This ultra-creamy Avocado Green Goddess Dressing takes less than 10 minutes to make and it’s utterly delicious! This homemade salad dressing is vibrant and fresh; yet super rich and bursting with savory, tangy, and herbaceous flavors! This totally customizable recipe is a wonderful way to use up any fresh leafy herbs you have hanging around your kitchen!
You can serve green goddess as a dressing, dip, spread or sauce! Try it with fresh vegetables, on salads, in sandwiches, and drizzled over taco bowls, roasted chicken or grilled fish! No matter how you use it, you will fall in love with this silky, smooth herb and avocado dressing!
Update: This post was originally published in July 2020. I made updates to the post below to include more information about this recipe for green goddess dressing! I also added step-by-step photos so you can see exactly how easy it is to make the best avocado goddess salad dressing at home!
Move over ranch, today we are celebrating a better cool, creamy and utterly delicious homemade salad dressing!
In case you haven’t heard of green goddess dip or dressing, it is my pleasure to introduce you to what is sure to become your new condiment bestie – avocado green goddess!
This green-hued beauty is creamy, tangy, herbaceous and can pull triple-duty as a dressing, dip and spread! You can serve it with fresh vegetables, on salads, drizzled on grain bowls, spread on sandwiches and so much more! And, after one bite I guarantee you will be dreaming up new ways to use this vibrant avocado dressing!
Avocado Green Goddess Dressing: recipe overview
Say hello to your new favorite sauce, my friends! This homemade avocado green goddess recipe is so easy to make and comes together in 10 minutes or less!
This no-mayo dressing is thick, super smooth and bursting with flavor! It’s jam packed with rich avocado, fresh herbs, pungent garlic, tart lemon, creamy yogurt, luscious extra virgin olive oil and mild vinegar. With a delicate touch of sweet honey and subtle sprinkling of spicy cayenne pepper, this avocado goddess dressing is robust and perfectly balanced in taste!
And, this simple dressing recipe is healthier to0! Classic green goddess dressing contains both saturated fat-laden mayonnaise and calorie dense sour cream. However, this lightened-up version is made with avocado and Greek yogurt – and not a drop of mayo or sour cream in sight! It’s light, fresh and every bit as flavorful and creamy-dreamy as it’s traditional counterpart!
This silky, rich avocado dressing recipe is completely delicious and totally customizable! You can use any combination of your favorite fresh herbs, or simply use up any leftover herbs you have hanging out in the fridge!
Plus, this greek yogurt goddess sauce is incredibly versatile! After one taste you will drizzling, dipping and dolloping this rich, fresh, bright and lemony avocado sauce on all the things – from leafy greens and raw veggies to tacos, burgers and beyond! Say goodbye to store-bought dressings, and hello to a healthy and beautifully fresh homemade dressing that will knock your socks off!
What is green goddess dressing?
Green goddess dressing is a creamy garlic and herb dipping sauce or salad dressing. Green goddess is typically mayonnaise and sour cream-based and flavored with fresh herbs, garlic, lemon juice and anchovy paste.
For a lighter, healthier salad dressing this recipe swaps mayonnaise and sour cream for nutrient-rich Greek yogurt and heart-healthy avocado. This creates a more modern avocado green goddess dressing that is fresher in taste with an intensely creamy and ultra-smooth texture!
Green goddess is typically used as a dressing on salads or as a dip for fresh vegetables and crudité platters. However, it is an incredibly versatile sauce! Use it as a spread on sandwiches, a sauce for fish and chicken, or even as a substitute for pizza sauce on pies!
When was the goddess dressing invented?
While most people assume green goddess sauce acquired the name from its light green color and specks of fresh green herbs, that is not the case.
Goddess dressing originated in the 1920’s at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco, California. According to food historians, chef Philip Roemer invented the dressing to honor actor George Arliss after he starred in the play “The Green Goddess.” Originally, guests at the hotel enjoyed the dressing served over canned artichokes. The dressing was revived in the 1960s and appeared bottled on grocery store shelves. In the 70’s and 80’s the dressing was offered at most salad bars as a healthy dressing option. You probably now recognize the dressing from the condiment aisle of Trader Joe’s or from the popular restaurant chain Panera Bread who serves it with their Green Goddess Cobb Salad.
What does green goddess avocado dressing taste like?
Green goddess salad dressing is incredibly creamy in texture. It’s savory, tangy and herbaceous in flavor with subtle notes of robust garlic. Overall, it has an extremely rich, bright and fresh taste.
What’s green goddess made of?
The original green goddess recipe contains mayonnaise, sour cream, parsley, chives, anchovies, lemon juice and vinegar. However, the dressing recipe has been tinkered with and modernized countless times over the years. Now you can find exciting ingredients, such as spinach, capers, mint or chervil, in green goddess salad dressing!
This homemade avocado lemon dressing is healthier than classic goddess recipes; however, the taste and texture remain spot on! It’s extremely well rounded and perfectly balanced with flavor!
Ingredients in green goddess dressing with avocado
- Yogurt: I recommend using a high-quality whole-milk Greek yogurt for the best taste! to make the best creamy dressings! Regular yogurt is much thinner, so for the best creamy dressing, use the good stuff!
- Avocado: The addition of ripe avocado adds rich, buttery flavor and creates a thick and luxurious green goddess avocado dressing!
- Green Onion: Green onion adds the perfect touch of mild onion flavor!
- Fresh Herbs: You can use any combination of fresh herbs for this recipe! Tarragon and chives are excellent if you are looking for the classic dressing flavor! Fresh basil, parsley, cilantro, dill and mint are all beautiful additions! You don’t need to go out and purchase all the herbs. I recommend selecting 2 to 3 of your favorites.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice is a must as it adds a beautiful touch of acidity!
- Garlic: One clove of garlic provides just enough robust flavor. If you love garlic, you can absolutely use more fresh garlic!
- Oil and Vinegar: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and rice vinegar round out all the flavors and help to slightly thin out the avocado goddess sauce.
- Honey: A touch of sweet honey provides a balance to the tangy yogurt and lemon flavors!
- Cayenne: While entirely optional, a dash of cayenne pepper gives this green goddess yogurt dip the perfect mellow hint of spice!
- Salt and Pepper: Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper enhance all the flavors and really brings the dressing to life!
How do you make green goddess salad dressing?
This healthy avocado green goddess recipe is simple to prepare and comes together in 10 minutes or less!
- Chop: In the bowl of a food processor or high-speed blender, add the garlic and scallion. Pulse until finely chopped.
- Puree: Add the avocado, lemon juice, herbs, yogurt, oil, vinegar, honey and cayenne. Season with salt and black pepper. Puree until very smooth and pale green in color. With the motor running, drizzle in water, a little bit at a time, and blend until dressing reaches desired consistency.
- Adjust to taste with more salt, pepper, lemon, honey or cayenne if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Store: Or, transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Making healthy green goddess at home step by step photos
Below you will find a picture collage showing you exactly how to make green goddess dressing with avocado, step-by-step! Please scroll down for the printable recipe card, which contains detailed instructions and measurements!
Serving avocado goddess dressing
What’s green goddess dressing is good on?
Creamy, bright green goddess dressing with avocado is incredibly versatile and pairs well with everything! You can use it as a dressing, dip, spread and sauce! It’s a magical condiment and great way to liven up vegetables, salads, sandwiches, grilled steaks, roasted chicken and so much more!
How to use avocado green sauce:
- Vegetables: Crisp, fresh vegetables and thick green goddess dip go hand in hand!
- Dip: Use avocado goddess as a dip for appetizers – anything from chips to fried green tomatoes pair deliciously!
- Fries: Avocado sauce is my favorite dip for classic French fries and sweet potato fries!
- Green Salad: The most common use is as a dressing for salads.
- Potato and Pasta Salads: Dress potato and pasta salads with green goddess for a fresh twist!
- Chicken and Tuna Salads: Swap out mayo and use avocado green goddess dressing in chicken and tuna salads!
- Sandwiches: Swap mayo for green goddess as a spread for sandwiches.
- Bowls: Add a dollop to the top of grain and veggie noodle bowls.
- Mexican food: Drizzle it on tacos, burritos and fajitas!
- Pizza: Shake things up and use it as a pizza sauce topped with plenty of mozzarella, tomatoes and bell peppers!
- Marinade: Marinate chicken and shrimp in this lemon avocado salad dressing to add tons of flavor!
- Seafood: Use dressing as a dip for fried oysters or a serving sauce with grilled fish.
- Chicken: Green goddess dip is delicious with chicken fingers! Or use it as a finishing sauce for grilled chicken thighs, chicken kebabs or roast chicken!
- Steak: This vibrant sauce is perfect with grilled steak or drizzled over steak fajitas!
Storing homemade salad dressings
How to store avocado salad dressing?
Unfortunately, avocados by nature turn brown due to oxidation. However, there is an incredibly easy way to store this green goddess avocado dip and prevent it from turning brown!
- Add lemon juice: Place the dressing in a storage container. Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon (or lime) juice to the top. Make sure you add enough juice to thinly cover the dressing.
- Cover with plastic wrap: Place a piece of plastic wrap over the top of the dressing. Gently press the plastic wrap down so it is touching the surface of the dressing.
- Cover and store: Fit the storage container with an airtight lid and store in the refrigerator.
How long does green goddess with herbs keep?
Store creamy avocado dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can you freeze goddess dressing?
While you can freeze this healthy green goddess dressing to extend its shelf life, I don’t recommend it. Since this dressing contains Greek yogurt, the texture will be altered once it is thawed.
Is green goddess sauce healthy?
Traditional green goddess salad dressing is loaded with saturated fats from calorie-dense ingredients, such as mayonnaise and sour cream. In contrast, this avocado green goddess dressing recipe is lightened way up and made with fresh, clean ingredients! It’s a creamy, bright dressing (dip, sauce or spread!) that you can actually feel good about eating!!
- Avocados: Ripe avocado is full of healthy fats, fiber and vitamin K.
- Yogurt: Greek yogurt is chock-full of probiotics and a wonderful source of protein.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs contain polyphenols, a potent plant compound that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic has high amounts of vitamin c, which supports your immune system and liver health.
- Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is rich in antioxidants and heart-healthy fat.
- Lemon: Lemon juice is high in vitamin C and contains pectin, which is a dietary fiber that aids digestion.
- Honey: High-quality honey is rich in antioxidants and has antibacterial properties that helps to boost your immune system .
- Cayenne: Ground cayenne pepper aids in metabolizing food by stimulating the digestive tract.
Insanely creamy and packed with punchy, bright, herbaceous flavors, this vibrant avocado dressing is beyond delicious! It’s lightened up, so simple prepare and the perfect way to add fresh, fragrant flavor to everything! This all-purpose, healthy green goddess yogurt dip will become your new go-to recipe when you are craving something bold, bright and overwhelmingly delicious!
Until next week, friends, cheers – to a dressing fit for Gods and Goddesses!
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More sauces and spreads recipes!
If you love this green dressing, try one of these delicious recipes next!
- Garlic Herb Butter (Make your own garlic butter, easy!)
- Avocado Hummus (A little spicy, a lot of creamy!)
- Easy Remoulade (5 minute recipe and legit, so good!)
- Smoked Salmon Spread (Pulls double duty as a spread and a dip!)
The best green goddess recipe👇
Below is the complete printable recipe card, along with some of the step-by-step photos! Scroll up for more in-depth instructional photos!
Green Goddess Dressing Recipe (with avocado!)
Equipment
- Food Processor or High Powered Blender
Ingredients
- 1 clove Garlic – smashed & peeled
- 1 whole Scallion – roughly chopped
- 1 medium-sized ripe Avocado
- 1 small Lemon – juiced, about 1 ½ tablespoons (SEE NOTES)
- 1/3 Cup Fresh Herbs – packed & chopped (SEE NOTES)
- ¼ Cup Greek Yogurt (or Sour Cream, Mayonnaise, Tahini)
- 2 TBS EACH: Extra-Virgin Olive Oil & Rice Vinegar (or Apple Cider Vinegar)
- 1 TBS Honey
- 1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper – or more to taste
- Kosher Salt & Ground Black Pepper – to taste
- Optional: Cold Water – as needed to thin dressing
Instructions
- Chop: In the bowl of a food processor or high-speed blender, add the garlic and scallion. Pulse until finely chopped.
- Puree: Add the avocado, lemon juice, herbs, yogurt, oil, vinegar, honey and cayenne. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Puree until very smooth and pale green in color. With the motor running, drizzle in water, a little bit at a time, until dressing reaches desired consistency.
- Adjust to taste with more salt, pepper, lemon, honey or cayenne if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!Storage: Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Lemon Juice: If you don’t like a tart dressing, decrease the lemon juice to 1 tablespoon. You can always add more when you adjust the dressing to taste in step three.
- Herbs: You can use any FRESH herbs you like! Parsley, basil, chives, tarragon, cilantro and/or dill are all delicious! You don’t need to go all out and purchase them all. I recommend selecting 2-3 of your favorites!
- Processor: Make sure you stop and scrape down the sides and bottom of the food processor bowl as needed!
Nutrition
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I love this recipe Chey! It’s a great way to use up extra avocados! Delicious!
Love this and loving that gorgeous colour! Such a versatile dressing for Summer eating. Will be whipping some of this up, for sure 🙂
I have to try this dressing Chey! It looks amazing! I was late to the avocado scene, but I’ve been making up for it. Will be trying this very soon! Pinned!
What a fantastic alternative to ranch dressing! So creamy and I love that vibrant green. I see myself using this dressing on all kinds of salads this summer!!
Well hello Chey and my new favourite sauce (As it was instructed lol). I’ve made similar yet even more simplified dressings, but this one is spot on in terms of texture and flavour profile! I can easily enjoy it just on some toasted rye bread; however I love the idea to use it in a pasta / potato salad, too.
Yours looks so creamy and yummy! Quick, simple and so yummy 🙂
I LOVE green goddess dressing! And I know I’ll love it even more with avocado. Because avocado is everything. . .I can almost taste this already!