Bursting with vibrant herbs and creamy avocado, this Vegan Green Goddess Dressing is a flavor-forward companion to just about any dish. It’s bright, zesty, smooth, and earthy all at once—a botanical blend that’s equally refreshing and satisfying. With its velvety texture and garden-fresh aroma, this dressing earns a well-deserved place in your regular kitchen rotation. Whether drizzled, dipped, or spread, it’s a simple way to bring bold character to your meals.
Ingredients Overview
This recipe begins with a rich, creamy foundation—avocado. Its buttery texture provides a luscious base that blends seamlessly with other ingredients, creating a silky finish without the need for dairy. Garlic adds a pungent undertone, cutting through the richness with sharp clarity. The true heart of this dressing lies in its generous handfuls of herbs. Basil offers a peppery-sweet note, parsley brings subtle bitterness, and dill contributes a fresh, grassy punch. Together, they create an herbaceous symphony that defines the dressing’s signature flavor.
Scallions introduce a mellow onion-like flavor that rounds out the herbal bouquet without overpowering it. Lemon juice and apple cider vinegar provide the acidity needed to balance the richness of the avocado and olive oil, brightening each bite with subtle tartness. A splash of cold water helps loosen the blend for the perfect pourable consistency, while extra virgin olive oil emulsifies into the mix, lending a soft, luxurious mouthfeel.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Start by gathering all the ingredients into a high-speed blender or food processor. Add the avocado, garlic, basil, parsley, dill, scallions, salt, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and cold water to the blender jar. Blend on high until everything is fully incorporated into a smooth, vivid green mixture with no visible herb fragments or chunks.
Once the base is silky, pause and scrape down the sides to ensure every ingredient is fully integrated. Then, with the blender or processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. This step is crucial—it creates a creamy emulsion that gives the dressing its signature velvety texture. Once blended, you’ll have a thick, cohesive dressing that’s glossy, rich, and ready to use.
Depending on how you plan to serve it, you can adjust the consistency. Add a little extra water to make it thinner for drizzling over salads, or keep it thick and luxurious for dipping or spreading.
To keep it fresh, store the dressing in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. It will retain its vibrant flavor and color for up to 4–5 days. Stir before each use, as natural separation may occur.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the right ripeness of avocado:
A ripe avocado should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not feel mushy. Overripe avocados may turn the dressing bitter or affect the texture.
Best herb combinations and substitutions:
While basil, parsley, and dill form the core trio, you can swap in cilantro, mint, or chives depending on your flavor preferences or availability.
Controlling the flavor balance:
acidity vs. saltiness: Taste as you blend. Add more lemon juice or vinegar for a brighter dressing, or increase salt in small increments to deepen the savoriness.
How to avoid over-blending or bitterness from herbs:
Blend just until smooth. Over-processing herbs can result in a slightly metallic or bitter taste, especially with delicate leaves like parsley.
Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
Yes, it’s an excellent make-ahead option. Store it chilled in a sealed jar and use within a few days.
How long does it stay fresh in the refrigerator?
Ideally, 4 to 5 days. The lemon and vinegar help preserve color and flavor.
Can I freeze this dressing?
Freezing isn’t recommended, as avocado and herbs may lose their texture and flavor upon thawing.
What can I use instead of apple cider vinegar?
White wine vinegar, rice vinegar, or even a splash of balsamic can work, depending on your flavor preference.
Can I make it oil-free?
Yes—omit the olive oil and replace it with extra water or a splash of plant-based milk for a lighter version, though it will be less creamy.
What to Serve With This Recipe
This dressing is as versatile as it is vibrant. Drizzle it generously over leafy green salads, grain bowls, or roasted vegetables for a pop of flavor. Spread it thickly on sandwiches or wraps for a herby, creamy twist. It also makes a fabulous dip—perfect with crunchy veggie sticks, oven-roasted potato wedges, or warm pita triangles. Try it spooned over grilled tofu or plant-based patties, or swirled into baked sweet potatoes for a flavorful finish. Whether used as a sauce, a spread, or a drizzle, it adds an effortlessly gourmet touch to everyday meals.
Variations to Try
For a different flavor profile, consider replacing the avocado with silken tofu or soaked cashews for a protein-rich, ultra-creamy alternative. Add a jalapeño for a spicy kick, or blend in spinach or arugula for a peppery green boost. You can create a thicker version by reducing the water and increasing the herbs, turning it into a vibrant green dip for snacks or appetizers. For a slightly nutty undertone, try incorporating tahini or crushed pistachios—both pair beautifully with the herbal notes and give the dressing a unique depth.
This Vegan Green Goddess Dressing is a fresh, herbaceous staple that brings both flavor and flair to a variety of dishes. Its creamy texture and bright botanical taste transform ordinary meals into something special. Whether you’re dressing a salad, spreading on a sandwich, or dipping your favorite vegetables, this recipe brings a vibrant, homemade touch to the table with every pour.
Ingredients
1 garlic clove
1½ small to medium avocados or 1 large ripe avocado
¾ cup fresh basil leaves, tightly packed
¼ cup fresh dill
¼ cup fresh parsley, tightly packed
1–2 scallions (both light and dark green parts), roughly chopped (about 3 tablespoons)
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
Juice of 1 medium lemon (approximately 3–4 tablespoons)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
⅓ cup cold water
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
Add the avocado, garlic, basil, parsley, dill, scallions, salt, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and water to a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend on high until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth, with the herbs finely incorporated and the avocado fully puréed.
Pause to scrape down the sides of the blender or processor using a spatula to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed. Resume blending, and with the machine running, slowly stream in the olive oil until the dressing emulsifies into a luscious, silky consistency.
This vibrant dressing is wonderfully versatile—use it as a salad drizzle, a flavorful dip, a sandwich spread, or a zesty sauce over roasted vegetables, grain bowls, or grilled plant-based proteins.
Vegan Green Goddess Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 garlic clove
- 1½ small to medium avocados or 1 large ripe avocado
- ¾ cup fresh basil leaves tightly packed
- ¼ cup fresh dill
- ¼ cup fresh parsley tightly packed
- 1 –2 scallions both light and dark green parts, roughly chopped (about 3 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- Juice of 1 medium lemon approximately 3–4 tablespoons
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ⅓ cup cold water
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Add the avocado, garlic, basil, parsley, dill, scallions, salt, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and water to a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend on high until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth, with the herbs finely incorporated and the avocado fully puréed.
- Pause to scrape down the sides of the blender or processor using a spatula to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed. Resume blending, and with the machine running, slowly stream in the olive oil until the dressing emulsifies into a luscious, silky consistency.
- This vibrant dressing is wonderfully versatile—use it as a salad drizzle, a flavorful dip, a sandwich spread, or a zesty sauce over roasted vegetables, grain bowls, or grilled plant-based proteins.
