This Green Goddess Sandwich is a fresh and vibrant twist on a classic veggie sandwich. Creamy herb-packed sauce meets crisp veggies, creamy avocado, and mozzarella all layered between hearty slices of whole-wheat bread. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a picnic favorite, or a refreshing no-cook dinner, this fancy cucumber sandwich delivers big on taste and feel-good fuel.

What sets this sandwich apart is the bold, herbaceous green goddess sauce — it’s creamy, zesty, and full of fresh flavor that ties everything together. The mix of crunchy and creamy textures in each bite makes it especially satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to customize and quick to prepare, making it a go-to for both busy weekdays and lazy weekend lunches. If you are craving a veggie-packed meal with tons of flavor but without any complicated prep, then this is for you!
Why You'll Love this Green Goddess Sandwich Recipe
- Fresh, herb-packed flavor: The green goddess sauce is the star of this cucumber sandwich. With a blend of Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon zest, garlic, and fresh herbs, this sauce is bright and tangy, giving the sandwich a refreshing, herbaceous flavor that ties all the ingredients together.
- Quick and easy to make: In just about 10 minutes of prep, you’ll have a delicious veggie sandwich ready to enjoy. The green goddess sauce comes together in no time, and assembling the sandwich is as simple as layering your ingredients. It's a quick, no-fuss lunch option for busy days.
- Healthy and nourishing. This sandwich is packed with nutritious ingredients that provide healthy fats, fiber, and protein. The avocado, Greek yogurt, and olive oil are rich in healthy fats, while the veggies offer vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It's a guilt-free meal that will keep you feeling satisfied and energized throughout the day.
- Customizable ingredients: You can easily make this sandwich your own by swapping in different ingredients. Use your favorite greens like spinach or kale instead of arugula, or change up the bread for a gluten-free option. The green goddess sauce is also versatile, so you can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste.
Ingredient Notes
To make this delicious Green Goddess Sandwich, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):
- sliced bread – use hearty bread that holds up well to the sauce and toppings.
Feel free to use whole wheat, sourdough, multigrain, baguettes, or your favorite sandwich bread. - arugula – adds a peppery bite and freshness to the sandwich. Watercress, baby spinach, or mixed greens can be used as a substitute.
- mozzarella cheese – you can use provolone or feta cheese for a different flavor profile.
- english cucumber – adds a crisp, refreshing crunch to the sandwich. You can substitute with pickled cucumbers or other crunchy vegetables like radishes.
- avocado – enhances the texture and adds richness to the sandwich. You can replace with hummus or a spread of your choice if you prefer a lighter option.
- alfalfa sprouts – adds a fresh, crunchy texture and a hint of earthiness. Other sprouts like clover or radish sprouts work just as well.
- greek yogurt – forms the base of the green goddess sauce, adding a creamy texture and a slight tang. You can substitute plain yogurt or sour cream for a similar tangy flavor.
- mayonnaise – contributes richness and creaminess to the sauce.
- garlic – enhances the depth of flavor in the sauce. You can use garlic powder as an alternative if fresh garlic is unavailable.
- chives – adds a mild, onion-like flavor to the sauce. Green onions or shallots can be used as an alternative.
- tarragon – provides a distinct, slightly sweet herbal note to the sauce. If you don’t have tarragon, fresh dill or basil can be used instead.
- lemon zest and juice – brighten up the sauce with a fresh, zesty flavor. You can replace lemon with lime for a different citrus twist.
- olive oil – adds richness to the sauce and helps blend the ingredients together. Any neutral oil, like avocado oil, can be used in place of olive oil.
- salt and pepper – for seasoning the sauce and balancing the flavors.
You will also need a small bowl for mixing the sauce, a knife for slicing the vegetables, and a spoon for spreading the sauce.
How to Make the Best Green Goddess Sandwich
- Make sauce. In a small mixing bowl, add yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic, chives, lemon zest and juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk to combine.
- Spread. Spread 2 tablespoons of the yogurt-mayo sauce on each slice of bread.
- Assemble. Take 2 of the bread slices and top each of them with half of the arugula, mozzarella slices, cucumber, and avocado. Divide the alfalfa sprouts amongst the 2 slices as well and add on top of the avocado. Take the 2 remaining bread slices and place them on top (spread side down) and close the sandwiches.
- Slice. Cut the sandwiches in half and serve immediately.
Recipe Variations
- Add protein. Add slices of roasted chicken, turkey, or smoked salmon for a protein boost.
- Go vegan. Use vegan mayo and swap the mozzarella cheese for a plant-based cheese alternative. This would make the sandwich completely dairy-free while still being creamy and flavorful.
- Add pickles. For an extra zing, layer some pickles or pickled red onions inside the sandwich.
- Make it spicy. Add a few dashes of hot sauce or slices of jalapeño to the sandwich for a spicy kick.
- Add roasted veggies. For a heartier version, add roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini to the sandwich.
How to Serve
These green goddess sandwiches are delicious served on its own for a quick lunch or light dinner, or paired with some of my favorite sides including:
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Use ripe avocados. Make sure your avocados are ripe for the best texture and flavor. A ripe avocado will be soft to the touch but not mushy. If your avocado isn’t ripe, try placing it in a brown paper bag for a couple of days to speed up the ripening process.
- Make the sauce ahead of time. The green goddess sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to three days. This saves time when assembling the sandwiches, and the flavors will develop even more after sitting in the fridge for a while.
- Toast the bread. For extra flavor and texture, toast the bread lightly before spreading the green goddess sauce on it. This adds a bit of crunch and warmth to the sandwich, making each bite even more satisfying.
- Use fresh herbs. Fresh herbs are key to getting that bright, zesty flavor in the green goddess sauce. If you’re using dried herbs, use about ⅓ of the amount called for with fresh herbs.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
How to Store
Store the assembled sandwich in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The bread will soften a bit, but it will still be tasty. If you want to store the green goddess sauce separately, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to Freeze
Freezing the sandwich is not recommended due to the freshness of the vegetables and the texture of the avocado. However, you can freeze the green goddess sauce for up to 1 month, then thaw and use it when ready to make the sandwich.
FAQ
The name "Green Goddess" comes from the vibrant green color of the sauce, which is made with fresh herbs like chives, tarragon, and lemon. The sauce was originally created at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco in the 1920s and was named after a popular play at the time called The Green Goddess. The sauce's name has since become iconic, associated with fresh, herbaceous flavors.
Yes, the green goddess sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. This actually allows the flavors to meld together and develop even more. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container to preserve its freshness. When ready to use, simply spread it on the bread for your sandwiches.
Yes, this sandwich can easily be made vegan by swapping out the mayo and mozzarella cheese for plant-based alternatives. You can use vegan mayo and vegan mozzarella or other plant-based cheese options that melt well (or leave out the cheese completely). The green goddess sauce will still be creamy and flavorful, and the sandwich will be just as satisfying.
More Vegetarian Sandwich Recipes
- Caprese Sandwich
- Vegan Hummus Wrap
- Pita Grilled Cheese
- Avocado Egg Salad
- Roasted Broccoli Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Breakfast Bagel
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Recipe
Green Goddess Sandwich
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Green Goddess Sandwich is a fresh and vibrant twist on a classic veggie sandwich. Creamy herb-packed sauce meets crisp veggies, creamy avocado, and mozzarella all layered between hearty slices of whole-wheat bread. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a picnic favorite, or a refreshing no-cook dinner, this fancy cucumber sandwich delivers big on taste and feel-good fuel.
Ingredients
For the sauce:
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, grated or pressed
- 3 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons tarragon, finely chopped
- zest and juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the sandwiches:
- 4 thick slices whole-wheat bread (½ inch)
- 1 cup arugula (or watercress)
- 6 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced ¼ inch thick
- ⅓ English cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 medium avocado, sliced
- ⅔ cup alfalfa sprouts
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, add yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic, chives, lemon zest and juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk to combine.
- Spread 2 tablespoons of the yogurt-mayo sauce on each slice of bread.
- Take 2 of the bread slices and top each of them with half of the arugula, mozzarella slices, cucumber, and avocado. Divide the alfalfa sprouts amongst the 2 slices as well and add on top of the avocado.
- Take the 2 remaining bread slices and place them on top (spread side down) and close the sandwiches.
- Cut the sandwiches in half and serve immediately.
Notes
How to store: Store the assembled sandwich in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The bread will soften a bit, but it will still be tasty. If you want to store the green goddess sauce separately, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to freeze: Freezing the sandwich is not recommended due to the freshness of the vegetables and the texture of the avocado. However, you can freeze the green goddess sauce for up to 1 month, then thaw and use it when ready to make the sandwich.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Assemble
- Cuisine: American
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