Lovely and creamy Green Goddess Salad Dressing was a big star of the early 70’s until she was outshined by ranch dressing and disco dancing. Basil brings this dressing over the top for any salad.
Lovely and creamy Green Goddess Salad Dressing was a big star of the early 70’s. And then ranch dressing and disco dancing came along and hustled her right out of the disco-ball spotlight.
My grandma made the best salads back then with green goddess dressing. But she used a bottled version and added amazing ingredients to the salad, like dark greens, black olives, ripe tomatoes, marinated artichoke hearts, and avocados. I still use all these salad fixings, but after several tries and failings for a fresh dressing worthy of a goddess, I finally found this recipe on The Barefoot Contessa. I love Ina Garten’s show because she makes me feel like I’ve stopped by her kitchen for a visit and she has this amazing dish to share just with me. And this dressing has basil! My favorite herb. Let me tell you, this green beauty of a dressing is over-the-top on any salad. The subtle depth of flavor from anchovy paste and the tang of the fresh lemon juice bring it all together to compliment the basil. You and your grandma will love it.
Basil Green Goddess Salad Dressing
Ingredients
- 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 or plain Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Place 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 cup scallions, 1 cup basil, ¼ cup lemon juice, 2 teaspoons chopped garlic, 2 teaspoons anchovy paste, 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper in a blender and blend until smooth. Add 1 cup sour cream and process just until blended. (If not using immediately, refrigerate the dressing until ready to serve.)
Notes:
1. Kosher salt is not as “salty” as table salt so adjust accordingly if you must use table salt.
2. Feel free to substitute 1/2 anchovy fillet for the anchovy paste.
3. If you can, make this the day before! The flavors continue to brighten and marry beautifully over time.
Slightly adapted from Food Network.
Simply perfect made as written. I used this on baby greens with herbs and fresh shaved parmesan. Excellent!
Crowd pleaser! served it over a simple mixed greens with thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions. PERFECTION!!
I am pretty picky with my dressing and was happy with how great this one turned out! So creamy and the basil was key for me. Thanks Sally!
I remember when you made this for a dinner you brought over. Amazing! I’m so glad to have the recipe now!