Garden Salad With Green Goddess Dressing(Lo-Fat)
A refreshing, low-fat garden salad featuring a creamy green goddess dressing with fresh vegetables, perfect for light lunches or healthy dinners for any salad lover.
Ingredients
- 2 c. low-fat cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 c. nonfat mayonnaise ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 Tbsp. minced shallots or scallions
- 1 Tbsp. fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp. dried tarragon ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 6 c. mixed salad greens ⓘ
- 2 c. thinly sliced carrots
- 2 c. bite size broccoli florets ⓘ
- 1 pt. cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 c. sliced mushrooms ⓘ
Instructions
- In a food processor, puree the cottage cheese for 3 minutes or until very smooth.
- Transfer the pureed cottage cheese to a large bowl.
- Whisk in the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, minced shallots or scallions, chopped parsley, Dijon mustard, dried tarragon, freshly ground pepper, and minced garlic.
- Cover and refrigerate until needed.
- Toss the prepared dressing with the mixed salad greens, sliced carrots, broccoli florets, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced mushrooms.
- Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dressing, consider adding Greek yogurt as a substitute for some of the cottage cheese. You can also experiment with fresh herbs like basil or dill for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a bit of heat, a dash of hot sauce can be a great addition to the dressing. This salad pairs beautifully with A Good Salad for a refreshing meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant garden salad alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It also makes a great side dish for barbecues or picnics. For a heartier option, add some quinoa or chickpeas to the salad. This dish is a delightful complement to Myrtle'S Brown Sugar Christmas Cookies for a festive gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the greens crisp, store the dressing separately and toss just before serving. If the salad becomes soggy, consider adding a handful of fresh greens before serving to revive its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garden Salad With Green Goddess Dressing(Lo-Fat) contains roughly 1339 calories, with 64g protein, 277g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (303% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1293mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of nonfat?
Yes, you can substitute regular mayonnaise for nonfat if you prefer a richer flavor. However, this will increase the calorie content of the dressing. Adjust the other ingredients to balance the flavors if needed.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If you're looking for a substitute for cottage cheese, consider using silken tofu for a dairy-free option or Greek yogurt for a creamier texture. Both alternatives will provide a similar consistency.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, substitute the cottage cheese with silken tofu blended until smooth, and use vegan mayonnaise. You can also replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).