This creamy, tangy avocado green goddess dressing is bursting with fresh herbs and made with Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. It’s a healthy, versatile dressing that works just as well as a dip or sandwich sauce.
The secret to a great salad is the dressing. This avocado green goddess is light and creamy, tangy from lemon, herbaceous from fresh basil and coriander (cilantro), and uses Greek yogurt for protein without the heaviness of mayo. It’s oil-free but still rich thanks to ripe avocado.
Use simple ingredients — avocado, Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper — to create a bright, flavorful sauce. Serve it over salads, as a dip for raw vegetables or pita, or spread it on sandwiches and wraps.
What is green goddess dressing?
Green goddess dressing is an herb-forward, creamy dressing traditionally made with mayonnaise or sour cream combined with fresh herbs and lemon. This version swaps in Greek yogurt for a lighter, higher-protein option and adds avocado for creaminess and healthy fats. It’s prized for its vibrant green color and versatility.
Ingredients you’ll need
Only a handful of ingredients are needed to make this dressing:
- Avocado: 1 large, ripe avocado — provides a creamy base and healthy fats.
- Greek yogurt: Plain, non-fat or low-fat Greek yogurt for creaminess and protein.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for bright acidity.
- Garlic: Freshly minced or pressed for best flavor.
- Fresh herbs: About 2–3 herb choices such as coriander (cilantro), basil, parsley, or chives.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
How to make green goddess dressing
Add to a blender: Place the avocado, Greek yogurt, herbs, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor.
Blend: Process until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. Small flecks of herbs are normal and add texture.
To thin: Add 1/4 cup of ice-cold water at a time until you reach the desired consistency — about 1/2 cup total for a pourable dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve chilled: Drizzle over green salads, roasted vegetables, or use as a dip for crudités.
Tips & tricks
- Adjust balance: Tweak the lemon, yogurt, or herbs to reach the creaminess and tang you prefer.
- Versatile: Use as a veggie dip, sauce for roasted potatoes, spread for sandwiches, or a salad dressing.
- Let it rest: Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Expect herb flecks: The dressing is creamy but won’t be perfectly smooth; small herb pieces are normal.
- Make ahead: Store leftovers for convenient meal prep.
How to store
Keep the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 6 days. Stir before serving; if it thickens, thin with a splash of cold water or lemon juice.
Recipe FAQ
It’s herbaceous, bright and tangy with a creamy texture from avocado and Greek yogurt. Fresh herbs like basil and coriander provide a lively, green flavor.
Yes. Replace the Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt, cashew cream, silken tofu, or tahini thinned with water for a dairy-free alternative.
When enjoyed in moderation, this dressing is a wholesome choice: fresh herbs, avocado for healthy fats, and protein from Greek yogurt; no mayonnaise or added oil.
Homemade dressings vary by portion, but this recipe is lighter than mayo-based versions. Check your serving size for exact calories.
More sauce recipes to try
Hoisin Peanut Sauce
Paprika Feta Dip
Avocado Lime Crema
Ricotta Pesto
If you try this avocado green goddess dressing or have questions, leave a comment and rating. I’d love to hear how you used it or any tweaks you made.
Avocado Green Goddess Dressing
- Author: Caitlin Rule
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 1–2
Description
This creamy, tangy avocado green goddess dressing is packed with fresh herbs and made with Greek yogurt rather than mayonnaise. It’s a healthy, flavorful dressing and dip.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe avocado, pitted
- 1–2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- ¼ cup basil, packed
- ¼ cup coriander (cilantro), packed
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup ice-cold water (add gradually to reach desired consistency)
Instructions
- Combine the avocado, Greek yogurt, herbs, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Add 1/4 cup cold water at a time until you reach the desired consistency; about 1/2 cup total gives a pourable dressing.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, then chill before serving if possible.
Notes
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 6 days in the refrigerator. Stir before using.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dressings
- Method: Blend
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 33 (approximate)
- Fat: 2.3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 2.3g
- Fiber: 1.1g
- Protein: 1.6g