Green Goddess Dressing Recipe Ina Garten Made Easy

If you’ve ever dined at Ina Garten’s Barefoot Contessa or watched one of her cooking shows, you know her recipes are the epitome of effortless elegance and flavor. One of her standout creations is the Green Goddess Dressing – a vibrant, herbaceous sauce that’s creamy, tangy, and packed with fresh green goodness.

This dressing is a perfect balance of classic flavors blended into a luscious, silky texture that elevates salads, grilled veggies, sandwiches, and even seafood dishes. Whether you’re looking to add a gourmet touch to your weeknight salads or impress guests with a homemade dressing, Ina’s Green Goddess recipe is a must-try.

This recipe combines fresh herbs, tangy lemon juice, creamy mayonnaise, and a hint of anchovy for a depth of flavor that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to make in just minutes, requiring minimal effort but delivering maximum taste.

Get ready to bring a splash of green magic to your kitchen with this timeless dressing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Green Goddess Dressing by Ina Garten is beloved for many reasons. First, its fresh herbaceous flavor profile is incredibly versatile, complementing a wide range of dishes beyond just salads.

Second, it strikes the perfect balance between creamy and tangy without being overpowering, making it a crowd-pleaser. Third, this recipe is straightforward to prepare with simple ingredients you may already have in your pantry and fridge.

Additionally, the dressing keeps well in the refrigerator, so you can prepare it ahead of time for quick meals throughout the week. If you’re someone who appreciates classic, elegant flavors with a modern twist, Ina’s Green Goddess Dressing is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise – provides the creamy base
• 1/2 cup sour cream – adds tanginess and richness
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice – brightens the flavor
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar – adds acidity
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh tarragon – distinctive herb flavor
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives – mild oniony note
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley – fresh earthiness
• 1 teaspoon anchovy paste – for umami depth (optional but recommended)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – pungent and flavorful
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste
• 2 tablespoons water – to thin the dressing if necessary

Equipment

• Mixing bowl – to combine all ingredients
• Whisk or fork – for blending the dressing until smooth
• Measuring spoons and cups – for accuracy
• Knife and cutting board – to finely chop herbs and garlic
• Storage container with lid – for refrigerating the dressing

Instructions

1. Prepare the herbs: Finely chop the fresh tarragon, chives, and parsley. The herbs should be chopped small enough to distribute evenly throughout the dressing for maximum flavor.
2. Mix the base: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, and white wine vinegar. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the flavorings: Stir in the minced garlic, anchovy paste (if using), and the chopped herbs. Mix well so the herbs and garlic are evenly incorporated.
4. Season: Taste the dressing and add salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. This will enhance all the flavors.
5. Adjust consistency: If the dressing is too thick, whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of water until you reach your desired consistency. It should be creamy but pourable.
6. Chill: Cover the bowl or transfer the dressing to a sealed container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
7. Serve: Give the dressing a final stir before drizzling over salads, roasted vegetables, or your favorite dishes.

Tips & Variations

“For a dairy-free option, substitute the mayonnaise for a vegan mayo and replace sour cream with coconut cream or a plant-based yogurt.”

• Make it vegan: Use vegan mayonnaise and a dairy-free yogurt alternative to create a plant-based version that’s just as delicious.
• Boost the herbs: Add fresh basil or cilantro for a twist on the traditional herb mix.
• Add avocado: Blend in half an avocado for an extra creamy and nutrient-rich dressing.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a subtle kick.
• Use fresh lemon zest: Adding a teaspoon of lemon zest can brighten the dressing even more.
• Storage: Keep refrigerated and consume within 4-5 days for the best flavor and freshness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This dressing is incredibly versatile and can transform many dishes into something special.

• Drizzle it over a crisp mixed green salad with cucumbers, radishes, and cherry tomatoes.
• Use it as a flavorful dip for fresh vegetable sticks or crispy fries.
• Spread it on sandwiches or wraps for an herby, creamy boost.
• Toss with grilled chicken or seafood for a fresh and zesty finish.
• Mix it with pasta salad for a light and refreshing alternative to mayo-heavy dressings.

Conclusion

Ina Garten’s Green Goddess Dressing is a timeless classic that brings fresh, bold flavors to your table with minimal effort. Its creamy texture combined with a vibrant mix of herbs makes it a perfect companion for salads, grilled dishes, and more.

The recipe’s simplicity and adaptability mean you can easily tailor it to your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Making this dressing at home not only saves you money but also guarantees freshness and quality ingredients. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to impress friends and family with a homemade touch that looks and tastes like a gourmet creation.

Be sure to try this recipe and keep it handy for elevating your everyday meals effortlessly.

For more delicious and easy recipes, check out these favorites:

• Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping
• Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious
• Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Green Goddess Dressing Recipe Ina Garten”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A creamy, tangy dressing made with fresh herbs and anchovies, perfect for salads or as a dip. Ina Garten’s version is rich and flavorful, ideal for elevating any dish.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT0M”, “totalTime”: “PT10M”, “recipeYield”: “1 cup”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1/2 cup mayonnaise”, “1/2 cup sour cream”, “1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley”, “2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives”, “2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon”, “1 tablespoon lemon juice”, “2 anchovy fillets, minced”, “1 garlic clove, minced”, “1/4 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 teaspoon black pepper”, “1 tablespoon white wine vinegar”, “2 to 3 tablespoons water (to thin, if needed)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine mayonnaise and sour cream in a bowl.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add parsley, chives, tarragon, lemon juice, and white wine vinegar.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix in minced anchovies and garlic.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Whisk until smooth and well combined.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add water gradually to reach desired consistency.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “120”, “proteinContent”: “1g”, “fatContent”: “12g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “1g”}}