Make the best homemade Green Goddess dressing in just 5 minutes! This fresh, vibrant Green Goddess Dressing Recipe is even better than Panera’s—without the preservatives. Packed with fresh basil, Greek yogurt, and a creamy, tangy kick, I’ll share my top tips to make it taste just right.
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When our local Panera closed, I was way more upset than I should’ve been—mainly because I really loved their Green Goddess dressing (and, let’s be real, their whole Green Goddess Chicken Salad situation). Since they don’t sell it in stores, I had to recreate it at home. And honestly? Now I wouldn’t go back!
Tips for the Best Green Goddess Dressing
- Fresh basil is everything—It’s what gives this dressing its bright, herby flavor. No dried substitutes here!
- Pesto is the secret ingredient—A spoonful of pesto takes the basil flavor up a notch and adds a little extra depth.
- Let it chill—Giving the dressing at least 30 minutes in the fridge helps the flavors meld and makes it even better.
- Blend just enough—Too much, and the dressing can lose its vibrant color and texture. A quick pulse keeps it smooth but not overly processed.
- Taste and adjust—Everyone’s taste is different! Add a little extra vinegar for more tang, honey for a touch of sweetness, a splash of Worcestershire sauce if you like, squeeze of lemon, or salt and pepper to balance it out.
This homemade Green Goddess dressing is fresh, creamy, and so much better-for-you than anything from the store. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to bottled!
What is Green Goddess Salad Dressing?
This beloved salad dressing reportedly dates back to the 1920s when the executive chef of the Palace Hotel in San Francisco created the recipe to celebrate the hit play “The Green Goddess” that was running on Broadway at the time.
It became wildly popular in the 70s and 80s and was a favorite at potlucks, served right out of the Tupperware bowl next to the green jello and the fruit cocktail and whipped cream salad. Although times (and salads, thank goodness) have changed, this classic dressing still remains a favorite, thanks in part to its place on the Panera menu.
Why you will love this Green Goddess Dressing Recipe
- Fresh and Fast – Delicious, homemade flavor in just a quick whirl!
- Simple Ingredients – A few pantry staples and lots of fresh basil.
- Versatile – Amazing as a salad dressing, dip or marinade.
Healthy Twist
- Healthier Ingredients – Greek yogurt, fresh basil, shallots, pesto, and a small amount of mayo are the main ingredients in this flavorful dressing.
- Homemade – Fresh tasting and free from preservatives, homemade dressings are simply better for you than store-bought!
Panera Green Goddess Dressing ingredients
- Greek yogurt | Plain Greek yogurt adds tanginess along with a velvety and light texture. Use full-fat or non-fat. Sour cream may be substituted if you like the taste better.
- Mayo | Mayonnaise helps create a silky and creamy dressing. I like to use Chosen Foods Avocado Mayo for a healthier alternative and better flavor. You may use your favorite!
- Fresh Basil | If you don’t have a basil plant to pull leaves from, try Trader Joe’s for a variety of affordable fresh basil options.
- Shallot | Shallots add a delicate but sweet flavor with a hint of sharpness.
- Pesto | You can choose store-bought pesto or follow my recipe for Easy Homemade Basil Pesto Sauce.
- White wine vinegar | Use for a sharp, tangy flavor that is less harsh then distilled white vinegar.
- Honey | Local, raw honey is my favorite for added health benefits. May also substitute agave.
Recommended Tools
- This mini food processor would be perfect for this dressing.
- Or use a blender, full-size or smoothie sized.
How to Make Green Goddess Salad Dressing
- This easy recipe makes the ultimate salad dressing, dip or marinade to add to your spring and summer menus!
- Roughly chop your shallot and basil; measure and add to your food processor or blender.
- Measure and add your mayo, Greek yogurt, pesto, white wine vinegar, honey, and dijon.
- Add a pinch of kosher salt and a pinch of pepper. Blend until well combined. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
Homemade salad dressings are so simple to make and far better than anything store-bought! They are the easiest way to turn a good salad into a great one!
Try my other homemade salad dressings like this Pomegranate Dressing with fresh citrus, pomegranate, and tangy dijon flavors! And this zesty Apple Cider Vinaigrette doubles as a marinade. Or this low-carb, creamy Blue Cheese Dressing and finally, this zesty Italian dressing recipe.
Green Goddess Salad Dressing Recipe tips
- You’ll need around 30 fresh basil leaves to loosely fill ¾ of a cup. Of course, the size of the leaf may vary, so start with this amount, taste and then adjust and add more basil if you wish.
- Depending on your preferences, you can adjust the ingredients to make this dressing uniquely your own.
Variations & Substitutions
- Nut Free: Try my Nut Free Basil Pesto Sauce for a delicious alternative.
- Avocado: Add heart-healthy avocado for an even richer, creamier dressing.
- Sweeter: For a slightly sweeter dressing, add ½ tablespoon of agave syrup or honey.
- Herbs: Dill, cilantro, parsley, chives, and mint are delicious additions to your dressing. Or, try tarragon, which is excellent when serving chicken.
- Dip-alicious: Use as a colorful dip for chips and pretzels, sweet potato, or regular fries.
Storing Green Goddess Salad Dressing
Refrigerate – Store this dressing in an airtight container for up to one week.
Freeze – I would not recommend it. Once thawed, you may not like the looks or taste of it!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you need to make this dressing ahead of time, try and make it the day you will be serving it. The freshness of this dressing is what gives it the best flavor.
Yes, if you wish to limit the fat in this dressing, you may use fat free mayo and Greek yogurt.
The original Panera Green Goddess salad is loaded with fresh arugula, romaine lettuces and baby kale, grape tomatoes, hard-boiled egg, pickled red onions, avocado, crispy bacon and sliced chicken breast. You can easily make this salad at home! Try my fabulous copycat recipe Panera Green Goddess Salad.
Only 3 carbs in my easy, copycat Panera green goddess salad dressing, making it a fresh and healthy choice for your next salad.
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Main Dishes that Pair Perfectly with Green Goddess Salad Dressing
The fresh and herby flavors of this dressing complement the smoky and savory flavor of this steakhouse wedge salad.
Panera Green Goddess Cobb Salad
The inspiration for this Green Goddess Cobb salad!
Asian Marinated Grilled Pork Tenderloin
This is my go-to Asian marinade for pork tenderloin! Perfect, every-single-time!
Try using this dressing as a dip alongside some chopped veggies, as a wrap or sandwich spread, or as a sauce to drizzle over a grain bowl, grilled chicken, steak or fish. It is so versatile!
Best Sides to Serve with Green Goddess Dressing
This creamy and tangy dressing pairs well with roasted vegetables like my Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Honey Balsamic Glaze or as a dip for fresh veggies as shown below.
Roasted Asparagus
Asparagus comes out perfectly roasted when made in the air fryer, drizzle a little Green Goddess dressing over the top!
Veggie Crudite
Serve alongside this amazing crudite dip or stir in several tablespoons to the dip.
More Delicious Salads
- Best Steakhouse Wedge Salad Recipe (with Romaine)
- Best Easy Italian Chopped Salad Recipe
- Best Mexican Fruit Salad Recipe
- Healthy Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad
- Easy Strawberry Rhubarb Salad with Rhubarb Dressing
- Sweet Maple Apple Pecan Salad
- Blackberry Grilled Chicken Salad with Fried Goat Cheese
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I hope you loved this Copycat Panera Green Goddess Salad Dressing— if you did, would you share your creation on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest? And be sure to comment below!
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Equipment
- Ninja Personal Blender for Shakes, Smoothies
Ingredients
- ½ cup Greek yogurt plain
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¾-1 cup basil leaves fresh
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon shallot minced
- 1 tablespoon pesto homemade or storebought
- ½ tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to blender or small food processor, blend until creamy and smooth. Taste, adjust salt and pepper as needed.
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Notes
- Drizzle over your favorite veggies.
- Use as a light dip with your favorite crudite veggies or chips.
- On your favorite salads, including this Copycat Panera Green Goddess Cobb salad.
- Drizzle over chicken, fish, steak or shrimp for a yummy boost.
Nutrition
Ali
Paneras green goddess dressing is so good I have to try this copycat!! I love that it is actually so easy to make.
Super easy!! Thanks, Ali.
Kushigalu
What a flavorful salad dressing. Thanks alot for sharing.
So glad you loved it!
veenaazmanov
This combination is definitely yummy. All the additions like Yogurt, Pesto, Honey, Dijon Mustard , Mayo makes this dressing unique. A must try dressing for my next salad recipe.
For sure! Hope you love it!
Dannii
This salad dressing was amazing. So light and fresh.
Glad you loved it!
Elizabeth
I love how this is a healthier homemade version of the restaurant dressing. Interesting background on its history too! The basil gives it a fresh summery taste.
Such a great flavor!!
Tasia
I’ve never made my own green goddess dressing and I don’t know why. This is so good and I see using it on just about all my summer salads!!
Such a fantastic summer salad dressing!!