Ina Garten Green Goddess Recipe

Searching for the perfect Ina Garten green goddess dressing leads straight to this flavorful, herb-forward favorite inspired by the Barefoot Contessa herself.

This copycat Ina Garten green goddess recipe captures the signature freshness and creamy balance that made the original so popular. Packed with vibrant herbs and a smooth, luxurious texture, this green goddess dressing recipe brings the unmistakable Barefoot Contessa green goddess taste into your home kitchen.

Whether spooned over crisp salads or served as a dip, this green goddess Ina Garten recipe delivers classic Barefoot Contessa elegance in an easy, versatile green goddess recipe you’ll make again and again.

What Does It Taste Like?

This Ina Garten green goddess dip offers a beautifully balanced flavor profile that’s simultaneously fresh, creamy, and savory.

The bright lemon juice and herbaceous basil create an immediate burst of freshness, while the mayonnaise and sour cream provide luxurious creaminess. Scallions add a mild onion bite, and the anchovy paste contributes depth and umami without tasting fishy.

The garlic brings warmth and complexity, while black pepper adds subtle heat. Each spoonful of this barefoot contessa green goddess dressing tastes vibrant yet comforting tangy but not sharp, rich but not heavy. It’s the kind of versatile dressing that enhances everything it touches.

Ina Garten Green Goddess Recipe Ingredients

For the Green Goddess Dressing:

• 1 cup good mayonnaise
• 1 cup chopped scallions, white and green parts (6 to 7 scallions)
• 1 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)
• 2 teaspoons chopped garlic (2 cloves)
• 2 teaspoons anchovy paste
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup sour cream

For the Salad:

• 3 heads Bibb lettuce
• 2 to 3 tomatoes

Kitchen Utensils

• Blender or food processor
• Cutting board
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Citrus juicer
• Salad plates
• Storage container (if making ahead)

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings (with approximately 2 cups of dressing)

Ina Garten Green Goddess Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Prepare all your fresh ingredients by washing the basil leaves and scallions thoroughly. Chop the scallions into rough pieces, including both white and green parts, and roughly chop the basil leaves.

Step 2: Squeeze fresh lemon juice from 2 lemons until you have ¼ cup. Peel and roughly chop the garlic cloves.

Step 3: Add the mayonnaise, chopped scallions, basil leaves, lemon juice, garlic, anchovy paste, kosher salt, and black pepper to your blender.

Step 4: Blend the mixture on high speed until completely smooth and uniformly green, scraping down the sides as needed. This should take about 30-45 seconds.

Step 5: Add the sour cream to the blended mixture and pulse just until combined, about 5-10 seconds. Don’t over-blend at this stage to maintain the creamy texture.

Step 6: If serving immediately, proceed to plating. If making ahead, transfer the green goddess dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate.

Step 7: Prepare the salad by cutting each head of Bibb lettuce into quarters, removing the tough core portions while keeping the leaves attached.

Step 8: Slice the tomatoes into wedges about 6-8 wedges per tomato depending on size.

Step 9: Arrange the lettuce quarters on individual salad plates, add tomato wedges alongside, and generously drizzle with the Ina Garten green goddess dressing before serving.

Customization and Pairing for Serving Ideas

1. Crudité Platter Dip: Transform this barefoot contessa green goddess into an elegant appetizer by serving it as a dip with fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, bell peppers, cucumbers, and snap peas. The herbaceous dressing pairs beautifully with crisp, raw vegetables.

2. Grilled Protein Sauce: Drizzle this green goddess dressing Ina Garten style over grilled chicken breasts, seared salmon fillets, or grilled shrimp. The tangy, herby notes cut through rich proteins perfectly and add moisture to grilled meats.

3. Sandwich Spread: Use it as a flavorful alternative to plain mayo on sandwiches and wraps. It’s particularly delicious on turkey clubs, roast beef sandwiches, or veggie wraps with sprouts and avocado.

4. Grain Bowl Drizzle: Elevate your grain bowls by adding this dressing to quinoa, farro, or brown rice bowls topped with roasted vegetables, chickpeas, and avocado. The creamy dressing ties all the components together.

5. Potato Salad Twist: Mix this Ina Garten green goddess dressing into your potato salad instead of traditional mayo-based dressing. The fresh herbs and lemon brighten up the starchy potatoes beautifully.

6. Robust Garlic Amplification: Double the garlic cloves for a mellow, aromatic depth that elevates every bite. Excellent with grilled chicken breast, steamed artichokes, or as a bold spread for crackers during appetizer hour presentations.

7. Wedge Salad Alternative: Pour it over classic iceberg wedge salads instead of blue cheese dressing for a lighter, fresher take on the steakhouse favorite. Top with crumbled bacon and cherry tomatoes.

8. Seafood Accompaniment: Serve alongside cold poached shrimp, crab cakes, or lobster rolls. The dressing’s anchovy base makes it a natural companion to seafood dishes, while the herbs keep it feeling fresh and summery.

Tips for Perfect Green Goddess Dressing

1. Choose Quality Mayonnaise: Since mayo is the base of this copycat Ina Garten green goddess recipe, use a high-quality brand like Hellmann’s or Duke’s. The mayo’s flavor significantly impacts the final result, so skip the budget brands for this recipe.

2. Don’t Skip the Anchovy Paste: While some might be tempted to omit it, anchovy paste is crucial for authentic barefoot contessa green goddess dressing. It doesn’t taste fishy it adds essential umami depth and saltiness. You can find it in tubes near the canned fish or Italian ingredients.

3. Use Fresh Herbs Only: Dried basil simply won’t work in this recipe. Fresh basil provides the vibrant green color and bright, aromatic flavor that defines green goddess dressing. Buy basil with deep green, unblemished leaves for the best flavor.

4. Blend in Stages: Add the sour cream last and blend briefly to maintain the perfect consistency. Over-blending after adding sour cream can make the dressing too thin and may cause it to separate during storage.

5. Adjust Consistency as Needed: If your green goddess dressing recipe is too thick, thin it with a tablespoon of water, extra lemon juice, or even a splash of buttermilk. If it’s too thin, let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes it will thicken as it sits.

6. Make It Ahead for Better Flavor: This dressing actually improves after resting in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. The flavors meld together beautifully, and the garlic mellows slightly. Make it the morning of your dinner party for best results.

7. Taste and Season Gradually: Salt levels can vary depending on your mayonnaise brand and anchovy paste. Start with the recipe’s salt amount, blend, taste, and adjust. Remember, you can always add more salt, but you can’t take it away. The dressing should taste bright, herbaceous, and well-seasoned.

Storage and Reheating Guidance

Store your Ina Garten green goddess dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The dressing may darken slightly as the herbs oxidize, but it remains perfectly safe and delicious. No reheating needed serve cold or at room temperature.

Common Queries and FAQs

Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Ina Garten Green Goddess Recipe that people often ask.

Can I make green goddess dressing without a blender?

While a blender creates the smoothest Ina Garten green goddess dressing, you can use a food processor or even finely mince all ingredients by hand and whisk together. The texture won’t be as silky, but the flavor will still be excellent.

What can I substitute for anchovy paste in green goddess dressing?

For a vegetarian version, try miso paste, capers with their brine, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce (check the label, as traditional Worcestershire contains anchovies). Each adds the umami depth that anchovy paste provides, though the flavor will differ slightly from the authentic barefoot contessa green goddess.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt works well as a substitute and creates a lighter, tangier version. Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the best creamy consistency. The dressing will be slightly less rich but equally delicious and more protein-packed.

How do I make the dressing thicker or thinner?

To thicken, add more mayonnaise or sour cream a tablespoon at a time. To thin, add water, buttermilk, or extra lemon juice gradually. The consistency should coat the back of a spoon but still be pourable for salads.

Can I freeze green goddess dressing?

Freezing isn’t recommended for this green goddess dressing recipe because mayonnaise and sour cream separate and become grainy when thawed. The fresh herbs also lose their vibrant color and flavor. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

What’s the difference between green goddess dressing and ranch?

While both are creamy, herb-based dressings, green goddess features basil, scallions, lemon, and anchovy paste, while ranch uses dill, parsley, buttermilk, and garlic powder. Green goddess has a brighter, more herbaceous flavor with citrus notes, while ranch is more savory and tangy.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh basil?

Fresh basil is essential for authentic green goddess Ina Garten recipe flavor and color. Dried basil lacks the vibrant freshness and won’t create the signature green hue. If absolutely necessary, substitute with fresh parsley, cilantro, or tarragon instead.

What type of lettuce works best with this dressing?

Ina Garten recommends Bibb lettuce for its tender, buttery leaves, but butter lettuce, romaine hearts, Little Gem lettuce, or even iceberg wedges all work beautifully. Choose crisp, fresh greens that can hold up to the creamy dressing.

How long does homemade green goddess dressing last?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this barefoot contessa green goddess dressing stays fresh for 4-5 days. The herbs may darken slightly over time, but if it smells fresh and hasn’t separated excessively, it’s still good to use.

Can I make this dressing dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use vegan mayonnaise and substitute the sour cream with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream, coconut cream yogurt, or dairy-free sour cream. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and creamy.

What other herbs can I add to green goddess dressing?

While basil is traditional, you can add fresh parsley, chives, tarragon, cilantro, or dill to customize your copycat Ina Garten green goddess recipe. Each herb adds its own character tarragon brings an anise note, while cilantro adds brightness.

Is green goddess dressing gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. However, always check your anchovy paste label, as some brands may contain gluten. Most quality anchovy pastes are simply anchovies, salt, and oil, making them safe for gluten-free diets.

This Ina Garten green goddess recipe proves that simple, fresh ingredients create the most memorable flavors. With its vibrant herbs, tangy lemon, and creamy base, this barefoot contessa green goddess dressing elevates everything from basic salads to grilled proteins.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility use it as a dip, dressing, or sauce to transform everyday meals into something special. Make a batch this week and discover why this classic dressing has remained a beloved staple in kitchens everywhere.

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