Make this creamy Green Goddess Salad Dressing with avocado, Greek yogurt, lime, and fresh herbs - no oil needed! It's my simplified take on the classic dressing that's been around for decades, made lighter and just as flavorful.
As a Registered Dietitian, I'm always looking for ways to add more greens to everyday meals without sacrificing taste. And let's be honest - the dressing is what makes or breaks a salad.
This version gets its rich, velvety texture from heart-healthy avocado and protein-packed Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise or oil. Fresh basil and parsley add that signature herby brightness, while lime juice brings everything to life.
Even when I don't have a full garden's worth of herbs on hand, I almost always have a few sprigs of basil or parsley left over from recipes like pesto. Instead of letting them wilt in the fridge, I toss them into this dressing.
Because truly - adding fresh herbs to salads (and salad dressings) is a total game changer.
Creamy, vibrant, and ready in just 5 minutes, this is the kind of recipe that makes eating more vegetables feel effortless.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy Ready in just 5 minutes! No need for perfect measurements - this recipe is forgiving and flexible.
- Simple Ingredients Avocado, Greek yogurt, fresh lime, garlic, and fresh herbs. No oil or mayonnaise.
- Nutrient-Dense Contains protein and mono-unsaturated fats (also known as heathy fats ;)), and fiber.
- Family-Approved Packed with fresh herbs and bright lime flavor, while being naturally creamy from avocado and Greek yogurt.
- A great way to use leftover herbs Minimize food waste by tossing leftover herbs into this salad dressing. I like to use basil and Italian parsley, but any combination of fresh herbs will work.
Dietitian Tip
Don't skip the dressing! A little fat from avocado actually helps your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins (like A, D, E, and K) found in leafy greens. Pairing greens with healthy fats makes your salad both nourishing and satisfying.
Ingredient Notes
- Avocado Adds creaminess and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats - no oil needed. Use ripe avocado for the smoothest texture and best flavor.
- Greek Yogurt Provides tanginess and a boost of protein to help make salads more satisfying. I recommend plain, 2% Greek yogurt. Full-fat or nonfat will work, too.
- Fresh Herbs Fresh basil and parsley give the dressing its signature "green goddess" flavor. Feel free to add more herbs than this recipe calls for.
- Lime Juice Brightens everything up and keeps the avocado vibrant. Fresh lime juice makes a big difference here.
- Garlic Just one small clove adds depth and a savory balance.
How to Make Green Goddess Dressing
- Place all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth.
Helpful Tips
- This recipe is flexible and a great way to use up herbs you have on hand. Try cilantro, chives, dill, or tarragon for a slightly different flavor profile.
- This is a zesty dressing thanks to the fresh lime juice.
- Store the dressing refrigerated in an airtight container. Use within 3 days max since it's made with avocado and Greek yogurt.
Questions You May Have
Green Goddess dressing was originally created in the 1920s. The classic version typically includes mayonnaise, sour cream, anchovies, and fresh herbs like parsley and chives.
After ordering Green Goddess Salads from a variety of restaurants, what I noticed all dressings had in common were that they were green, made with fresh herbs, and had a bit of a tang to them.
This version keeps the vibrant herb flavor but lightens things up with avocado and Greek yogurt.
Store the dressing in an airtight container for up to 3 days (unless the yogurt you use will expire sooner). u003cbru003eu003cbru003eBecause it contains fresh avocado, it may darken slightly over time - but a squeeze of extra lime juice and a little stir will freshen it up.
Yes, you can use a plain, unsweetened, dairy-free yogurt in place of Greek yogurt. The texture may be thinner, so you may want to cut back on the amount of water added.
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📖 Recipe
Green Goddess Salad Dressing
Equipment
- 1 Blender or food processor
Ingredients
- ½ mini avocado or about one third of a large avocado
- ¼ cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon flat leaf parsley about 12-16 leaves on the stem.
- 12 basil leaves fresh basil
- 2 limes juiced
- 6 tablespoon water
- 1 clove garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt up to ¾ tsp, depending on taste preference.
- pinch black pepper ground
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor.½ mini avocado, ¼ cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon flat leaf parsley, 12 basil leaves, 2 limes, 6 tablespoon water, 1 clove garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, pinch black pepper
- Blend until smooth.
Notes
- Feel free to change up the herbs or use even more than this recipe calls for. Cilantro, chives, dill, or tarragon would work to add a slightly different flavor profile.
- If using nonfat Greek yogurt, cut back on the amount of water in the recipe.
- Any blender or small food processor should work to make this dressing.
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