Green Goddess Salad Dressing

Featured in Nutritious & Delicious Recipes.

Green Goddess Dressing brings together the freshness of herbs and the tanginess of yogurt in one versatile condiment. This bright green dressing gets its vibrant color from a generous amount of fresh parsley and basil, while Greek yogurt creates a creamy base that's lighter than traditional mayo-based versions. The addition of lemon juice and red wine vinegar provides just the right amount of acidity, balancing the creaminess with a refreshing zip. What makes this dressing special is its incredible versatility – it works beautifully drizzled over crisp salad greens, as a dip for raw vegetables, spread onto sandwiches, or even as a sauce for grilled chicken or fish. It comes together in just 10 minutes, requiring nothing more than adding all ingredients to a food processor and blending until smooth. The dressing keeps well in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep or elevating everyday meals throughout the week.
Comfort Cravings Recipes
Updated on Fri, 28 Mar 2025 21:53:20 GMT
Green Goddess Dressing Pin it
Green Goddess Dressing | comfortcravingsrecipes.com

Green Goddess Dressing delivers an explosion of fresh herb flavor enveloped in creamy tanginess that transforms ordinary vegetables into culinary delights. This vibrant emerald condiment combines aromatic herbs with protein rich Greek yogurt to create a versatile sauce that works magic on everything from simple salads to grilled proteins. The balanced blend of brightness from lemon juice and richness from olive oil creates harmony in every spoonful, while the vivid color adds visual appeal that elevates any plate it graces.

I first discovered Green Goddess dressing during a summer cooking class where we focused on maximizing garden harvests. My family now associates this vibrant dressing with warm weather meals, and my teenage son actually requests salad when he spots the distinctive green jar in the refrigerator.

Essential Components

  • Fresh parsley: Foundational green flavor with clean brightness
  • Basil: Aromatic notes with subtle anise undertones
  • Chives: Mild onion flavor and vivid color contributor
  • Greek yogurt: Protein-rich creamy base with tanginess
  • Lemon juice: Bright acidity for balanced flavor

Crafting Your Dressing

Herb Preparation
Thoroughly wash and dry herbs to prevent dilution
Base Building
Layer yogurt, herbs, and seasonings in processor
Liquid Integration
Drizzle oil and lemon juice while blending for emulsion
Texture Assessment
Process until smooth with visible herb flecks
Flavor Balancing
Adjust salt, acidity, and herbs to taste
Resting Period
Refrigerate 30+ minutes for flavor development
Herb-Packed Green Goddess Sauce Pin it
Herb-Packed Green Goddess Sauce | comfortcravingsrecipes.com

My grandmother insisted herb dressings need time for flavors to 'introduce themselves.' Allowing Green Goddess to rest for hours develops remarkable complexity that justifies its divine name.

Perfect Applications

Transform salads, grilled proteins, or crudité platters. Use as sandwich spread or vegetable dip. Creates restaurant-quality presentation with squeeze bottle drizzles.

Customization Options

  • Mexican Version: Cilantro and jalapeño for tacos
  • Mediterranean Twist: Add dill, mint, and feta
  • Umami Boost: Anchovies and capers for steak

Storage Secrets

Use glass containers with minimal airspace. Press plastic wrap directly on surface before sealing. Refresh stored dressing with lemon juice before serving.

Creamy Green Goddess Dressing Pin it
Creamy Green Goddess Dressing | comfortcravingsrecipes.com

This dressing's versatility ensures it never becomes tiresome. The nutritional profile - packed with antioxidants and healthy fats - transforms a condiment into functional food that enhances both flavor and health.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make Green Goddess Dressing without a food processor?
Yes, though it won't be quite as smooth. You can use a blender, but you'll need to stop and scrape down the sides several times. For a chunkier version, you can very finely mince all the herbs by hand and whisk everything together, though this is more time-consuming.
→ How long does homemade Green Goddess Dressing last?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this dressing will keep well for up to 5 days. The flavors actually continue to develop and meld together after a day or two. Just give it a good stir before using as some separation may occur.
→ Can I make this dressing dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt, or use a plant-based mayo or silken tofu instead. Each will give slightly different flavors and textures but will work well with the herbs and other ingredients.
→ What herbs can I substitute in Green Goddess Dressing?
This recipe is very flexible with herbs. While parsley and basil create a classic flavor, you can experiment with cilantro, dill, mint, tarragon, or even a bit of oregano. Just keep the total amount of herbs about the same (around 2 cups total) for the right balance of flavors.
→ What can I serve with Green Goddess Dressing besides salad?
This versatile dressing works wonderfully as a dip for fresh vegetables, a spread for sandwiches or wraps, a sauce for grilled or roasted meats, a topping for grain bowls, or even as a marinade for chicken or fish. It's also delicious drizzled over roasted vegetables or baked potatoes.
→ Why is my dressing bitter?
Occasionally, certain herbs (particularly if they have thick stems included) can impart a bitter taste. Make sure to use mainly the leaves of herbs and avoid including too many stems. Also, some olive oils can have a bitter finish - if yours does, you might want to use a milder oil or reduce the amount slightly.

Green Goddess Salad Dressing

A vibrant, creamy Green Goddess Dressing packed with fresh herbs, Greek yogurt, and zesty flavors that elevates any salad, vegetable platter, or protein.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
10 Minutes

Category: Healthy Choices

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Dressing Ingredients

01 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
02 1 cup fresh parsley
03 1 cup basil
04 2 tablespoons chopped chives
05 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
06 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
07 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
08 1 clove garlic, minced
09 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
10 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 01

Toss everything into your food processor - the Greek yogurt, fresh parsley, basil, chopped chives, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Blend it all up until you've got a smooth, vibrant green dressing. Give it a taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 02

This versatile dressing is ready to use right away! Drizzle it over your favorite salad greens, use it as a dip for fresh veggies, spread it on sandwiches, or even spoon it over grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables for an herby flavor boost.

Step 03

If you're not using it all at once, pour the dressing into a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. It'll keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just give it a good stir before using it again, as it might separate a bit while sitting.

Notes

  1. Greek yogurt gives this dressing a protein boost, but you can substitute with sour cream or mayo if you prefer.
  2. Feel free to experiment with different herb combinations - cilantro, dill, tarragon, and mint all work beautifully in this recipe.
  3. For an extra punch of umami flavor, try adding a couple of anchovy fillets, a teaspoon of anchovy paste, or a tablespoon of capers.
  4. A food processor works best for this recipe, creating the smoothest texture. A blender can work too, but you'll need to stop and scrape down the sides a few times.

Tools You'll Need

  • Food processor or blender
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Jar or airtight container for storage
  • Rubber spatula

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (Greek yogurt)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 45
  • Total Fat: 2 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g