Best Green Goddess Dressing

Best Green Goddess Dressing is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 80 calories per serving. Recipe by SAM THE COOKING GUY on YouTube.

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

Cost: $2.55 total, $0.64 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Tarragon Leaves (fresh, loosely packed)
  • 1/3 cup Parsley (fresh flat‑leaf parsley, loosely packed)
  • 1/3 cup Chives (fresh, roughly chopped)
  • 2 stalks Green Onion (white and green parts, roughly chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 2 teaspoons Anchovy Paste (or 2 anchovy fillets mashed)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Fresh Ground Black Pepper (to taste)
  • 3/4 cup Sour Cream (full‑fat, room temperature)

Instructions

  1. Gather Ingredients

    Wash all fresh herbs, pat dry, and measure each ingredient.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Add Herbs to Blender

    Place tarragon, parsley, chives, and green onion into the immersion blender cup.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Add Acid and Umami

    Add lemon juice, anchovy paste, and freshly ground black pepper.

    Time: PT1M

  4. Add Sour Cream

    Spoon the sour cream into the blender.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Blend Until Smooth

    Blend on low, then medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and vivid green, about 30‑60 seconds.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Taste and Adjust

    Taste the dressing; add more lemon for brightness or more anchovy paste for depth if needed.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Store

    Transfer the dressing to a clean jar, seal, label with the date, and refrigerate.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
80
Protein
1g
Carbohydrates
2g
Fat
7g
Fiber
0.2g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Keto-Friendly, Low-Carb

Allergens: Dairy, Fish

Last updated: April 16, 2026

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Best Green Goddess Dressing

Recipe by SAM THE COOKING GUY

A vibrant, creamy herb dressing made with fresh tarragon, parsley, chives, green onion, lemon juice, anchovy paste, and sour cream. The immersion blender (bullet) creates a silky green sauce perfect for salads, grilled meats, or as a dip.

EasyAmericanServes 4

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

Source Video
11m
Prep
0m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
21m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$2.55
Total cost
$0.64
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Processing the fresh herbs until fully pureed to achieve the signature green color.
  • Blending with sour cream without overheating the mixture.
  • Adjusting seasoning after blending to balance acidity and umami.

Safety Warnings

  • Be careful when handling the immersion blender blade – keep fingers away.
  • Anchovy paste is high in sodium; use sparingly if monitoring salt intake.
  • Lemon juice can irritate skin; wash hands after handling.

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 and became popular in American fine‑dining as a luxurious herb‑based sauce. It reflects the early 20th‑century fascination with fresh, herbaceous flavors and remains a classic for salads and seafood.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Green Goddess Dressing in American cuisine?

A

Traditional versions use a base of mayonnaise and sour cream with tarragon, chives, parsley, and anchovy. Some West Coast variations swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or add avocado for extra creaminess, while Midwest cooks may add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for depth.

cultural
Q

How is Green Goddess Dressing traditionally served in the United States?

A

In the United States it is most often drizzled over mixed green salads, used as a dip for raw vegetables, or paired with grilled fish and chicken. It is also served alongside steak tartare or as a sandwich spread.

cultural
Q

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

A

Green Goddess Dressing is a popular choice for summer barbecues, brunch buffets, and holiday gatherings because its bright color adds a festive touch to salads and vegetable platters.

cultural
Q

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

A

Its unique combination of fresh herbs, tangy lemon, umami anchovy, and creamy sour cream creates a balanced flavor profile that is both herbaceous and savory, setting it apart from typical vinaigrette or ranch dressings.

cultural
Q

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

A

Common mistakes include under‑processing the herbs, which leaves a speckled green color, adding cold sour cream that creates lumps, and using too much anchovy paste which can make the dressing overly salty. Blend until completely smooth and taste before sealing.

technical
Q

Why does this Green Goddess Dressing recipe use an immersion blender instead of a regular blender?

A

An immersion blender (bullet) allows the herbs to be pureed directly in the serving container, preserving the bright green color and preventing oxidation that can occur when transferring to a traditional blender. It also gives better control over texture.

technical
Q

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

A

Yes, you can prepare the dressing up to five days in advance. Store it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator and give it a good shake before each use. The flavor actually improves after a few hours of chilling.

technical
Q

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

A

The dressing should be smooth, glossy, and a vivid emerald green without any visible herb pieces. It should coat the back of a spoon and flow easily but not be watery.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel SAM THE COOKING GUY specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel SAM THE COOKING GUY focuses on approachable, home‑cooked recipes with a mix of classic comfort foods and modern twists, often emphasizing quick techniques and practical kitchen tools.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel SAM THE COOKING GUY's approach to American dressing recipes differ from other cooking channels?

A

SAM THE COOKING GUY emphasizes using everyday tools like an immersion blender and prioritizes fresh, whole‑food ingredients over processed shortcuts, offering clear step‑by‑step guidance that makes classic dressings like Green Goddess accessible to home cooks.

channel

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