Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the ground turkey with a plant-based ground meat substitute, or use 2 cups of cooked lentils or chickpeas instead. You'll still get plenty of protein while keeping the dish completely vegetarian-friendly.

How spicy is this salad with the jalapeño in the dressing?

Using half a jalapeño with seeds removed gives just a gentle heat that most people find pleasantly warming rather than truly spicy. If you're sensitive to heat, start with just a quarter of a jalapeño or omit it entirely. Conversely, leave the seeds in or use the whole pepper if you love spice!

Can I use a different lettuce instead of iceberg?

Yes! While iceberg provides the classic crunch, you can substitute romaine for a similar texture with more nutrients, or try a spring mix for a softer texture and different flavor profile. Just adjust the amount to get the right balance of greens to protein.

Is there a dairy-free option for the dressing?

Definitely! Use dairy-free yogurt made from coconut, almond, or soy as a direct substitute for the regular yogurt or sour cream. The avocado already provides creaminess, so you'll barely notice the difference in the final dressing.

High Protein Green Goddess Salad Recipe

Name: High Protein Green Goddess Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Drizzle of avocado or olive oil; 450 grams extra lean ground turkey (or any ground meat you like); 1 small yellow onion, finely diced; 4 cloves of garlic, finely diced; Salt and pepper to taste; Chilli powder or chilli pepper (optional); ½ iceberg lettuce, finely chopped; ½ english cucumber, finely chopped; ¼ cup olive oil; ½ lemon, juiced; ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream; ¼ jalapeño (optional); ½ avocado, pit removed; ½ cup parsley; Salt to taste; 1 tablespoon honey dijon mustard; Splash of cold water, if needed

This High Protein Green Goddess Salad is a game-changer for anyone looking for a nutritious yet satisfying meal. Featuring seasoned ground turkey, crisp vegetables, and a creamy herb-packed dressing, this salad delivers impressive protein content while keeping your taste buds completely enchanted. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for health-conscious eaters who don’t want to sacrifice flavor for nutrition.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Protein-Packed: With 40g of protein per serving, this salad will keep you full and satisfied for hours while supporting your fitness goals.
Quick and Simple: From start to finish in just 20 minutes, this recipe fits perfectly into busy weeknight routines when you want something nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Versatile: Works brilliantly as a complete meal on its own, but can also be served as a side dish for gatherings or meal prepped for lunches throughout the week.
Balanced Nutrition: This salad combines lean protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables in one colorful bowl, giving you a well-rounded meal that tastes incredible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Turkey: The star protein source that makes this salad truly satisfying and filling. You can substitute with ground chicken, beef, or even plant-based alternatives if you prefer.
Yellow Onion: Adds aromatic sweetness and depth to the meat component. Dice it finely to ensure it cooks quickly and distributes evenly.
Garlic: Brings essential savory notes that elevate the entire dish. Fresh is absolutely worth the small effort of mincing.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and optional chili powder transform the plain meat into something truly crave-worthy. Don’t be shy with these!
Iceberg Lettuce: Provides the perfect crisp foundation with its refreshing crunch and subtle flavor that won’t compete with the other ingredients.
English Cucumber: Adds a refreshing element and additional crunch factor. The seedless variety works best as it’s less watery.
Olive Oil: Used both for cooking and in the dressing. Choose a good quality one since you’ll taste it in the final dish.
Lemon Juice: Brings necessary acidity to the dressing, brightening all the flavors and balancing the creaminess.
Yogurt/Sour Cream: Creates the creamy base for the dressing without excessive calories. Plain Greek yogurt will add even more protein.
Jalapeño: Optional but recommended for a gentle heat that complements the cooling elements of the salad.
Avocado: Contributes healthy fats and luxurious creaminess to the dressing.
Parsley: The signature herb that gives Green Goddess dressing its distinctive fresh flavor and vibrant color.
Honey Dijon Mustard: Adds complexity, a touch of sweetness, and helps emulsify the dressing.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Swaps

Try using grilled chicken breast, sautéed shrimp, or marinated tofu cubes instead of ground turkey. For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with chickpeas or black beans for plant-based protein.

Veggie Add-ins

Enhance the vegetable profile by adding cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, bell peppers, or radishes for extra crunch and nutrition.

Herb Variations

Experiment with the dressing by incorporating basil, cilantro, dill, or mint in addition to or instead of parsley for different flavor profiles.

Grain Boost

Add a scoop of cooked quinoa, farro, or brown rice to make this salad even more substantial and introduce additional nutrients and texture.

How to Make High Protein Green Goddess Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Protein Component

Heat a drizzle of avocado or olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced yellow onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and beginning to soften. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a wooden spoon into small pieces. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all liquid has evaporated and the meat begins to turn golden brown at the edges.

Step 2: Season the Meat

Add the minced garlic to the nearly cooked meat mixture and stir for another minute until fragrant. Season with salt, pepper, and chili powder if desired. The meat should be well-seasoned as it will be distributed throughout the salad. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

While the meat cooks, finely chop the iceberg lettuce and English cucumber. Place them in a large bowl, creating the fresh, crunchy base for your salad.

Step 4: Make the Green Goddess Dressing

Add olive oil, lemon juice, yogurt (or sour cream), jalapeño (if using), avocado, parsley, salt, and honey Dijon mustard to a blender. Blend until completely smooth and vibrant green. If the dressing seems too thick, add a splash of cold water until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Add the cooked ground turkey mixture to the bowl with lettuce and cucumber. Pour the green goddess dressing over the top and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately with tortilla chips on the side or enjoy as is.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Meat: Cook the ground turkey just until it’s no longer pink and starting to brown. Overcooked ground meat can become dry and tough.
Layer the Flavors: Season at each step rather than just at the end—this creates depth of flavor throughout the dish.
Prep Ahead: Make the dressing up to three days ahead and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve after they’ve had time to meld.
Texture Balance: Chop the vegetables finely but not too small—you want them to maintain some texture against the softness of the cooked meat.
Dressing Consistency: For the perfect dressing, aim for a consistency that will coat the back of a spoon but still pour easily. Adjust with water as needed.

How to Serve

Main Meal

Serve a generous portion as a complete protein-packed meal for lunch or dinner. The combination of protein, vegetables, and healthy fats makes this satisfying enough to stand alone.

Side Dish

Offer smaller portions as a side salad alongside grilled fish, chicken, or a hearty soup for a complete dinner experience.

Serving Suggestions

For added texture and enjoyment, serve with:

Tortilla chips or pita chips for scooping
Warm flatbread or naan on the side
A sprinkle of pepitas or sunflower seeds for extra crunch
A wedge of lemon for those who enjoy an extra citrus kick

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Components Separately

For maximum freshness, store the cooked meat, chopped vegetables, and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The meat will keep for 3-4 days, the vegetables for 2-3 days, and the dressing for up to 5 days.

Storing Assembled Salad

If you’ve already mixed everything together, leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, though the vegetables will soften somewhat and release water. Still delicious, but with a different texture.

Freezing

The meat component can be frozen for up to 3 months. The dressing can also be frozen in ice cube trays, then transferred to freezer bags for up to 1 month. Thaw both in the refrigerator before using. The fresh vegetables should not be frozen.

Meal Prep Tips

For weekly meal prep, prepare all components on Sunday, store separately, and assemble fresh portions each day for the best texture and flavor experience.

FAQs

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the ground turkey with a plant-based ground meat substitute, or use 2 cups of cooked lentils or chickpeas instead. You’ll still get plenty of protein while keeping the dish completely vegetarian-friendly.
How spicy is this salad with the jalapeño in the dressing?

Using half a jalapeño with seeds removed gives just a gentle heat that most people find pleasantly warming rather than truly spicy. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with just a quarter of a jalapeño or omit it entirely. Conversely, leave the seeds in or use the whole pepper if you love spice!
Can I use a different lettuce instead of iceberg?

Yes! While iceberg provides the classic crunch, you can substitute romaine for a similar texture with more nutrients, or try a spring mix for a softer texture and different flavor profile. Just adjust the amount to get the right balance of greens to protein.
Is there a dairy-free option for the dressing?

Definitely! Use dairy-free yogurt made from coconut, almond, or soy as a direct substitute for the regular yogurt or sour cream. The avocado already provides creaminess, so you’ll barely notice the difference in the final dressing.

Final Thoughts

This High Protein Green Goddess Salad truly delivers on both nutrition and flavor. It proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland or boring—in fact, it can be downright delicious! The combination of seasoned ground turkey, crisp vegetables, and that incredible herb-packed dressing creates a meal that satisfies on every level. Whether you’re looking to up your protein intake, add more vegetables to your diet, or simply enjoy a fantastic meal that happens to be good for you, this recipe deserves a regular spot in your cooking rotation. Give it a try this week—your taste buds and your body will thank you!