If you’re ready to dive into a salad experience that packs a vibrant punch of flavors and textures, then you absolutely can’t miss this Green Goddess Salad with Spicy Herb Cashews Recipe. It’s a celebration of fresh greens, creamy tangy dressing, and the unexpected crunch of spicy, herb-coated cashews that make every bite unforgettable. This salad is not just a side—it’s a star on your plate that’s bursting with garden-fresh goodness and just the right amount of heat to keep your taste buds dancing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows seven white bowls with different ingredients placed on a white marbled surface. At the bottom right, there is a clear glass bowl filled with finely chopped white cabbage. Below it and to the left is a white bowl filled with small green cucumber pieces. Above this is a white bowl with chopped green herbs. To the right is a gray bowl filled with large green leafy herbs. Above the gray bowl, there is another white bowl filled with whole light brown cashews. At the top left, a small white bowl contains a bit of red chili sauce, and next to it is a white bowl filled with chopped flat green herbs. A woman's hand is about to pick something from the bowls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Green Goddess Salad with Spicy Herb Cashews Recipe plays a special role in building layers of flavor, crunch, and color, making what looks like a simple salad truly spectacular. From crisp greens to the spicy cashews, every element combines for a fresh and satisfying bowl.

Raw unsalted cashews (1 cup, chopped): The perfect crunchy base to absorb the spicy herb coating.
Chili crunch oil (1 teaspoon): Adds a spicy kick with a hint of savory crunch that elevates the cashews.
Honey (1 teaspoon plus 1.5 teaspoons): Brings balance with a touch of sweetness in the cashew coating and dressing.
Salt (pinch): Essential for enhancing all the flavors without overpowering.
Green cabbage (1/2, finely chopped): Offers a crisp texture and mild peppery flavor that forms the salad’s crunchy backbone.
Flat leaf parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Fresh parsley adds an herbal brightness that wakes up the palette.
Spinach (3 cups chopped + 1 cup for dressing): Delivers a tender green earthiness and vibrant color.
Persian cucumbers (4, diced): Cool, juicy bites that refresh with every forkful.
Chives (1/4 cup, chopped): Offers a delicate onion flavor for subtle depth.
Plain 0% Greek yogurt (1 cup): The creamy, tangy base of the luscious dressing.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and a smooth mouthfeel to the dressing.
Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1 tbsp): Brings brightness and acidity to brighten the flavors.
Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): For a subtle zing and emulsifying power in the dressing.
Fresh herbs of choice (1 cup such as basil, parsley, dill): An herbaceous medley that defines the “green goddess” character.
Black pepper (to taste): For a final seasoning spark that ties everything together.
Diced jalapeno (1 teaspoon): Adds a lively heat to the dressing without overwhelming the other flavors.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Green Goddess Salad with Spicy Herb Cashews Recipe

Step 1: Toast and Spice the Cashews

Start by warming a small pan over medium heat and tossing in your chopped cashews. Keep shaking the pan or stirring to prevent burning, allowing the nuts to get just the right golden brown in about 3 to 4 minutes. While they toast, prepare your seasoning mix with chili crunch oil, honey, and a pinch of salt on a piece of parchment paper. Once toasted, immediately transfer the cashews to the parchment and toss them with this zingy mixture. This step is where those spicy herb cashews truly come to life with contrast between sweet, heat, and crunch.

Step 2: Build Your Fresh Salad Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and add the finely chopped green cabbage, fresh parsley, spinach, diced cucumbers, and chives. This blend forms a colorful and crisp salad bed that’s both vibrant and texturally interesting, setting the perfect canvas for the star toppings and dressing.

Step 3: Whip Up the Green Goddess Dressing

In a blender or food processor, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, your chosen fresh herbs, extra spinach, black pepper, salt, and diced jalapeno. Blend until everything turns into a luxuriously smooth, herbaceous dressing that beautifully coats the salad components.

Step 4: Assemble and Toss

Pour that vibrant dressing over your greens and veggies, then toss thoroughly to ensure every leaf and crunch is generously covered. Last but not least, sprinkle the spicy herb cashews on top to add that final layer of irresistible texture and heat.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

This salad is divine just on its own or paired with crispy chicken or your preferred protein for a complete meal. It’s fresh, flavorful, and satisfying in every bite—the ultimate Green Goddess Salad with Spicy Herb Cashews Recipe experience.

How to Serve Green Goddess Salad with Spicy Herb Cashews Recipe

A wooden bowl filled with a fresh salad that has three main layers: a base of chopped green cucumber pieces that are evenly spread, topped with a sprinkling of chopped green herbs, and finished with a generous layer of golden brown roasted cashews scattered on top. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To further elevate your salad, consider garnishing with extra fresh herbs like dill or basil for added aroma. A sprinkle of crumbled feta or shaved Parmesan can add creamy saltiness that contrasts beautifully with the spicy nuts. For an occasional indulgence, a few lemon zest curls on top bring a citrus brightness that’s unforgettable.

Side Dishes

This salad shines as a vibrant side but also pairs spectacularly with dishes like grilled chicken, pan-seared salmon, or even light quinoa bowls. Its herbaceous, tangy dressing complements smoky or simply seasoned proteins, creating balanced meals perfect for casual lunches or elegant dinners.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the salad in individual clear glass bowls to show off the beautiful layers of green and the crunchy cashews on top. Another fun idea is to stuff the salad into hollowed cucumbers or bell peppers for a playful presentation that’s perfect for entertaining or picnic-ready bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers of this Green Goddess Salad with Spicy Herb Cashews Recipe, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge to maintain maximum freshness. Toss them together just before serving to keep that delightful contrast of textures intact, especially the crunch of your cashews.

Freezing

Since this salad is all about fresh greens and crunchy nuts, freezing is not recommended as it will compromise the texture and flavor—especially the creamy yogurt dressing and crisp veggies. For best results, enjoy fresh or refrigerate leftovers only.

Reheating

This dish is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Reheating is unnecessary and not advised because it can wilt the greens and soften the spice-coated cashews. Instead, simply give the salad a fresh toss with the dressing before serving again.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of cashews?

Absolutely! Almonds, pecans, or walnuts make excellent substitutes. Just toast them and toss in the same chili oil and honey mixture to keep the spicy, sweet flavor you love from the Green Goddess Salad with Spicy Herb Cashews Recipe.

What herbs work best for the dressing?

Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and dill are fantastic. You can mix and match based on what you have or prefer, but these three give that signature vibrant, green, garden-fresh profile that defines the dressing.

How spicy is the salad?

The spice level is moderate thanks to the chili crunch oil and a touch of jalapeno in the dressing. It’s lively but balanced by the cool Greek yogurt and fresh greens. You can always adjust the jalapeno quantity to suit your heat preference.

Is this salad suitable for vegans?

This recipe uses Greek yogurt, so it is not vegan. However, you can substitute plant-based yogurt alternatives to make a vegan-friendly Green Goddess Salad with Spicy Herb Cashews Recipe without sacrificing the creamy texture.

Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?

Yes! The dressing can be blended and stored separately up to two days in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before tossing it with the salad to refresh its vibrant flavor and creamy consistency.

Final Thoughts

I really hope you give this Green Goddess Salad with Spicy Herb Cashews Recipe a try because it’s one of those magical dishes that effortlessly combines health, flavor, and texture in every bite. Whether you’re freshening up your lunch routine or looking to wow guests with something bright and unexpected, this salad is your new go-to. Enjoy every crunchy, creamy, herbaceous forkful!

Green Goddess Salad with Spicy Herb Cashews Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need