This Ina Garten Green Goddess Dressing is a creamy and vibrant recipe, which is made with fresh herbs like parsley and tarragon. It’s the perfect dressing for salads or a dip for vegetables, ready in about 10 minutes (plus chilling time).
Jump to RecipeIna Garten Barefoot Contessa Green Goddess Dressing Recipe Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup fresh parsley leaves, packed
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- 2 anchovy fillets (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

How To Make Ina Garten Barefoot Contessa Green Goddess Dressing
- Combine Ingredients in Blender: Place the mayonnaise, sour cream, parsley, basil, tarragon, chives, optional anchovy fillets, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest into a blender or food processor.
- Blend Until Smooth: Blend the mixture until it is completely smooth and creamy, and the herbs are finely incorporated. You may need to scrape down the sides of the blender once or twice.
- Season and Chill: Taste the dressing and season with salt and pepper as needed. Transfer the dressing to a jar or airtight container.
- Serve: For the best flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.

Recipe Tips
- How do I get the most vibrant flavor? Using fresh herbs is absolutely essential for this dressing. Dried herbs will not provide the same bright, fresh, and green flavor that is the signature of this recipe.
- How can I adjust the consistency? This recipe creates a thick, creamy dressing that’s also great as a dip. If you prefer a thinner, more pourable consistency for a salad, you can whisk in a splash of buttermilk or water until it reaches your desired thickness.
- Do I have to use the anchovies? The anchovies are optional, but highly recommended. They dissolve completely into the dressing and provide a deep, savory, umami flavor without tasting “fishy.” If you prefer to leave them out, you can add a teaspoon of capers for a similar salty kick.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, this is a perfect make-ahead dressing. In fact, the flavor is even better after it has had a chance to sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or even overnight.
What To Serve With Green Goddess Dressing
This versatile, herb-packed dressing is a classic for a reason. It’s delicious as:
- A dressing for a simple green salad or a Cobb salad.
- A dip for a fresh vegetable crudité platter.
- A sauce for grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp.
- A spread for sandwiches and wraps.
How To Store Green Goddess Dressing
- Refrigerate: Store the dressing in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
- Shake Before Use: The dressing may thicken upon chilling. Give it a good shake or stir before serving.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the mayonnaise and sour cream base will separate and the fresh herbs will lose their texture.
Green Goddess Dressing Nutrition Facts
Nutrition information is not available for this recipe. Please calculate based on the specific ingredients used.
FAQs
Yes, you can omit them. For a similar savory, umami flavor, you can substitute them with a teaspoon of drained capers or even a small dash of Worcestershire sauce.
When stored in an airtight container, it will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 5 days.
It is strongly recommended to use fresh herbs for this recipe, as they are the star of the show. Dried herbs will result in a very different and less vibrant flavor and color.
Try More Recipes:
Ina Garten Barefoot Contessa Green Goddess Dressing Recipe
Course: SauceCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy10
servings30
minutes–
kcalA classic, creamy, and vibrant dressing packed with fresh herbs, tangy sour cream, and a hint of lemon, perfect for salads or as a dip.
Ingredients
-
1 cup mayonnaise
-
½ cup sour cream
-
Herbs: ½ cup parsley, ¼ cup basil, 2 tbsp tarragon, 2 tbsp chives.
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2 anchovy fillets (optional)
-
1 clove garlic, minced
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1 tbsp fresh lemon juice & 1 tsp lemon zest
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Salt and pepper to taste.
Directions
- Combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, all fresh herbs, optional anchovies, garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a blender or food processor.
- Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to a jar and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve cold.
Notes
- Using fresh herbs is essential for the signature flavor and color of this dressing.
- For a thinner consistency, whisk in a splash of buttermilk or water.
- The flavor of the dressing improves after it has had time to chill in the refrigerator.
- This dressing is incredibly versatile and can be used on salads, with vegetables, or on sandwiches.
