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GET IT NOWMy Green Goddess Dressing Recipe Is Creamy, Herby, & Bright
I used to think that green goddess dressing was only for restaurants or bottled stuff at the store. I first tried it at Panera, followed by several store-bought versions that always tasted kind of flat. Not wanting to go out all the time and disappointed with what I could buy, I experimented with my own homemade version. Here’s why I’m sold on making it myself:
- It’s creamier, with actual fresh herbs and garlic – Pre-made dressings have to take shortcuts to be shelf stable. Making my own allows me to use plenty of fresh parsley, chives, and garlic, plus a rich combo of mayo and sour cream. The difference is night and day!
- Lighter than most salad dressings – My green goddess dressing recipe has only 91 calories per (generous) serving, which is around half of many options out there. And it’s naturally gluten free.
- Easy blender recipe – Which means it takes minutes to toss everything in and blend. No chopping involved.
- Many ways to use it – I love this for everything from salads to dipping veggies to meats and more.
If you’re looking for a bright, herby, and creamy new dressing, this is the perfect one to try. Make it with me!
What Is Green Goddess Dressing?
Green goddess dressing is a tangy, creamy, herby salad dressing and dip. I’ve read that it originated in the 1920s at a hotel in San Francisco, but I’m more familiar with the modern-day Panera green goddess dressing and pre-made versions at the store. To me it tastes a lot like Caesar dressing, but with a more herby flavor and a beautiful green color.
Reader Review
“So good and so easy! Only took me 5 minutes and now I have dressing for the week! I love the garlic and herb flavors in this dressing. I put it on a salad yesterday and today added it to a chicken pita for lunch. So versatile and so good!” –Sarah
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my green goddess salad dressing recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
- Mayonnaise & Sour Cream – These make up the base. I prefer a 50/50 ratio, although you can use any combination. I’ve also tried lightening it up by using Greek yogurt (some green goddess dressing recipes do this), but prefer the flavor with just mayo and sour cream. For a dairy-free option, replace the sour cream with 1/2 of a large, ripe avocado.
- Fresh Herbs – I like fresh parsley and chives here. Feel free to swap in basil, cilantro, dill, or mint. Tarragon is also common, but I rarely use it because it’s harder to find in grocery stores. I don’t recommend using dried herbs here, as the large amount won’t taste very good.
- Anchovy Paste – This paste creates a savory, umami flavor, and surprisingly does not taste fishy. It’s the same signature flavor I love in Caesar dressing! You can substitute 1 to 1 1/2 canned anchovy fillets in place of the paste, but I find the paste more convenient and it lasts seemingly forever in the fridge for me.
- Lemon Juice – For a tangy flavor, plus it thins out the green goddess dressing. You can also use white wine vinegar, lime juice, or apple cider vinegar.
- Garlic – Fresh is best, but 2 teaspoons of jarred minced garlic will do the trick.
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper
My Recipe Tips
- I recommend a high-power blender if possible. I tested it in mine, as well as a food processor (I use this mini one for smaller batches like this) and regular blender. All three worked, but the high-power blender got me the smoothest result.
- Need to make this without any appliances? You can mix everything by hand if you have to. I recommend mincing the herbs and garlic as finely as you can.
- Try supergreens for an extra boost. Sometimes I add a spoonful of supergreens and they blend in well here.
- Need to adjust the thickness? You can add a splash of water to thin out your green goddess salad dressing if needed. I’ve never needed to thicken it, but if you need to, try a little extra mayo or herbs, depending on what flavor you want more of. I recommend keeping the dressing thick for dipping, a little thinner for salads or drizzling.
- Prefer some texture? I like this dressing totally smooth, but you can pulse your blender if you want some pieces of herbs or garlic intact. You may want to minced or at least chop the garlic in this case.
Green Goddess Dressing
Make my herby, creamy green goddess salad dressing recipe in 5 minutes, with simple ingredients! Use it for salads, dipping, meats, and more.
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Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
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Combine the mayo, sour cream, fresh herbs, lemon juice, anchovy paste, garlic, salt, and pepper in a blender.
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Blend until smooth.
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Adjust salt and pepper to your taste.
LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 2 tablespoons
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best texture, make this without a blender, or add an extra greens boost.
- Storage: This dressing is perfect to make ahead! I keep it in these glass jars (pictured above) in the fridge and it lasts about a week. Like all mayo-based dressings, avoid freezing as it will lose its smooth texture.
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy.
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Green Goddess Dressing
Ways I Use It
I originally made this dressing for my green goddess salad, pictured above! I’ve since used it in many other ways:
- More salads – Aside from green goddess, I really enjoy this dressing on a Cobb salad, chef salad, or even Caesar salad.
- Grilled meats & seafood – This makes the ultimate sauce for the best burgers, flaky grilled salmon, shrimp skewers, or lamb kofta. Not grilling? Try it with my air fryer wings!
- Sandwiches & wraps – This creamy green goddess dressing makes the perfect condiment for them! I love veggie-centric options like bell pepper sandwiches, cucumber subs, or collard green wraps.
- Use as a dip – I love it for raw veggies (crudites) in particular, but it’s just as yummy with roasted vegetables, air fried sweet potatoes, or tortilla chips.
- Bowl meals – I love green goddess dressing drizzled over a bowl of baked chicken or sauteed shrimp and vegetables over a bed of cauliflower rice (or feel free to use regular rice, too).
25 Comments
Darlene
0Can the Anchovy paste be left out, or would that change the flavor too much? Is there a substitution?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Darlene, There isn’t an exact substitute and the anchovy paste adds umami flavor. You might recognize what it tastes like from the flavor of Caesar dressing. If you still want to leave it out, you could try adding a tablespoon of coconut aminos or Worcestershire sauce — they don’t taste the same but have an umami aspect to them. Hope this helps!
Brian
0I’d like to try this recipe because I love Green Goddess dressing and I’d like to use other herbs in addition to the chives and parsley. Would the total of all the herbs equal 1/2 cup? Or does it matter?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Brian, Yes, you would want to use 1/2 cup of herbs.
Sarah
0So good and so easy! Only took me 5 minutes and now I have dressing for the week! I love the garlic and herb flavors in this dressing. I put it on a salad yesterday and today added it to a chicken pita for lunch. So versatile and so good!
Jane
0This recipe is AMAZING! It’s creamy and delicious. I used to make my own dressing, but this one is so much better than mine.
Jessica
0I love using anchovy in pasta sauces but I never would have thought to put it in dressing. Like you, I had green goddess dressing countless times at restaurants before realizing it could be made at home. What a win! Excuse me while I put it on everything.
Jenn
0Despite your comment, I was a little scared about using anchovy paste in the dressing, but it really did come out well! I had it with some cut vegetables, and It was so bright and herby! I cant wait to try this on salads in the future.
Ali
0AMAZING!!!! I love this dressing so much, I’ll definitely keep it on rotation. It’s so flavorful and works on literally any salad!
Ellen McGuffie
0You were this close (tiny space) to going on my “never again” list because I could not find the “print” button. I suggest you put it somewhere sooner. It’s a pet peeve of mine. I don’t have a laptop, and I can’t really see things on my phone, as I’m old. So if it isn’t printable, it is of no use to me whatsoever. I am flabbergasted that people seem to think you just carry your computer to the kitchen and watch the Youtube!!! No, I need a printed recipe. And, yes, I can sit down and write it out, but, guess what? I don’t want to! And that takes lots of time! So, make it so I can print it, please! And thank you for doing so.
Can’t rate it yet, haven’t made it!
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Ellen, Feel free to use the jump to recipe button right at the top of the page and that will take you right to the recipe card.
Krista
0I just love this dressing! Perfect.
Carrie Priest
0Do you have any other ways to use the Supergreens they seem to be a bit higher in carbs 11 grams a scoop, but I suppose a Tbsp is fine. I just don’t know what else to eat it in. Is it any good in the water as a daily boost of vitamins? I have a good-sized container and don’t know how often I will make Green Goddess.
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Carrie, Yes, you can mix these greens in water and drink them.
Traci P
0I made this last night without the supergreens powder, which I didn’t have. It was so yummy! Very garlicky and full of Umami. I served it over pan seared chicken and mixed greens. I’m sure that after sitting in the fridge overnight it will be even better today (if that’s even possible). I can’t wait to finish it off. Will definitely make this again and stay away from bottled dressings. Primal Kitchen dressings are so expensive and I haven’t found one that I loved. After gaining 40 pounds during a very stressful year, I’m getting back on track. Recipes like this help so much. Thanks!
Carrie
0Is there a cheaper substitute for Paleovalley Super greens? Plus none of these flavors would work but the unflavored and that’s boring. It’s way too expensive for me. I am looking for an economical solution.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Carrie, You can use any brand of supergreens, or omit them altogether.
Pamela Alston
0Thank you for making dressings suitable for a diabetic diet.
Toni
0I love Green Goddess Dressing and your version with the super greens is delicious! Love the healthy boost.
Kristyn
0One of the best dressings out there!! Love it on so many dishes!
Amy L Huntley
0This is the most flavorful dressing that I have had in a long time! This would be a great dip for veggies or fries too!
Scarlet
0This recipe does this classic green goddess dressing full service. Just perfect.
Barbara Cokes
0This is my favorite dressing and now that I’ve made this recipe I will never buy store bought again!
Roxanne
0Healthy and looks delicious.
Shelby
0I use this dressing on everything from salads to noodle bowls!