Butter Lettuce Salad with Snap Peas, Cucumber, and Green Goddess Dressing Recipe

If you are looking for a fresh, vibrant, and utterly delicious salad, this Butter Lettuce Salad with Snap Peas, Cucumber, and Green Goddess Dressing Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Crisp butter lettuce forms a tender, buttery base, while the snap peas and cucumber add a burst of crunch and brightness. Tossed in a luscious, herb-packed Green Goddess dressing, this salad feels elegant yet effortless—perfect for quick weekday lunches or light dinners. The optional additions of grains and cooked meat make it wonderfully flexible, transforming it from a simple side into a satisfying main course.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity—each ingredient shines in both flavor and texture, creating a harmonious blend that’s colorful and refreshing. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:

• 1/2 cup sugar snap peas: Trimmed and thinly sliced on the diagonal for a sweet crunch that pops.
• 1 Persian cucumber: Thinly sliced to add mild, juicy freshness without overwhelming the salad.
• 1 1/2 cups butter lettuce: Chopped into bite-sized pieces, it provides a soft, buttery leafy foundation.
• 2 radishes: Thinly sliced to introduce a peppery snap and a lovely pink hue.
• 3/4 cup leftover cooked grains (optional): Such as farro, barley, or quinoa, for texture and heartiness.
• 1/2 cup leftover cooked meat (optional): Salmon, chicken, or your favorite protein to make the salad more filling.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all the flavors.
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil: Adds silkiness and depth when tossed through the salad.
• 3 tablespoons Green Goddess dressing: Either homemade or store-bought for that signature creamy herbal punch.

How to Make Butter Lettuce Salad with Snap Peas, Cucumber, and Green Goddess Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Veggies

Start by washing and trimming your sugar snap peas and radishes. Thinly slice the peas diagonally—it gives them a nice shape and texture—then do the same with the radishes and Persian cucumber. Chop your butter lettuce into manageable, bite-sized pieces so every forkful is easy and delightful.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and add your freshly prepped sugar snap peas, cucumber, radishes, and butter lettuce. If you’re making this salad a bit heartier, toss in those leftover grains and meat now. This step is your chance to build layers of taste and texture.

Step 3: Season and Dress

Season the salad generously with salt and a good crack of black pepper. Don’t be shy here; the salad really takes salt well. Drizzle the olive oil over everything, and then add about 3 tablespoons of the Green Goddess dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly so each leaf and slice gets coated in that gorgeous, creamy, herbaceous dressing—this is where the magic happens.

How to Serve Butter Lettuce Salad with Snap Peas, Cucumber, and Green Goddess Dressing Recipe

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, consider sprinkling some toasted nuts like almonds or pine nuts for added crunch. Fresh herbs like tarragon or chives boost the herbal notes of your Green Goddess dressing even further. A little shaved Parmesan or crumbled feta also makes an incredible salty contrast.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled seafood or roasted chicken for a light yet satisfying meal. If you want to keep things vegetarian, serve it alongside a warm grain bowl or your favorite roasted vegetable medley. It’s flexible enough to fit seamlessly into many meals without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this salad in individual butter lettuce “cups” for a delightful finger-food option at gatherings. For a more elegant presentation, plate the salad in clear glass bowls to showcase the beautiful layers and colors. You can even arrange the vegetables in sections on the plate and drizzle the dressing right before serving for a chic, composed look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you want to save leftovers, store the salad without the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The greens stay fresher without the dressing soaking in. When you’re ready to eat, toss with fresh dressing and olive oil.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended due to the delicate nature of the butter lettuce and cucumbers. The texture would suffer, and the dressing might separate upon thawing.

Reheating

Since this is a fresh salad, reheating isn’t necessary or advised. Instead, just add your optional grains and cooked meat warmed separately if you want to enjoy a warm component alongside the crisp veggies.

FAQs

Can I use other types of lettuce?

Absolutely! While butter lettuce is wonderfully tender and mild, you can substitute with escarole, romaine, or even baby kale for a different texture and flavor profile.

Is Green Goddess dressing difficult to make from scratch?

Not at all! Green Goddess dressing typically combines herbs, mayonnaise, sour cream or yogurt, lemon juice, and anchovies or capers. It’s easy to whip up if you have a blender and your favorite fresh herbs on hand.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, simply use a vegan Green Goddess dressing or make your own with plant-based mayo and yogurt alternatives. Skip the cooked meat or use a plant protein like tofu or tempeh to keep things vegan-friendly.

How long does the salad stay fresh once dressed?

Once dressed, it is best to enjoy your salad within a few hours as the butter lettuce can start to wilt and the snap peas lose their crunch. For peak freshness, dress just before serving.

Can I add other vegetables or toppings?

Definitely! Cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, or even roasted beets can make lovely additions. Feel free to customize to your taste while keeping the core flavors balanced.

Final Thoughts

This Butter Lettuce Salad with Snap Peas, Cucumber, and Green Goddess Dressing Recipe has a lightness and freshness that feels so special and satisfying all at once. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a stylish side dish, or a base for your favorite proteins, this salad is ready to brighten your table and your mood. I encourage you to try it soon—once you do, it might just become a staple in your recipe rotation!

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