Green Goddess Dressing
Green Goddess Dressing is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 80 calories per serving. Recipe by Baked by Melissa on YouTube.
Prep: 14 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 19 min
Cost: $23.92 total, $5.98 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Parsley (packed, stems included)
- 1 cup Cilantro (packed, stems included)
- 2 cups Spinach (fresh, washed)
- 3 tablespoons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed from 2‑3 lemons)
- 2 cloves Garlic (peeled)
- ¼ cup Olive Oil (extra‑virgin)
- 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar (unseasoned)
- 3 tablespoons Green Onion Stubs (chopped, includes white and green parts)
- ½ cup Raw Cashews (unsalted)
- ½ cup Raw Walnuts (unsalted, halves)
- ½ teaspoon Salt (fine sea salt)
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
Wash and Prep Greens
Rinse parsley, cilantro, and spinach under cold water, shake off excess moisture, and place them on a clean cutting board.
Time: PT5M
Trim and Chop Stems
Trim any tough stems from the herbs, then roughly chop the green onion stubs and set aside.
Time: PT2M
Blend All Ingredients
Add the washed greens, chopped green onion, raw cashews, raw walnuts, garlic cloves, lemon juice, olive oil, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper into the blender. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
Time: PT5M
Adjust Consistency
If the dressing is too thick, add a splash of additional lemon juice or water (1‑2 Tbsp) and blend briefly until desired consistency is reached.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 80
- Protein
- 2 g
- Carbohydrates
- 4 g
- Fat
- 7 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free
Allergens: Tree nuts
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Parsley: flat‑leaf parsley, basil
- Instead of Cilantro: fresh coriander leaves, parsley
- Instead of Spinach: kale leaves, arugula
- Instead of Lemon Juice: lime juice, apple cider vinegar (less sweet)
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (¼ tsp)
- Instead of Olive Oil: avocado oil, grapeseed oil
- Instead of Rice Vinegar: apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar
- Instead of Green Onion Stubs: chives, shallots (small amount)
- Instead of Raw Cashews: raw almonds, macadamia nuts
- Instead of Raw Walnuts: pecans, hazelnuts
- Instead of Salt: kosher salt (¼ tsp)
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
Equipment Needed
- Blender
- Cutting Board
- Chef Knife
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Storage Container
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy; under‑blending leaves a gritty texture.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Toast the cashews and walnuts lightly before blending for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
- Use the freshest herbs possible; they give the brightest color and most vibrant taste.
Troubleshooting
Dressing is too thick.
Add water or extra lemon juice a tablespoon at a time and blend until smooth.
Dressing is watery or lacks body.
Add more raw cashews or walnuts (¼ cup) and blend again.
Bitter aftertaste.
Check that the garlic isn’t over‑blended; add a pinch more salt or a drizzle of honey (if not strictly vegan) to balance.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture may change after thawing.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours during serving.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The dressing keeps well refrigerated; make it a day ahead to let flavors meld.
- Give the dressing a quick stir before serving as separation may occur.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Green Herb Cashew Walnut Dressing in American cuisine?
While not a traditional American staple, green herb nut dressings have grown popular in health‑focused American cooking, reflecting the country’s embrace of plant‑based, nutrient‑dense sauces that combine fresh herbs with raw nuts for creaminess.
What are the traditional regional variations of green herb nut dressings in the United States?
In the Pacific Northwest, similar dressings often incorporate hazelnuts and local herbs like dill. In the South, pecans replace cashews, and a splash of apple cider vinegar adds a sweet tang.
How is Green Herb Cashew Walnut Dressing traditionally served in American health‑food circles?
It is commonly drizzled over mixed greens, used as a dip for raw veggie sticks, or tossed with quinoa and roasted vegetables for a protein‑rich bowl.
What occasions or celebrations is Green Herb Cashew Walnut Dressing traditionally associated with in American culture?
It appears frequently at summer picnics, brunch buffets, and wellness‑focused gatherings where fresh, vibrant salads are highlighted.
How does Green Herb Cashew Walnut Dressing fit into the broader American plant‑based cuisine tradition?
The dressing exemplifies the American trend of creating creamy sauces without dairy, using raw nuts and fresh herbs to deliver texture and flavor while keeping the dish vegan and nutrient‑dense.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Green Herb Cashew Walnut Dressing versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include fresh parsley, cilantro, spinach, raw cashews, raw walnuts, lemon juice, olive oil, and rice vinegar. Acceptable substitutes are toasted nuts, different fresh herbs (basil, dill), or apple cider vinegar in place of rice vinegar.
What other American dishes pair well with Green Herb Cashew Walnut Dressing?
It pairs beautifully with kale salads, roasted sweet potato bowls, grilled chicken (for non‑vegans), and as a topping for avocado toast.
What makes Green Herb Cashew Walnut Dressing special or unique in American cuisine?
Its combination of raw nuts for creaminess and a bright herb‑lemon profile offers a dairy‑free alternative that still feels indulgent, aligning with the American focus on healthful yet flavorful dressings.
How has Green Herb Cashew Walnut Dressing evolved over time in the United States?
Originally a niche vegan sauce, it has become mainstream thanks to food bloggers and health influencers who popularized quick‑blend dressings using everyday pantry nuts and fresh herbs.
What are common misconceptions about Green Herb Cashew Walnut Dressing?
Many think the dressing must be cooked to become creamy, but the raw nuts and olive oil create a smooth texture without heat. Another myth is that it’s high‑calorie; while nut‑rich, portion control keeps it moderate.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Green Herb Cashew Walnut Dressing?
Avoid over‑blending which can over‑heat the nuts and create a bitter taste, and be sure to fully rinse the greens to prevent excess water that thins the dressing unintentionally.
Why does this Green Herb Cashew Walnut Dressing recipe use raw cashews and walnuts instead of toasted nuts?
Raw nuts keep the flavor bright and the texture smoother; toasting adds a deeper flavor but can introduce a slightly bitter note that may overpower the fresh herbs.
Can I make Green Herb Cashew Walnut Dressing ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, store the finished dressing in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Stir or shake before each use as natural separation may occur.
What does the YouTube channel Baked by Melissa specialize in?
The YouTube channel Baked by Melissa is best known for bite‑size cupcakes and creative dessert mini‑treats, but the host also shares quick, wholesome recipes like dressings and dips that fit a busy lifestyle.
How does the YouTube channel Baked by Melissa's approach to healthy dressing recipes differ from other cooking channels?
Baked by Melissa focuses on simplicity and minimal equipment, often using a single blender and pantry‑friendly ingredients, whereas many other channels may involve more complex techniques or specialty tools.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
