Green Goddess Dressing

Featured in: Seasonal Fresh Picks

This green goddess blends fresh parsley, chives, tarragon, basil, and tangy lemon juice with creamy Greek yogurt and mayonnaise. Enhanced with garlic, Dijon mustard, and optional anchovies, it’s a versatile, vibrant dressing that brightens salads, grain bowls, or veggies. It blends quickly and chills to meld flavors. Adjust thickness with milk or water and enjoy a fresh burst of herbaceous zest.

Updated on Fri, 16 Jan 2026 18:32:01 GMT
A bowl of bright green Green Goddess Dressing garnished with fresh herb leaves, ready for salads or dipping. Save
A bowl of bright green Green Goddess Dressing garnished with fresh herb leaves, ready for salads or dipping. | freshyforks.com

This vibrant Green Goddess Dressing brings together the freshest herbs in a creamy, tangy blend that elevates everything it touches. Born in the 1920s at San Francisco's Palace Hotel, this classic American dressing has stood the test of time for good reason. The combination of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise creates a luscious base, while fresh parsley, chives, tarragon, and basil impart incredible depth and brightness. Whether you're drizzling it over a crisp salad, dipping crudités, or spreading it on a sandwich, this versatile sauce delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 10 minutes.

A bowl of bright green Green Goddess Dressing garnished with fresh herb leaves, ready for salads or dipping. Save
A bowl of bright green Green Goddess Dressing garnished with fresh herb leaves, ready for salads or dipping. | freshyforks.com

The beauty of Green Goddess Dressing lies in its balance of creamy, tangy, and herbaceous notes. The Greek yogurt provides protein and a tangy backbone, while mayonnaise adds richness. Fresh lemon juice brightens the mixture, garlic adds depth, and a touch of Dijon mustard creates an emulsion that helps all the flavors meld together perfectly. For authentic umami depth, anchovy fillets are optional—but they truly elevate the sauce to something extraordinary.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
  • 1/4 cup fresh chives
  • 1/4 cup fresh tarragon leaves
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 small garlic clove
  • 2 anchovy fillets (optional, for authentic flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk or water (optional, to thin if desired)

Instructions

Step 1
In a blender or food processor, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, parsley, chives, tarragon, basil, lemon juice, garlic, anchovy fillets (if using), and Dijon mustard.
Step 2
Blend until smooth and vibrant green, scraping down the sides as needed.
Step 3
Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 4
If a thinner consistency is desired, blend in milk or water, one tablespoon at a time.
Step 5
Transfer to a jar or bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 6
Serve chilled as a salad dressing, dip, or drizzle.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the smoothest texture, pack the herbs tightly before measuring and blend thoroughly, scraping down the sides of your processor or blender multiple times. The dressing's color is most vibrant immediately after blending. Refrigerating for at least 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to develop and meld beautifully—this resting period is essential for achieving the best taste.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is highly adaptable. For a vegan version, use plant-based yogurt and mayonnaise, and simply omit the anchovy fillets. Don't have tarragon? Swap in fresh dill for a different herbal profile, or try cilantro for a more Southwest-inspired flavor. If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute the Greek yogurt with additional mayonnaise or avocado for creaminess. The anchovy fillets are optional—they add authentic umami depth, but the dressing is delicious without them.

Serviervorschläge

Green Goddess Dressing shines as a classic salad dressing, particularly over mixed greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. It's equally exceptional as a dip for fresh vegetable crudités—think carrots, celery, bell peppers, and radishes. Try drizzling it over grain bowls, roasted vegetables, or grilled fish. It makes a fantastic sandwich spread, especially on turkey or chicken sandwiches, and adds incredible flavor to wraps. For a fun appetizer, serve it alongside hard-boiled eggs or use it as a topping for baked potatoes.

Thick, creamy Green Goddess Dressing in a glass jar with a wooden spoon, surrounded by crisp vegetable crudités. Save
Thick, creamy Green Goddess Dressing in a glass jar with a wooden spoon, surrounded by crisp vegetable crudités. | freshyforks.com

This Green Goddess Dressing is a testament to the power of fresh herbs and simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Whether you're making it for a summer picnic, a weeknight dinner, or meal prep for the week ahead, this versatile sauce will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. The bright, herby flavor profile complements countless dishes, and its vibrant green color adds visual appeal to any meal. Once you've tried homemade Green Goddess Dressing, you'll never want to go back to store-bought versions again.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What herbs create the signature flavor?

Parsley, chives, tarragon, and basil combine to form the fresh, vibrant base of this dressing.

Can anchovies be omitted?

Yes, anchovies are optional and can be left out for a milder, plant-focused flavor.

How to thin the dressing if too thick?

Add milk or water one tablespoon at a time while blending until the desired consistency is reached.

What dishes pair well with this dressing?

It's excellent drizzled over salads, as a dip for vegetables, or spread on sandwiches.

How long can it be stored?

Keep refrigerated in a sealed container for up to four days to maintain freshness.

Green Goddess Dressing

Bright and tangy green goddess made with fresh herbs, yogurt, and a hint of lemon.

Prep time
10 minutes
0
Time required
10 minutes
Recipe by Freshyforks Lena Brooks


Skill level Easy

Cuisine American

Portions 4 Number of servings

Diet Details Meatless, No gluten

What You'll Need

Dairy & Base

01 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, full-fat or low-fat
02 1/4 cup mayonnaise

Fresh Herbs

01 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
02 1/4 cup fresh chives
03 1/4 cup fresh tarragon leaves
04 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves

Aromatics & Flavor

01 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
02 1 small garlic clove
03 2 anchovy fillets (optional, for authentic flavor)
04 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
05 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional

01 1-2 tablespoons milk or water, to thin if desired

Directions

Step 01

Combine Base Ingredients: Place Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, parsley, chives, tarragon, basil, lemon juice, garlic, anchovy fillets (if using), and Dijon mustard in a blender or food processor.

Step 02

Blend to Smooth Consistency: Process until completely smooth and vibrant green, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 03

Season to Taste: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper, blending briefly to incorporate. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 04

Adjust Consistency: For a thinner dressing, blend in milk or water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.

Step 05

Chill and Meld Flavors: Transfer dressing to a jar or bowl, cover tightly, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop fully.

Step 06

Serve: Serve chilled as a salad dressing, vegetable dip, or drizzle over grain bowls and roasted vegetables.

Tools Needed

  • Blender or food processor
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Glass jar or airtight container for storage

Allergy info

Review ingredients for allergens. Reach out to medical experts if you're not sure.
  • Dairy (Greek yogurt)
  • Eggs (mayonnaise)
  • Fish (anchovies, if used)
  • Mustard (Dijon mustard)

Nutritional breakdown (each serving)

This nutritional data guides only—don't treat as medical advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 85
  • Lipids: 7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 3 grams
  • Proteins: 3 grams