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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.

Green goddess salad dressing in pretty pitcher for serving.

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.

Why You Will Love this Panera Green Goddess Dressing

  • 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.
Drizzling green goddess dressing onto fresh made chicken cobb salad.
Drizzle with dressing

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! 

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.
Labeled ingredients for green goddess salad dressing and dip.

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.

Fresh 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.
Delicious green goddess dressing in pretty crystal pitcher with green salad behind.

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.
Green goddess dressing poured onto a crisp green salad.
USA Bakeware pans, set.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dressing ahead of time?

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.

Can I make this recipe with less fat?

Yes, if you wish to limit the fat in this dressing, you may use fat free mayo and Greek yogurt.

What is in a Panera Green Goddess Salad?

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.

How many carbs in Panera Green Goddess Salad dressing?

Only 3 carbs in my easy, copycat Panera green goddess salad dressing, making it a fresh and healthy choice for your next salad.

Pouring green goddess salad dressing onto a fresh green salad.

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!

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 with grilled chicken.

Panera Green Goddess Cobb Salad

The inspiration for this Green Goddess Cobb salad!

Asian Pork Tenderloin sliced and juicy on cutting board.

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.

Square image of top down shot of air fryer asparagus on a plate with lemons and fresh block of parmesan.

Roasted Asparagus

Asparagus comes out perfectly roasted when made in the air fryer, drizzle a little Green Goddess dressing over the top!

Crudites dip in bowl with larger bowl filled with fresh, crisp veggies.

Veggie Crudite

Serve alongside this amazing crudite dip or stir in several tablespoons to the dip.

Green goddess salad dressing on cobb salad a Panera bread copycat recipe.

More Delicious Salads

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Ingredients for green goddess salad dressing in blender and in small pitcher for serving, to pin.

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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Pouring Panera green goddess salad dressing over a crisp green salad.

Homemade Green Goddess Salad Dressing (Panera Copycat)

Author: Kathleen Pope
5 from 8 votes
Light, bright, and full of fresh, herby flavor, this 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!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Salad Dressing, Salads and Dressings
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings (2 Tablespoons)
Calories 92 kcal

Equipment

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
  • 1/2 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 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.

✱ Kathleen’s Tips

Refrigerate until ready to use, stores well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 5-7 days. 
Ways to use Green Goddess Dressing
  • 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

Serving: 2 tablespoons Calories: 92 kcal Carbohydrates: 3 g Protein: 2 g Fat: 8 g Saturated Fat: 1 g Polyunsaturated Fat: 4 g Monounsaturated Fat: 2 g Trans Fat: 0.02 g Cholesterol: 5 mg Sodium: 94 mg Potassium: 43 mg Fiber: 0.2 g Sugar: 2 g Vitamin A: 216 IU Vitamin C: 1 mg Calcium: 30 mg Iron: 0.2 mg

Nutrition Disclaimer

The Fresh Cooky is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Kathleen Pope, The Fresh Cooky.

About Kathleen Pope

Recipe Innovator | Food Photographer | Food Writer

Hi, I’m Kathleen Pope. Here at The Fresh Cooky you will find easy, mostly from-scratch, trusted recipes for all occasions. From speedy dinners to tasty desserts, with easy step-by-step instructions. I am here to help teach you how to make mouthwatering recipes without spending hours in the kitchen. Read more about Kathleen here.

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12 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    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.

  2. 5 stars
    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.

  3. 5 stars
    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!!