Green Goddess Sandwich

Fresh and Vibrant: Green Goddess Sandwich with Panela Cheese

The Green Goddess Sandwich with Panela Cheese is a fresh and vibrant take on the classic veggie sandwich, bursting with flavors from creamy avocado, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty herb-infused dressing. This sandwich is perfect for anyone looking for a nutritious, flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and light. Whether you’re packing it for lunch or enjoying it as a snack, this sandwich combines fresh ingredients with a tangy dressing that elevates the flavors to new heights. Paired with whole wheat bread and mild Panela cheese, it’s a wholesome option that’s sure to become a favorite.

The History Behind the Green Goddess Sandwich

  • The Green Goddess Sandwich, inspired by the classic Green Goddess dressing, is a modern twist on a traditional veggie sandwich. The original Green Goddess dressing was created in the 1920s at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco and became famous for its creamy, herby flavor. Today, the Green Goddess flavor profile is used in various dishes, especially salads and sandwiches, for its ability to enhance the natural flavors of fresh ingredients.

  • This Green Goddess Sandwich with Panela Cheese takes the essence of the beloved dressing and combines it with crisp vegetables, creamy avocado, and the mild, smooth texture of Panela cheese. It’s a fresh and flavorful way to enjoy a healthy lunch or light meal while incorporating the vibrant Green Goddess flavors.

Flavor and Texture

The Green Goddess Sandwich is a delightful balance of textures and flavors. The whole wheat bread serves as a sturdy, nutty base, providing a chewy texture that complements the creamy avocado and mild Panela cheese. The zucchini ribbons and cucumber slices add a refreshing crunch, while the watercress delivers a slightly peppery note. Alfalfa sprouts bring an extra layer of crispness, making each bite more exciting.

The real star of this sandwich is the Green Goddess dressing, made with fresh basil, cilantro, and chives, along with olive oil, salt, and pepper. This herbed dressing adds a burst of flavor and brightness that brings all the elements together. Its creamy texture enhances the freshness of the vegetables and cheese, giving the sandwich a rich yet light quality that is irresistible.

Ingredient Substitutions

One of the best things about the Green Goddess Sandwich is its versatility. If you’re missing any ingredients or simply want to change things up, there are plenty of substitutions you can make:

  • Bread: While whole wheat bread is used in this recipe, feel free to swap it out for sourdough, gluten-free bread, or any type of sandwich bread you prefer.
  • Cheese: If you can’t find Panela cheese, fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, or mild cheddar make great alternatives.
  • Veggies: Customize the veggies to suit your taste. You can swap zucchini for shredded carrots, cucumber for bell peppers, or watercress for spinach or arugula.
  • Herbs: If you’re out of cilantro or chives, parsley or dill work well as replacements. You can also use store-bought Green Goddess dressing for added convenience.

Storage Tips

This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store leftovers, here’s what you can do to keep it at its best. To avoid sogginess, store the sandwich filling and bread separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to eat, simply assemble the sandwich. The Green Goddess dressing can also be stored in a separate container for up to 3 days, so you can prepare it in advance for a quick and easy lunch.

Serving Suggestions

This Green Goddess Sandwich pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a simple, balanced meal, serve it with a side of your favorite chips or a refreshing fruit salad. If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, try pairing it with a light soup or roasted vegetables. For a Mediterranean-inspired spread, add olives, pickles, or roasted nuts on the side for an elevated meal.

FAQs

Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sandwich ahead of time. To prevent the bread from becoming soggy, store the filling and bread separately, and assemble the sandwich when ready to eat.

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! You can use any bread of your choice, such as sourdough, gluten-free, or rye bread, depending on your preference.

Is this sandwich vegetarian or vegan?

This sandwich is vegetarian because it includes cheese. To make it vegan, simply replace the cheese with a vegan alternative or omit it entirely.

Can I add protein to the sandwich?

Yes, feel free to add grilled chicken, tofu, chickpeas, or hard-boiled egg for extra protein.

How long will the Green Goddess dressing last?

The Green Goddess dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! Fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, or feta are all great substitutes for Panela cheese.

Can I substitute the zucchini or cucumber with other vegetables?

Of course! You can replace zucchini with shredded carrots or roasted bell peppers, and cucumber can be swapped with radishes or even sliced tomatoes.

How do I make this sandwich gluten-free?

To make this sandwich gluten-free, use gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

The Green Goddess Sandwich with Panela Cheese is a delightful, healthy option for anyone craving a fresh, satisfying meal. With its creamy avocado, crisp veggies, and herbed dressing, this sandwich is full of flavor and texture, making it a perfect choice for lunch or a light snack. Whether you’re making it for yourself or serving it to friends, this Green Goddess Sandwich is sure to please with its vibrant flavors and nutritious ingredients. Try it today and enjoy the refreshing taste of this delicious sandwich!

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Green Goddess Sandwich

Green Goddess Sandwich with Panela Cheese

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  • Yield: makes 3

Ingredients

Scale

For Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup packed fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon packed fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Sandwich

  • 6 large sandwich bread slices (I used wheat)
  • 1 large avocado
  • 6 ounces Panela cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch thick slices
  • 1 large zucchini, shaved into ribbons
  • 1 large cucumber, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
  • 1/2 cup fresh watercress
  • 1/4 cup alfalfa sprouts

Instructions

  1. Place basil, cilantro, chives, olive oil, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk to combine.
  2. Spread 1/3 of avocado on a bread slice. Layer with cheese, zucchini, cucumber, watercress and alfalfa sprouts. Spread 1/3 of basil/cilantro/chives mixture on a second bread slice to top sandwich with. Wrap in parchment paper. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Serve with your favorite chips.

Flavor and Texture

The Green Goddess Sandwich is a delightful balance of textures and flavors. The whole wheat bread serves as a sturdy, nutty base, providing a chewy texture that complements the creamy avocado and mild Panela cheese. The zucchini ribbons and cucumber slices add a refreshing crunch, while the watercress delivers a slightly peppery note. Alfalfa sprouts bring an extra layer of crispness, making each bite more exciting.

The real star of this sandwich is the Green Goddess dressing, made with fresh basil, cilantro, and chives, along with olive oil, salt, and pepper. This herbed dressing adds a burst of flavor and brightness that brings all the elements together. Its creamy texture enhances the freshness of the vegetables and cheese, giving the sandwich a rich yet light quality that is irresistible.

Ingredient Substitutions

One of the best things about the Green Goddess Sandwich is its versatility. If you’re missing any ingredients or simply want to change things up, there are plenty of substitutions you can make:

  • Bread: While whole wheat bread is used in this recipe, feel free to swap it out for sourdough, gluten-free bread, or any type of sandwich bread you prefer.
  • Cheese: If you can’t find Panela cheese, fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, or mild cheddar make great alternatives.
  • Veggies: Customize the veggies to suit your taste. You can swap zucchini for shredded carrots, cucumber for bell peppers, or watercress for spinach or arugula.
  • Herbs: If you’re out of cilantro or chives, parsley or dill work well as replacements. You can also use store-bought Green Goddess dressing for added convenience.

Storage Tips

This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store leftovers, here’s what you can do to keep it at its best. To avoid sogginess, store the sandwich filling and bread separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to eat, simply assemble the sandwich. The Green Goddess dressing can also be stored in a separate container for up to 3 days, so you can prepare it in advance for a quick and easy lunch.

Serving Suggestions

This Green Goddess Sandwich pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a simple, balanced meal, serve it with a side of your favorite chips or a refreshing fruit salad. If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, try pairing it with a light soup or roasted vegetables. For a Mediterranean-inspired spread, add olives, pickles, or roasted nuts on the side for an elevated meal.

FAQs

Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sandwich ahead of time. To prevent the bread from becoming soggy, store the filling and bread separately, and assemble the sandwich when ready to eat.

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! You can use any bread of your choice, such as sourdough, gluten-free, or rye bread, depending on your preference.

Is this sandwich vegetarian or vegan?

This sandwich is vegetarian because it includes cheese. To make it vegan, simply replace the cheese with a vegan alternative or omit it entirely.

Can I add protein to the sandwich?

Yes, feel free to add grilled chicken, tofu, chickpeas, or hard-boiled egg for extra protein.

How long will the Green Goddess dressing last?

The Green Goddess dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! Fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, or feta are all great substitutes for Panela cheese.

Can I substitute the zucchini or cucumber with other vegetables?

Of course! You can replace zucchini with shredded carrots or roasted bell peppers, and cucumber can be swapped with radishes or even sliced tomatoes.

How do I make this sandwich gluten-free?

To make this sandwich gluten-free, use gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

The Green Goddess Sandwich with Panela Cheese is a delightful, healthy option for anyone craving a fresh, satisfying meal. With its creamy avocado, crisp veggies, and herbed dressing, this sandwich is full of flavor and texture, making it a perfect choice for lunch or a light snack. Whether you’re making it for yourself or serving it to friends, this Green Goddess Sandwich is sure to please with its vibrant flavors and nutritious ingredients. Try it today and enjoy the refreshing taste of this delicious sandwich!