Green Goddess Slaw and Sea Scallops

If you’re looking for a vibrant, healthy, and quick seafood dish, this Green Goddess Slaw and Sea Scallops recipe is perfect. Packed with fresh flavors, the creamy buttermilk Green Goddess slaw pairs beautifully with perfectly seared scallops. Whether you’re a fan of seared scallops, baked scallops, or looking for an easy scallops recipe, this dish delivers. Inspired by the Today Show Green Goddess Salad, this version features a delicious, tangy green goddess pesto twist, making it a must-try.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for seafood lovers and those looking for a healthy, quick, and flavorful meal. The buttermilk Green Goddess Slaw brings a creamy, tangy freshness, while the seared scallops add a delicate sweetness with a crisp golden crust. Inspired by the Today Show Green Goddess Salad, this dish is a lighter take, perfect for spring and summer dining.

Ingredients for Green Goddess Slaw and Sea Scallops

What Makes This Green Goddess Slaw Special?

Unlike the traditional mayo-heavy slaw, this version uses a creamy, tangy Green Goddess dressing made with avocado, buttermilk, and fresh herbs. It coats crisp Napa cabbage, crunchy snow peas, matchstick carrots, and radishes for a slaw that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Topped with seared scallops, this meal is perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

1 avocado, pitted and diced
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup nonfat plain yogurt
1/2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
2 scallions, thinly sliced
3 tbsp lemon juice
Kosher salt, to taste

Instructions:

Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning with kosher salt.
Pour the dressing into a large mixing bowl and set aside.

How to Make Green Goddess Slaw

Ingredients:

6 cups Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
2 cups snow peas, sliced lengthwise
2 cups matchstick-cut carrots
1 cup radishes, thinly sliced

Instructions:

Add the cabbage, radishes, snow peas, and carrots to the bowl with the Green Goddess dressing.
Toss everything thoroughly with your hands to evenly coat the veggies.
Set the salad aside while you prepare the scallops.

How to Make Sea Scallops for Green Goddess Slaw

How to Get a Perfect Sear on Sea Scallops

The secret to seared scallops is to get them golden brown on the outside and tender inside. Here’s how:

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb. 16/20 sea scallops, patted dry
Splash of dry white wine (optional)
Flaky finishing salt and fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel. This helps achieve a perfect sear.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Add the scallops, making sure they are not crowded in the pan.
Sear for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
(Optional) Deglaze the pan with a splash of dry white wine and cook for 1 more minute.

How to Serve Green Goddess Slaw and Scallops

To plate, use kitchen tongs to place a generous portion of Green Goddess Slaw on a plate. Top with seared scallops, and finish with fresh cracked black pepper and flaky finishing salt. This dish is perfect for spring and summer dining—light, refreshing, and full of bright flavors.

FAQs

Can I make the Green Goddess slaw dressing ahead of time?

Yes! The dressing can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but be aware that the avocado may darken slightly over time.

What can I use instead of buttermilk in the dressing?

You can substitute buttermilk with Greek yogurt for a thicker consistency or make your own buttermilk by mixing ¾ cup milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5–10 minutes.

How do I get a perfect sear on my scallops?

Pat them completely dry, use a hot pan, and don’t overcrowd them. This allows for a perfect golden crust.

Can I use frozen scallops?

Yes! Just thaw them overnight in the fridge, then pat them very dry before searing.

What can I serve with this dish for a complete meal?

Pair it with quinoa salad, crusty bread, or roasted sweet potatoes. For a heartier meal, try it with wild rice or creamy risotto.

Can I substitute another protein for scallops?

Absolutely! Try shrimp, grilled salmon, or even pan-seared tofu as great alternatives.

Green Goddess Slaw and Sea Scallops recipe

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with:

A chilled glass of white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
Crusty sourdough bread
A fresh citrus salad

For a heartier meal, serve alongside quinoa, wild rice, or roasted potatoes.

Looking for more light and flavorful recipes? Try these:

This Green Goddess Slaw and Sea Scallops recipe is a fresh, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a light meal. The vibrant flavors, creamy dressing, and perfectly seared scallops make this a go-to dish for spring and summer. Try this recipe today and let me know how it turns out in the comments! If you loved it, don’t forget to pin it on Pinterest and share with friends. Happy cooking!