This homemade avocado green goddess dressing has a rich, creamy texture and is packed with massive amounts of flavor from the fresh herbs, avocado, garlic, and lemon juice. It also requires just a few simple ingredients and can be made in literally moments, making it the perfect way to elevate your salads. Plus, this vegan version proves that you don’t need dairy to get an ultra creamy dressing – no sour cream, mayo, or anchovies needed! {Vegan & gluten-free}
Table of Contents
What is Green Goddess Dressing?
Green goddess dressing is a culinary legacy at this point! It was initially created in the 1920s at a hotel in San Francisco and exploded with popularity.
It’s a rich, creamy salad dressing traditionally made with anchovy paste, fresh herbs, mayonnaise and sour cream, and lots of lemon juice.
Although it has “green” in the name, it was never actually green. But, over the years, people quickly started making different variations of it, including some with ripe avocado and different herbs.
This vegan version is actually green, and is a healthier option that’s equally (if not more) delicious. The avocado gives you that creamy, fluffiness you expect from creamy dressings, but without relying on traditional dairy or non-dairy swaps, like cashew cream.
Believe me, this recipe is a flavor powerhouse and you would not believe how easy it is to make!
If you’re an avocado lover, be sure to try my Avocado Creme and Avocado Egg Salad too! For more delicious salad dressings, check out these Healthy Homemade Salad Dressing Recipes!
Why We Love this Creamy Avocado Dressing
- Made from scratch with completely plant-based ingredients, like fresh avocado, parsley, and green onion
- Naturally rich and creamy salad dressing without any added dairy or mayo
- Packed with so much fresh flavor from the herbs, lemon, and garlic
- Dietitian-formulated to contain plenty of heart-healthy fats with a generous helping of vitamins and minerals
- Keeps well in the fridge for a few days, so it’s perfect for your lunch or dinnertime salads during the week
- Great way to use up leftover herbs and easy to change with the seasons
Ingredient Notes
- Fresh avocado: Avocado is a great source of monounsaturated fats, and they are the perfect alternative to mayonnaise as they get super creamy when blended. For best results, use an avocado that’s ripe but still slightly firm to prevent it from being too brown and mushy when incorporated with the other ingredients.
- Fresh lemon juice: Use fresh rather than bottled lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Raw garlic: A freshly minced clove of raw garlic adds a wonderful flavor and a little sharpness. You can sub in garlic powder as well if in a pinch.
- Green onion: Just use the green part of the onion for a mild hint of flavor that isn’t too overpowering.
- Fresh parsley: Parsley adds a great herby freshness. You could also try making this with other fresh herbs like cilantro or dill to switch up the flavor.
- Olive oil: Olive oil is best to use for this dressing, but avocado oil will also work well. I like to use extra virgin olive oil since that’s what I typically have on hand, although you can use light for a milder flavor.
- Water: Add a little water thin down the dressing. Use as much or as little as you like to achieve the desired consistency.
Step by Step Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a high power blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. You may wish to scrape down the sides with a spatula and blend again to ensure that all of the ingredients get blended evenly. Use immediately on your favorite salads or store in the fridge for later.
Expert Tips
- Use an avocado that’s ripe, but not brown and mushy. If it’s overripe and brown, it won’t have that same bright green vibrant hue.
- You may wish to add more water if you prefer a thinner dressing. Adjust according to personal preference.
- Adapt flavors to taste. If you prefer a more zesty flavor, add more lemon juice. You can also increase the amount of parsley and green onion used as well if you want a more tangy flavor.
- If you want less tanginess, add less green onion. You may also wish to add a bit of sweetener such as drizzle of honey to reduce tanginess as well.
Recipe FAQs
This vibrant green sauce is smooth, creamy, zesty, tangy and herby. It’s very fresh and flavorful and a great way to switch it up if you typically resort to a thinner vinaigrette.
There are lots of green goddess dressing recipes out there and many of them use dairy-free yogurt or different plant-based substitutes. That’s not necessary, though! Avocado is a fantastic alternative, especially in dressings, and really make this salad live up to its name with its gorgeous green color. No expensive swaps needed.
How to Store
The dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can put a piece of parchment paper directly on top of the dressing before covering to help delay the browning process.
You can also freeze it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge, then stir well before using. Note: The color may change after thawing.
Serving Suggestions
Just like classic green goddess dressing, this avocado-based version is also great drizzled over your favorite salad. Our favorite way to use this dressing is drizzled on this Steak and Avocado Salad. So good!
We also like to use it as a condiment to add a ton of flavor to roasted veggies and fries, like baked sweet potato fries or roasted carrots. It also makes a fantastic sandwich spread for countless sandwiches or these chickpea veggie burgers.
Use it as a dipping sauce or dressing for these falafel bites or use as a sauce on these falafel wraps!
Add less water to make a thick green goddess dip for dipping raw veggies, tortilla chips, and more.
Recipe Variations
- Try different citrus: Instead of lemon, feel free to add a little fresh lime juice or play with vinegars. A mild vinegar, like rice vinegar, would be a good swap in a pinch.
- Change the herbs: This recipe is all about those fresh, herby flavors and you can customize it to your preferences. Try fresh cilantro, dill, a little mint, or anything else you’d like.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Healthy Caesar Dressing Recipe
- Avocado Feta Chickpea Salad
- Tuna Avocado Salad
- Strawberry Mango Avocado Salsa
Did you make this recipe? Scroll down to leave a star rating and review!
Avocado Green Goddess Dressing {Vegan}
Ingredients
- 1 medium ripe avocado
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (juice of about one small lemon)
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onion (just the green part)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 5-6 tablespoons water, or more if you prefer a thinner dressing
- 1/2 teaspoons salt
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a high power blender or food processor and blend until smooth and creamy. You may wish to scrape down the sides with a spatula and blend again to ensure that all of the ingredients get blended evenly.
- You may wish to scrape down the sides with a spatula and blend again to ensure that all of the ingredients get blended evenly.
- Use immediately on your favourite salads or store in the fridge for later.
Notes
- You may wish to add more water if you prefer a thinner dressing.
- Dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to five days. You can put a piece of parchment paper directly on top of the dressing before covering to help delay the browning process.
- Adjust flavors to taste. If you prefer a more zesty flavor, add more lemon juice. You can also increase the amount of parsley and green onion used as well if you want a more tangy flavor.
- If you want less tanginess, add less green onion. You may also wish to add a bit of sweetener such as drizzle of honey or maple to reduce tanginess as well.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted in July 2021. The text, photos and formatting were updated in April 2025.
Leave A Review: