves and makes them way more delicious. Toss it in your biggest bowl with the spinach.
2. Whisk the magic dressing: In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Taste it—want more tang? Add lemon! Too thick? A splash of water fixes it.
3. Assemble with love: Now pile in avocado, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, quinoa, chickpeas, and parsley. Drizzle that creamy dressing all over and gently toss until everything’s coated. Top with feta if you’re feeling fancy.

That’s it! Serve immediately for maximum crunch, or let it chill 30 minutes for flavors to party together. Either way, prepare for your tastebuds to celebrate!

Tips for the Best High-Protein Green Goddess Salad

My secret weapons? Massage that kale with a tiny bit of olive oil first—it transforms the texture! Letting the salad sit 15-20 minutes before serving makes flavors pop. If the dressing thickens in the fridge, just stir in a teaspoon of water. And always—always—use fresh herbs for that bright, goddess-worthy flavor!

Serving Suggestions for High-Protein Green Goddess Salad

This salad shines all on its own, but here’s how I love to serve it: Pile it next to grilled chicken or salmon for extra protein power. Scoop it up with warm crusty bread for a casual lunch. Or pack it in jars for meal prep—just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. It’s also killer stuffed into a pita or wrapped in a tortilla for lunch on the go!

Storage & Reheating

This salad stays fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days—just give it a quick stir before serving. Don’t freeze it (the avocado turns sad!) and no reheating needed. The flavors actually get better as they mingle overnight!

High-Protein Green Goddess Salad Nutrition

Nutrition varies slightly based on your specific ingredients, but here’s what one generous serving typically packs:

• 320 calories – Satisfying but not heavy
• 12g protein – Thanks to chickpeas, quinoa and Greek yogurt
• 18g healthy fats – Mostly from avocado and olive oil
• 8g fiber – Keeping everything moving smoothly

The lemon-garlic dressing adds bright flavor without loads of calories, and those fresh veggies deliver a mega-dose of vitamins. It’s the kind of meal that fuels you right!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add meat to this salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sliced steak make fantastic additions. My husband loves tossing in leftover rotisserie chicken – just chop it up and mix it right in. The flavors work beautifully with any protein!

What are the best vegan options?
Easy peasy! Skip the feta and swap Greek yogurt for coconut yogurt in the dressing. Chickpeas and quinoa already give great plant-based protein, but you could add baked tofu or tempeh too. Oh, and that avocado? Vegan gold right there!

How long does this salad keep in the fridge?
It stays fresh about 2 days stored properly. The kale actually holds up better than delicate greens! Just keep it in an airtight container – though I’ll warn you, mine never lasts that long because I always go back for seconds.

Can I meal prep this salad?
Yes! It’s my favorite make-ahead lunch. I layer everything in jars (dressing on bottom, then chickpeas, then greens on top) and shake it up when I’m ready to eat. The flavors get even better after a day!

Try this recipe and tag us – I’d love to see your Green Goddess creations!

Print