Green Goddess Dressing Recipe - How to Make Green Goddess Dressing & Dip

Green Goddess Dressing Recipe - How to Make Green Goddess Dressing & Dip is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Food Wishes on YouTube.

Prep: 11 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 16 min

Cost: $5.11 total, $0.64 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Mayonnaise (full‑fat, store‑bought or homemade)
  • 0.25 cup Sour Cream (regular, chilled)
  • 1 fillet Anchovy Fillet (canned in oil, rinsed)
  • 1 clove Garlic (roughly chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice (juice of one large lemon)
  • 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar (mild, unseasoned)
  • 0.25 cup Flat‑Leaf Parsley (packed, chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons Chives (chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Tarragon (chopped)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (ground)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper (ground)
  • 1 pinch Salt (kosher or sea salt; adjust for anchovy saltiness)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Herbs and Lemon

    Rinse the parsley, chives, and tarragon. Pat dry, then roughly chop the chives and tarragon; pack the parsley. Cut and juice one large lemon, reserving the juice.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Add Base Ingredients

    Place 1 cup mayonnaise and ¼ cup sour cream into the blender.

    Time: PT1M

  3. Incorporate Anchovy and Garlic

    Add the single anchovy fillet and the roughly chopped garlic clove to the blender.

    Time: PT1M

  4. Season Lightly

    Add ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of salt.

    Time: PT30S

  5. Add Acidic Elements

    Pour in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1 tbsp rice vinegar.

    Time: PT30S

  6. Add Fresh Herbs

    Add the chopped parsley, chives, and tarragon to the blender.

    Time: PT1M

  7. Blend Until Smooth

    Blend on high for about 20 seconds, stop, scrape down the sides with a spatula, then continue blending until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy.

    Time: PT1M

  8. Taste and Adjust

    Taste the dressing; add a little more salt, lemon juice, or pepper if needed, then give it a quick pulse.

    Time: PT30S

  9. Serve or Store

    Transfer the dressing to a serving bowl or airtight container. Use immediately on salads, as a dip, or as a cold sauce for grilled proteins.

    Time: PT30S

Nutrition Facts

Calories
120
Protein
1 g
Carbohydrates
2 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
0 g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, Contains Fish

Allergens: Eggs, Milk, Fish

Last updated: April 14, 2026

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Green Goddess Dressing Recipe - How to Make Green Goddess Dressing & Dip

Recipe by Food Wishes

A bright, herb‑forward Green Goddess dressing created by Chef John of Food Wishes. Made with mayonnaise, sour cream, anchovy, fresh lemon, rice vinegar, and a trio of herbs (parsley, chives, tarragon), this versatile sauce is perfect for salads, vegetables, or as a chilled sauce for grilled meats and fish.

EasyAmericanServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
9m
Prep
0m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
19m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$5.11
Total cost
$0.64
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Blending until completely smooth (step 7) – ensures proper texture and prevents herb fibers from wrapping the blade.
  • Tasting and adjusting seasoning (step 8) – anchovies add salt, so final seasoning must be checked.

Safety Warnings

  • Blender blades are extremely sharp – handle with care.
  • Use a stable surface for the blender to prevent tipping.
  • Anchovies are high in sodium; adjust added salt accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Green Goddess Dressing in American cuisine?

A

Green Goddess dressing originated in the 1920s at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco, inspired by a popular salad dressing called "Green Goddess" that combined anchovies, herbs, and a creamy base. It became a staple of West Coast cuisine and is celebrated for its bright, herbaceous flavor.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Green Goddess Dressing in the United States?

A

In California, the classic version uses mayonnaise, sour cream, anchovies, and fresh herbs. Some Midwest variations replace sour cream with buttermilk for a tangier profile, while a few Southern takes add hot sauce or replace anchovies with Worcestershire sauce for a milder salty note.

cultural
Q

How is Green Goddess Dressing traditionally served in American restaurants?

A

It is most often drizzled over mixed green salads, served as a dip for raw vegetables, or presented as a chilled sauce alongside grilled fish or chicken. Some upscale venues also pair it with seafood towers or use it as a garnish for steak salads.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Green Goddess Dressing traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Because of its fresh flavor, Green Goddess dressing is popular at spring and summer gatherings, brunches, and especially Mother’s Day meals, as Chef John highlights in his Food Wishes video.

cultural
Q

What makes Green Goddess Dressing special or unique in American cuisine?

A

The combination of anchovy‑derived umami, bright citrus acidity, and a trio of fresh herbs (parsley, chives, tarragon) creates a complex yet balanced flavor that stands out among typical creamy dressings.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Green Goddess Dressing versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include mayonnaise, sour cream, anchovy fillet, garlic, lemon juice, rice vinegar, parsley, chives, and tarragon. Acceptable substitutes are Greek yogurt for sour cream, anchovy paste for fillets, and dried tarragon or basil if fresh tarragon is unavailable.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Green Goddess Dressing at home?

A

Common errors include over‑blending which can over‑heat the dressing, adding too much salt because anchovies are already salty, and not chopping herbs finely enough, which leads to a gritty texture. Also, forgetting to scrape down the blender can leave chunks.

technical
Q

Why does this Green Goddess Dressing recipe use a blender instead of a food processor?

A

Chef John prefers a blender because its high‑speed blades create a smoother emulsion and incorporate the anchovy and garlic more evenly, resulting in the glossy, thick consistency characteristic of a classic Green Goddess dressing.

technical
Q

Can I make Green Goddess Dressing ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the dressing can be prepared up to three days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator; give it a quick stir before serving as a thin layer may separate.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Green Goddess Dressing?

A

The dressing should be a vibrant emerald green, glossy, and thick enough to coat a leaf of lettuce without pooling. It should feel silky on the palate with no visible herb fibers or garlic pieces.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Food Wishes specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Food Wishes, hosted by Chef John, specializes in approachable, humor‑filled cooking tutorials that break down classic and contemporary recipes into easy‑to‑follow steps for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Food Wishes' approach to American cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Food Wishes combines witty narration with clear visual cues, often emphasizing technique (like proper blending) and offering practical substitutions, making classic American dishes feel both authentic and accessible to cooks of all skill levels.

channel

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