This simple 5-ingredient Avocado Green Goddess Dressing is so easy to make, and can double as a nutritious salad dressing or flavorful dip that will have you returning again and again to that plate of freshly chopped veg! Avocado replaces the typical dairy cream base making it vegan, while providing nourishing plant-based fats.

Golden spoon with avocado green goddess dressing dripping into an 8 oz mason jar surrounded by cilantro and avocado.

It still blows my mind that I used to congratulate myself for diving into an undressed salad (no more time for food guilt around here!) As a dietitian I am a huge fan of including that nourishing and satiating fat — and this creamy Avocado Green Goddess Dressing hits all the spots!

In this recipe, I put my own spin on Green Goddess Dressing, bringing you a punch of tang from the citrus and garlic, and the perfect creamy texture from the avocado to give that satisfying taste that will have you craving those dark leafy greens.

Because I don’t use the typical dairy cream base, this salad dressing (and dip!) recipe is totally vegan and plant-based!!

So what exactly IS Green Goddess Dressing and why’s it all the rage? Let’s dive in!

2 avocados cut in half, lemon juice in a 4 oz bowl, avocado oil in a 4 oz bowl, coarse salt and pepper in a wooden dish, and 2 cloves of peeled garlic.

What is Green Goddess Dressing?

I love Green goddess as another creamy salad dressing or dip option (like this creamy caesar salad dressing and this healthy homemade ranch dressings are other household faves!). Packed full of delicious green herbs, it’s one of my go-to dressings for any salad or grain bowl. I love it’s versatility and that I can batch prep it on Sunday and use it throughout the week to add a ton of flavor to any dish.

What is Green Goddess Dressing made of?

Typically, you will find mayo, sour cream and anchovies along with lemon, garlic, and green herbs on the ingredient list. For this recipe, I wanted to put a vegan spin on it and replaced the mayo and sour cream with fresh avocado. Not only does avocado replace the creaminess from the mayo and sour cream, it’s also packed full of healthy fats, vitamins and antioxidants.

Often, different herbs are incorporated in this dressing. Today I’m using a combo of basil, parsley and cilantro but you can use any herbs leftover in your fridge or fresh from your garden.

How to use this salad dressing and what to eat it with?

Unlike traditional vinaigrettes (like my homemade honey-lime vinaigrette), this tasty recipe offers a bit more versatility than just dressing a salad. You can use it as a dressing, dip, or even a sandwich spread. Note: If using for a dip, I recommend that you leave it in the fridge for a couple hours so it can thicken up.

I also love adding it to charcuterie platters for an extra pop of color!

Use it as a dip for crackers, pita or veggies
Use it as a dressing for your favorite salads. Here are a few salads on the blog that it would taste delicious with:
- Kale Salad with Mango and Spicy Prawns
- Nutritious Crunchy Kale Caesar Salad & Dressing
Use it as a dressing for any grain bowl. Swap it for either of the dressings in this Buddha Bowl with Lemon Tahini Dressing or this Green Goddess Glow Bowl with Cilantro Lime Cashew Pesto

What does it taste like?

Green goddess dressing is super creamy with a smooth and velvety texture—a bit like caesar dressing. It is packed with flavor with lemon notes and fresh herb and leafy green notes. It’s light on the palate, but brings some heartiness to your greens, making it the perfect addition for a super satisfying salad!

A Vitamix blender filled with sliced avocado, basil, olive oil, lemon juice, and coarse salt and pepper.

How to make this recipe

Typically, a green goddess salad dressing combines some type of green (like spinach) or herbs (like cilantro, basil, or parsley) with a cream base (like yogurt, sour cream, mayo—or avocado ). It often includes garlic and lemon to really make the flavor pop! In this recipe, I use olive oil and provide the option of nutritional yeast or parmesan for a caesar-like taste!

Ingredient swaps

AVOCADO: To keep it vegan, swap for your fave plain vegan yogurt. If you don’t need or want a vegan version, you can swap the avocado for any thick dairy products like Greek yogurt, mayo or sour cream.

LEMON JUICE: You can use any citrus juice. Try it with lime or even orange if you want to get adventurous.

HERBS: The options are endless for this one! Try the classic green onion, basil, parsley and tarragon or mix it up by adding cilantro, mint or dill. If you really want to get adventurous, you can add in some leafy greens like spinach or arugula.

Can I substitute the fresh herbs for dry herbs?

This recipe calls for 1 cup of fresh herbs and the herbs are add both flavor and consistency to the recipe. Unfortunately, this amount of dry herbs would be too overpowering and would create an undesired texture. If you don’t have fresh herbs, use 1 cup of leafy greens. I usually have a bin of these on hand at all times.

How to meal prep avocado salad dressing

You can totally batch prep green goddess dressing. Depending on the size of the crowd, make as is (for 4-6 servings) or double it up for larger crowns. It will keep in the fridge up to 5 days.

* Note: It may thicken as it rests so make sure you shake it before use and add a little bit of water or oil for desired consistency if needed.

How to store it – and can you freeze it?

Fridge: You can keep your green goddess dressing in the fridge for up to five days, and after that it’ll start to taste a little funky, so it’s not suggested to use it past then.

Freezer: You can also freeze green goddess dressing in a freezer bag or container for 2-3 weeks. You may find ingredients a bit lumpy, soggy, or less fresh tasting once thawed. An easy fix is to shake or blend it back up and add a bit more lemon juice or fresh herbs to freshen it up if you like!

Nutrition benefits

AVOCADOS: Contain a ton of vital nutrients, including the harder-to-find folate, magnesium, copper (42% of our daily recommendation!), and manganese. They’re also rich in antioxidants (and skin-loving!) Vitamins C, E, as well as Vitamin K. To boot, the fat content of avocados should not be feared! Our bodies require fat to support cell function, protect our organs, and produce important hormones. Not to mention, dietary fat keeps us feeling full and satisfied longer after eating.

GARLIC: Garlic isn’t just an aromatic. These little nuggets of flavor are known to boost your immune system and a single clove is packed full of magnesium and Vitamins B6 and C.

CILANTRO: Cilantro contains antioxidant Vitamins A and C and is also known to support natural detoxification and support overall skin health.

An 8oz mason jar with avocado green goddess dressing in it surrounded by a tea towel and a full avocado

Did you make this delicious avocado green goddess dressing? If so, be sure to post a photo of how you used it! And feel free to tag me on Instagram @lindsaypleskot so I can see your creations! It makes me so happy to see these recipes come to life in your kitchens! And if you enjoy the recipe, it would make my day if you would leave a comment and star rating below—I love hearing your feedback and answering your questions! xo