Recipe: Green Goddess Dressing

Spring is the season of fresh, vibrant flavors, and nothing captures that spirit quite like Green Goddess dressing. This creamy, herbaceous dressing has a rich history and a flavor profile that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Green Goddess dressing was born in the 1920s at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco. Created by executive chef Philip Roemer, the dressing was originally made as a tribute to actor George Arliss, who was staying at the hotel while performing in the play The Green Goddess. The play was a hit, and so was the dressing. Its vibrant green color and rich, tangy flavor made it an instant classic.

The original recipe included mayonnaise, sour cream, anchovies, parsley, tarragon, chives, and lemon juice. Over the years, it became a staple in American kitchens, often served as a dip or salad dressing. While the traditional recipe calls for anchovies, we’re reimagining it for a modern palate, focusing on the fresh herbs and creamy base that make it so irresistible. This season, we’re showcasing our Green Goddess dressing in a fresh, vibrant spring salad featuring mixed greens, snap peas, asparagus and goat cheese. It’s the perfect way to to celebrate the bounty of spring produce and here’s how you can make it at home:

Makes Approximately 2 cups dressing

• 1 cup Greek Yogurt (preferably full fat)

• 1 cup Hellman’s mayonnaise

• 2 cups tender herbs (such as basil, dill, cilantro, parsley, chives, tarragon - see note below)

• 1 tablespoon diced red onion or shallot

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (~ the juice of 1/2 lemon)

• 1 tablespoons white wine vinegar or white balsamic

• 1 clove garlic

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• several grinds black pepper

• couple dashes tabasco

*Fresh Herbs: feel free to customize the mix of herbs to your preference but the two non-negotiables in my opinion are the basil and dill. These two herbs add that certain something special that green goddess is known for. I’ve also made this dressing with varying ratios of mayonnaise to greek yogurt. Cooking is about experimenting so find what works for you.

How to Use Green Goddess Beyond Salad

Green Goddess dressing is incredibly versatile. Here are a few other ways to enjoy it:

• As a dip for crudités or grilled vegetables.

• Drizzled over grilled chicken or fish.

• Spread on a sandwich or wrap for a burst of flavor.

• Served alongside roasted potatoes or as a topping for baked potatoes.