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No Spoon Necessary

Seasonal Recipes & Unique Twists on Classic Dishes

Avocado Green Goddess Dressing

Published July 13, 2020. Last Updated July 12, 2020 by Cheyanne

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This homemade avocado green goddess dressing is so easy to make, addictively delicious and healthy too! It’s light, vibrant and fresh, yet ultra creamy, super rich and packed with savory, tangy and herbaceous flavor! It’s a wonderful way to use up fresh leafy herbs and totally customizable!

You can serve this 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 avocado-based dressing!

Overhead photo of Avocado Green Goddess Dressing in a glass jar on a blue surface with fresh basil leaves next to the jar.

Move over ranch, today we are celebrating a better cool, creamy and totally addicting 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 dressing!

Overhead photo of all the ingredients needed to make healthy green goddess dressing neatly arranged on a large gray wood board.

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

  • Avocado Green Goddess Dressing
    • What is green goddess dressing?
    • When was it invented?
    • What’s it made of?
      • Ingredients in healthy goddess salad dressing:
    • What’s taste like?
    • How do you make green goddess?
    • What’s green goddess dressing is good on?
      • How to use goddess dressing:
    • How to store avocado salad dressing?
    • How long does green goddess keep?
    • Can you freeze it?
    • Is this healthy?
      • Looking for more healthy recipes?
  • Avocado Green Goddess Dressing
    • Equipment
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Notes
    • Nutrition
    • You Might Also Like…

Avocado Green Goddess Dressing

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 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 dressing is robust and perfectly balanced in taste!

And, this 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 dressing 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-based dressing is incredibly versatile! After one taste you will drizzling, dipping and dolloping this avocado-packed 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 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 dressing this recipe swaps mayonnaise and sour cream for nutrient-rich Greek yogurt and heart-healthy avocado. This creates a more modern 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 it 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.

The dressing originated in 1923 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.

Overhead photo of all the ingredients in avocado green goddess dressing in the bowl of a food processor before being pulsed together. 

What’s it made of?

The original recipe contains mayo, sour cream, parsley, chives, anchovies, lemon juice and vinegar. However, it has been tinkered with and modernized countless times over the years. Now you can find ingredients such as spinach, capers, mint or chervil included in green goddess salad dressing.

This recipe is healthier than other recipes, but the taste and texture remain spot on! It’s extremely well rounded and perfectly balanced with flavor!

Ingredients in healthy goddess salad dressing:

  • Yogurt: I recommend a high-quality whole-milk Greek yogurt for the best taste! While you can use regular yogurt, you will end up with a runnier dressing.
  • Avocado: The addition of ripe avocado adds rich, buttery flavor and creates a thick and luxurious 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! 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 is a must as it adds a beautiful touch of acidity.
  • Garlic: One clove of garlic provides just enough robust flavor. If you are someone who loves garlic, you can absolutely use two cloves.
  • 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 dressing.
  • Honey: A touch of sweet honey provides balance to the tangy flavors.
  • Cayenne: While entirely optional, a dash of cayenne pepper gives the dressing 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!

Overhead close-up photo of prepared healthy green goddess dip in the bowl of a food processor. 

What’s 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.

How do you make green goddess?

This healthy avocado green goddess recipe is simple to prepare and comes together in 10 minutes or less!

(Scroll down for the detailed measurements and instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.)
  1. Chop: In the bowl of a food processor or high-speed blender, add the garlic and scallion. Pulse until finely chopped.
  2. 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, until dressing reaches desired consistency.
  3. Adjust to taste with more salt, pepper, lemon, honey or cayenne if desired.
  4. Serve immediately and enjoy!
  5. Store: Or, transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How to make healthy green goddess dip and dressing step by step photos:

Overhead photo collage of how to make avocado green goddess dressing step by step with written instructions on each step.

What’s green goddess dressing is good on?

Creamy, bright green goddess 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 goddess dressing:

  • Vegetables: Crisp, fresh vegetables and thick green goddess dip go hand in hand!
  • Dip: Use this vibrant dressing as a dip for appetizers – anything from chips to fried green tomatoes pair deliciously!
  • 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 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 green goddess to add tons of flavor!
  • Seafood: Use dressing as a dip for fried oysters or a serving sauce with grilled fish.
  • Chicken: The sauce works great as a dip for chicken fingers or a sauce for grilled or roasted chicken and kebabs!
  • Steak: This vibrant sauce is perfect with grilled steak or drizzled over steak fajitas!

Angled photo of No-Mayo Green Goddess Dressing in a glass jar on a blue surface with fresh basil leaves next to the jar.

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 dressing 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 keep?

Store dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can you freeze it?

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 this healthy?

Traditional green goddess salad dressing is loaded with saturated fats from calorie-dense mayonnaise and sour cream. In contrast, this avocado green goddess dressing 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.

Overhead photo of healthy green goddess dressing drizzled over a leafy green salad with a ramekin of dressing and vine-ripe cherry tomatoes next to the salad - photo showing one way to use dressing.

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 healthy all-purpose Greek yogurt green goddess sauce 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!

 

Craving MORE? Follow all the deliciousness on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram!

 

Looking for more healthy recipes?

If you love this dish, try one of these fresh avocado recipes next:

Spicy Avocado Hummus Recipe

Cucumber Avocado Salad

Grilled Corn with Avocado Sriracha Butter

Avocado Mango Tuna Poke Salad Bowl

Chunky Avocado Salsa – Cookie and Kate

 

How to make the best avocado green goddess dressing and dip 👇

Overhead landscape photo of Avocado Green Goddess Dressing in a glass jar on a blue surface with fresh basil leaves next to the jar.
Print Recipe
5 from 5 votes

Avocado Green Goddess Dressing

This homemade avocado green goddess dressing is so easy to make, addictively delicious and healthy to boot! It's light, vibrant and fresh, yet ultra creamy, super rich and packed with savory, tangy and herbaceous flavor! It's a wonderful way to use up fresh leafy herbs and totally customizable!
Recipe can be scaled up or down by using the slider if you hover your mouse over the number of Servings.
Prep Time10 mins
Total Time10 mins
Course: Condiment, Dip, Sauce
Cuisine: American
Keyword: dressing, Goddess, green, Healthy
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 87kcal
Author: Cheyanne Holzworth

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!
  • Store: Or, transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

  1. 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.
  2. 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!
  3. Processor: Make sure you stop and scrape down the sides and bottom of the food processor bowl as needed!
Recipe Yield: Roughly 2 cups
Nutritional information is an approximation based upon 8 servings (1/4 cup per serving).  Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 87kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 149mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 50IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg

©No Spoon Necessary.  All images and content are copyright protected. Please do not use any images without prior permission. If you want to reference this recipe, please do so by linking directly to this post.

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Comments

  1. Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says

    July 16, 2020 at 10:52 am

    5 stars
    Love this and loving that gorgeous colour! Such a versatile dressing for Summer eating. Will be whipping some of this up, for sure 🙂

    Reply
  2. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

    July 15, 2020 at 8:56 pm

    5 stars
    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!

    Reply
  3. Marissa says

    July 14, 2020 at 12:08 pm

    5 stars
    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!!

    Reply
  4. Ben | Havocinthekitchen says

    July 13, 2020 at 9:33 pm

    5 stars
    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.

    Reply
  5. angiesrecipes says

    July 13, 2020 at 9:34 am

    Yours looks so creamy and yummy! Quick, simple and so yummy 🙂

    Reply
  6. Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen says

    July 13, 2020 at 9:27 am

    5 stars
    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!

    Reply

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About me

Welcome to No Spoon Necessary! My name is Cheyanne - I am the blogger and girl behind the camera. I'm a culinary school graduate with a degree in culinary arts, and I have years of experience in a professional kitchen. I have a passion for seasonal ingredients and I believe anyone can create sensational food! Thank you for stopping by! I hope you stay awhile!

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