Homemade Green Goddess Salad Dressing (Panera Copycat)

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Light, bright, and full of fresh, herby flavor, this Panera Green Goddess salad dressing is hard to resist. Fresh basil, zesty dijon, and savory pesto combined with creamy Greek yogurt make this classic dressing a springtime favorite!

Your favorite salad dressing, made in 5 minutes or less at home! Make this delicious, low-carb salad dressing for your next salad.

I enjoy giving precise details in my recipe posts to lead my readers through any questions. If you’re just here for the printable recipe, feel free to click “Jump to Recipe” right under the title of this post, and you’ll head straight there!

What is Green Goddess 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.

Simple Ingredients Homemade Green Goddess Dressing

Ingredients, directions and nutritional information in the printable recipe card at the end of the post.

• 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.

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.

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.

Storage

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!

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.

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

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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