Name: Butter Lettuce Salad with Snap Peas, Cucumber, Radishes, and Green Goddess Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup sugar snap peas (ends trimmed and thinly sliced on the diagonal); 1 Persian cucumber (thinly sliced); 1 1/2 cups butter lettuce (or escarole, chopped into bite-sized pieces); 2 radishes (ends trimmed and thinly sliced); 3/4 cup leftover cooked grains (such as farro, barley, or quinoa) (optional, for a heartier meal); 1/2 cup leftover cooked meat (such as salmon or chicken) (optional, for a heartier meal); Salt and black pepper (to taste); 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 3 tablespoons homemade or store-bought green goddess dressing

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 7 reviews

I am absolutely smitten with this Butter Lettuce Salad with Snap Peas, Cucumber, Radishes, and Green Goddess Dressing Recipe because it strikes the perfect balance of crisp, fresh textures and vibrant, herbaceous flavors. Every time I whip it up, I’m amazed at how effortlessly it comes together and how wonderfully it brightens up any meal. The mix of buttery lettuce with the snap peas’ natural sweetness, the cool crunch of cucumber, and the peppery bite of radishes tossed in that creamy, tangy Green Goddess dressing is simply irresistible.

Why You'll Love This Butter Lettuce Salad with Snap Peas, Cucumber, Radishes, and Green Goddess Dressing Recipe

I love this recipe because the flavor profile feels both fresh and indulgent at the same time. The butter lettuce provides a tender, almost silky base that softly cushions the bright snap peas and crisp cucumbers. Radishes add a delightful peppery snap that cuts through the richness of the dressing, which is herby, zesty, and creamy without ever feeling heavy. It’s like a little green garden party on your plate that’s as delightful to eat as it is to look at.

One of the best things about this Butter Lettuce Salad with Snap Peas, Cucumber, Radishes, and Green Goddess Dressing Recipe is how quick and easy it is to put together. I can have it ready in under 10 minutes, making it my go-to when I want something light yet satisfying without fuss. It’s brilliant for casual weeknight dinners but also shines at holiday gatherings, potlucks, or when welcoming guests. What really makes it stand out is how adaptable it is—you can toss in cooked grains or leftover protein to make it a heartier affair, yet it never loses its fresh, bright appeal.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows four white dishes arranged on a white marbled texture surface. The top left bowl contains light brown cooked barley grains, with a slightly soft texture. The top right oval dish holds a dark green cucumber, two bright red radishes, and several fresh sugar snap peas in their green pods. The bottom left bowl holds a vibrant green, creamy dressing with a smooth texture, and a white spoon with a wooden handle resting inside. The bottom right bowl is full of dark and light green torn lettuce leaves with a slightly crinkled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this salad are beautifully simple but each brings something essential that makes the dish sing. From the delicate butter lettuce to the sweet snap peas and peppery radishes, everything adds a unique texture and color. The Green Goddess dressing ties all the elements together, adding that irresistible herbal creaminess you’ll crave again and again.

Tip!

You’ll find all ingredient quantities in the recipe card below.

Sugar snap peas: Trim the ends and slice thinly on the diagonal for a sweet crunch.
Persian cucumber: Thin slices add a refreshing coolness that balances the peppery radishes.
Butter lettuce: Use tender leaves chopped into bite-sized pieces for a luscious, silky base.
Radishes: Thinly sliced for a crisp, peppery bite that livens up the salad.
Cooked grains (optional): Farro, barley, or quinoa add heartiness and texture for a more filling meal.
Cooked meat (optional): Salmon or chicken are perfect proteins if you want to make it a main course.
Salt and black pepper: Season generously as the salad holds salt well and builds flavor.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps meld all the flavors together.
Green Goddess dressing: Homemade or store-bought, this creamy herb dressing delivers bright, tangy notes that pull everything into harmony.

Directions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, add all of your salad ingredients—sugar snap peas, Persian cucumber slices, butter lettuce, radishes, and if you’re using them, leftover grains and cooked meat. I love mixing these right away so all the textures start mingling.

Step 2: Season your salad with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. I usually go a bit generous on the salt here because the salad can absolutely handle it and it brings out the crunch and sweetness beautifully.

Step 3: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil over everything. This little step adds a subtle richness and helps the dressing adhere to every leaf and slice.

Step 4: Pour in 3 tablespoons of Green Goddess dressing, or adjust to your taste preference. Toss the salad gently but thoroughly, making sure each component is evenly coated with that glorious dressing.

Step 5: Give the salad a final taste and tweak the seasoning if needed. Serve immediately for the freshest texture and brightest flavors.

Servings and Timing

This Butter Lettuce Salad with Snap Peas, Cucumber, Radishes, and Green Goddess Dressing Recipe makes about 2 generous servings, perfect for a light lunch or a side for dinner. The prep time is a breezy 10 minutes, with no cooking required unless you're adding cooked grains or protein from leftovers. There’s no cook time for the salad itself, and you can serve it immediately, so the total time is just about 10 minutes. Since it's best fresh, no resting or cooling time is needed here.

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

This dish is a white bowl filled with fresh salad layers, placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is leafy green lettuce spread evenly around the bowl. On top, sliced green snap peas are piled in the front center with a sprinkle of black pepper. To the left of the snap peas, there are thin white radish slices with red edges. Behind the snap peas, fresh cucumber slices are arranged in a neat pile. On the right side, a serving of light brown cooked barley fills that space. At the center of the bowl, over the snap peas, there is a generous dollop of bright green creamy sauce with a slightly chunky texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this salad, I love pairing it with simple grilled proteins like lemon-herb chicken, salmon, or even a roasted turkey breast to complement the fresh, crisp flavors without overwhelming them. Sometimes, a crusty baguette or some warm garlic bread on the side adds a comforting touch that’s hard to resist.

For garnishing, a sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds like almonds or pumpkin seeds gives a delightful crunch contrast, and a little extra drizzle of green goddess dressing on top keeps it looking fresh and vibrant. I usually serve this salad chilled or at room temperature, which helps keep the lettuce tender but crisp, making every bite refreshing.

As for drinks, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or an icy cold sparkling water with a squeeze of lime pairs wonderfully with the herbal, tangy notes of the dressing. This salad feels right at home on a sunny weekend brunch table or as a sophisticated starter for dinner parties where you want something light and memorable.

Variations

I love customizing this Butter Lettuce Salad with Snap Peas, Cucumber, Radishes, and Green Goddess Dressing Recipe to suit different cravings and dietary needs. For instance, swapping out butter lettuce for escarole or baby kale gives a different texture and slight bitterness that some days I find so refreshing. If you want to keep it vegan, just double check your dressing or make a dairy-free version using avocado and fresh herbs blended with plant-based yogurt or mayo.

Sometimes, I toss in different crunchy vegetables like shaved fennel or thinly sliced carrots to add vibrant color and sweetness. Adding grains like farro or quinoa makes it more filling, and grilled tofu or tempeh works beautifully as a plant-based protein alternative. If you’re in the mood for more flavor complexity, a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of smoked paprika in the dressing can add a lovely brightness or smoky note.

Lastly, I sometimes take a warm approach by briefly sautéing the snap peas and cucumbers for a minute or two before tossing the salad, which softens them slightly and changes up the texture in a delightful way for cooler days.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers of this salad (though rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because the lettuce is delicate, I recommend keeping the dressing separate if you anticipate storing it for more than a few hours. The salad will stay fresh and crisp for about 1 to 2 days, but beyond that, the greens and snap peas may start to soften and lose their appeal.

Freezing

This Butter Lettuce Salad with Snap Peas, Cucumber, Radishes, and Green Goddess Dressing Recipe is not suitable for freezing. The fresh vegetables and lettuce will become mushy upon thawing, and the dressing can separate or lose its bright flavor. I recommend enjoying it fresh to keep the crispness and vibrancy intact.

Reheating

Since this salad is best served fresh and chilled or at room temperature, reheating is not recommended. If you added cooked grains or proteins, you can gently warm those separately before tossing them cold salad ingredients back in, but avoid heating the entire salad as you’ll lose the fresh crunch and bright flavors that make this dish so special.

FAQs

Can I make the Green Goddess dressing from scratch?

Absolutely! Making the Green Goddess dressing at home is easy and elevates the salad even more. Typically, it includes fresh herbs like tarragon, parsley, and chives blended with mayonnaise, sour cream or yogurt, lemon juice, anchovies, garlic, and olive oil. Whipping it up fresh means you can adjust the herbs and acidity to your liking, making it as bright or creamy as you prefer.

What can I use if I don’t have butter lettuce?

If butter lettuce isn’t available, I love swapping in escarole, baby spinach, or tender romaine. Each of these greens has a slightly different texture and flavor, but they all work beautifully with the crisp veggies and creamy dressing in this salad.

Is this salad gluten-free?

The base salad is naturally gluten-free. Just be mindful if you add cooked grains like farro or barley, which contain gluten. To keep it gluten-free, opt for quinoa or omit the grains altogether. Also, check the Green Goddess dressing ingredients or make your own to ensure no hidden gluten.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

You can prep the veggies and dressing a few hours in advance, but I recommend waiting to toss them all together until just before serving. This way, the butter lettuce stays crisp and the dressing remains fresh-tasting without wilting the greens.

What proteins pair best with this salad?

I love adding leftover grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp to this salad for a more substantial meal. For plant-based options, grilled tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas work well especially if lightly seasoned or marinated to complement the dressing.

Conclusion

I really hope you give this Butter Lettuce Salad with Snap Peas, Cucumber, Radishes, and Green Goddess Dressing Recipe a try because it’s one of those salads that feels effortless yet incredibly rewarding every single time. It’s fresh, flavorful, and versatile—a dish you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again when you want something light, colorful, and full of vibrant taste. Trust me, this salad quickly becomes a favorite in any meal rotation.