Viral Chopped Green Goddess Quinoa Salad Recipe

You know that feeling. It’s 5:30 PM. Your brain is fried. The fridge is a collection of sad-looking veggies. And the idea of making a “healthy” dinner feels like a chore you just can’t face.

I get it. I live it. That’s why I’m obsessed with this Viral Chopped Green Goddess Quinoa Salad. It’s the answer to that exact problem. It’s not just a salad. It’s a flavor bomb that comes together faster than you can order takeout. And it makes you feel like a superhero who actually ate their vegetables. If you love easy, hands-off meals, you should also try this classic crockpot chicken, potatoes, and green beans recipe.

This recipe is pure busy-cook magic. We’re talking maximum crunch, creamy herb dressing, and protein-packed quinoa all in one bowl. It’s a meal prep dream and a weeknight lifesaver. Let’s dig in.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: American
• Category: Salad, Main Course
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes (mostly hands-off)
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 as a main, 6 as a side

Ultimate Guide to Viral Chopped Green Goddess Quinoa Salad

Why is this the only guide you need? Simple. I’ve made every mistake so you don’t have to. This version nails three things: texture, speed, and flexibility.

The viral part is real. It’s everywhere for a reason. But my spin makes sure it’s actually satisfying. We chop everything small so you get a perfect bite every time. No giant chunks of cucumber falling off your fork.

The green goddess dressing is a creamy, herby hug for your grains. It’s made with easy ingredients you can find anywhere. And the best part? You can make a big batch on Sunday and eat like a king all week. Let’s power up your dinner routine.

The Simple Ingredients

Here’s the beauty of this dish. It’s built on pantry and fridge staples. Don’t stress if you’re missing one thing. I’ve got swaps for you later.

• For the Quinoa & Salad:
  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa (any color—I use tri-color for fun)
  • 2 cups water or broth
  • 1 English cucumber, finely chopped
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 large avocado, diced
  • 1/2 a red onion, finely chopped
  • 4-5 green onions, sliced
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• For the Green Goddess Dressing:
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or mayo for a richer taste)
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro or parsley
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small garlic clove
  • 2 anchovy fillets (optional, but SO good for depth)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Let’s Get Cooking! (The Step-by-Step)

This is where the magic happens. Follow these steps and you’ll have dinner ready in a flash. I promise it’s easy.

1. Cook the quinoa. Rinse your quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer. This removes any bitterness. Add it to a pot with the 2 cups of water or broth. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let it cool slightly. You can spread it on a tray to speed this up!
2. Blitz the dressing. While the quinoa cooks, make the dressing. Add all dressing ingredients to a blender or food processor. Blend until it’s smooth and gloriously green. Taste it! Add more lemon or salt if you like. This takes just 2 minutes.
3. Chop your veggies. Get all your vegetables chopped and into a large mixing bowl. This is the “chopped” part—keep pieces small and uniform.
4. Combine everything. Add the slightly cooled quinoa and the drained chickpeas to the bowl with the veggies. Pour about 3/4 of the dressing over everything.
5. Mix gently. Toss everything together until it’s beautifully coated. Be gentle with the avocado so it doesn’t turn to mush.
6. Serve and enjoy! Dish it up! Drizzle the remaining dressing on top for an extra boost. Dinner is served.

What to Serve With This Dish

This salad is a full meal on its own. But if you want to round it out, here are my go-to fast pairings.

Grilled chicken or shrimp on the side is fantastic. Just season and cook while the quinoa simmers. A simple piece of crusty bread is perfect for scooping up every last bit. For another fantastic quinoa-based dinner that cooks itself, check out this easy crockpot chicken and quinoa recipe.

For a vegan feast, add some crispy baked tofu. It’s also amazing stuffed into a pita or wrap for lunch the next day. So many easy options.

Make This Recipe Your Own (Quick Swaps)

No red onion? No problem. Use shallots or just more green onions. Not a cilantro fan? Use all parsley or even some dill.

Swap the chickpeas for white beans or black beans. Use farro or couscous instead of quinoa. Add feta or goat cheese for a creamy twist.

The dressing is flexible too. Use all yogurt, all mayo, or a mix. No anchovies? Add a teaspoon of capers or a dash of soy sauce for that savory kick. Make it yours!

How to Store Leftovers (If You Have Any!)

This salad is a meal prep superstar. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.

A quick tip: Store the avocado separately if you can, or just accept it will brown a little—it still tastes amazing. The flavors actually get better as they mingle. Give it a stir before serving.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

• Calories: ~380 per main serving
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 12g
• Fat: 16g (mostly healthy fats)
• Note: Estimates based on using Greek yogurt. Values will vary with substitutions.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! It’s perfect for make-ahead meals. Prep everything and store the dressing separately. Combine just before eating for the best texture.

Is there a substitute for quinoa?

Yes! Try cooked farro, bulgur, or even brown rice. Any healthy grain works. Just make sure it’s cooled before you mix it in.

My dressing is too thick. What do I do?

Easy fix. Just thin it out with a tablespoon of water, lemon juice, or more olive oil. Blend again until it’s your perfect consistency.

See? I told you it was simple. This Viral Chopped Green Goddess Quinoa Salad is your ticket to a fast, healthy, and seriously delicious dinner. It solves the “what’s for dinner” panic with zero fuss. For more effortless dinner inspiration, this easy crockpot chicken and quinoa dish is another perfect weeknight solution.

You get your superfood grains, your veggies, and a dressing you’ll want to put on everything. It’s a win for your taste buds and your busy schedule. Go try this and win back your weeknight! Let me know how it goes by leaving a comment and rating below!