We can’t resist the allure of Ina Garten’s Green Goddess recipe, a fresh twist on a timeless classic that bursts with herbs and zesty flavors. As food lovers, we’ve embraced this dressing for its versatility—whether drizzling it over salads or using it as a dip, it’s a staple that brightens any meal.
Ina Garten’s version draws from early 20th-century origins yet feels utterly modern with simple, wholesome ingredients. We’ll show you how to whip it up effortlessly, so you can bring a touch of her Barefoot Contessa magic to your table.
Ingredients
To bring Ina Garten’s Green Goddess dressing to life with its vibrant herbaceous flavors and creamy texture, we gather these essential ingredients. We’ve organized them in the order they’re typically used during preparation, including any necessary prep notes for accuracy.
- Fresh basil leaves: 1 cup, loosely packed and finely chopped, to infuse bright, aromatic notes.
- Fresh tarragon leaves: ½ cup, loosely packed and chopped, for a subtle anise-like zest.
- Fresh chives: ¼ cup, finely snipped, adding a mild onion flavor and fresh green color.
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley: ½ cup, roughly chopped, to enhance the dressing’s earthy, peppery undertones.
- Garlic cloves: 2 medium cloves, minced, for a pungent kick that balances the herbs.
- Anchovy fillets: 3 fillets, finely chopped or mashed, to deliver a savory umami depth without overpowering the freshness.
- Mayonnaise: 1 cup, full-fat for optimal creaminess and smooth consistency.
- Sour cream: ½ cup, for a tangy contrast that makes the dressing versatile for salads or dips.
- Fresh lemon juice: 2 tablespoons, squeezed from 1 lemon, to add bright acidity and prevent browning.
- Scallions: 2 medium, thinly sliced, providing a mild sharpness to tie everything together.
- Kosher salt: ½ teaspoon, to taste, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Freshly ground black pepper: ¼ teaspoon, to taste, for a gentle spicy finish.
These ingredients highlight the recipe’s roots in wholesome, fresh elements, ensuring a dressing that’s as effortless to prepare as it is delicious.
Tools and Equipment
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients for Ina Garten’s Green Goddess dressing, let’s equip ourselves with the right tools to blend those vibrant herbs and creamy elements into a smooth, flavorful masterpiece. Having the proper equipment ensures we achieve the perfect texture and consistency, making the preparation process efficient and enjoyable.
To prepare this recipe successfully, we recommend the following essential tools. We’ve organized them by category for ease of reference:
- Food Processor or Blender: Our go-to for creating that silky-smooth emulsion. A high-powered model works best to finely chop and blend fresh basil, tarragon, chives, parsley, garlic, and anchovy fillets into a cohesive dressing without any chunks.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key for balancing flavors, so we use these to measure out mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, and scallions precisely. Opt for a set with both dry and liquid measurements to avoid any guesswork.
- Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: Essential for prepping herbs and scallions. A sharp chef’s knife allows us to chop ingredients quickly and safely, while a sturdy cutting board provides a stable surface to maintain that fresh, herbaceous essence.
- Citrus Juicer or Reamer: This tool extracts every drop of zesty lemon juice, ensuring our dressing has that bright, tangy kick. We prefer a manual juicer for its simplicity and effectiveness in handling one or two lemons.
- Mixing Bowls: A medium-sized bowl is ideal for combining ingredients before blending. We use one with a non-slip base to keep things steady as we mix mayonnaise, sour cream, and other components by hand if needed.
- Spatula or Rubber Scraper: Perfect for scraping down the sides of the food processor or blender, ensuring no precious bits of our flavorful mixture go to waste. This helps us achieve a uniform texture in every batch.
By using these tools, we streamline the process and enhance the sensory appeal of our Green Goddess dressing, from the crisp snap of fresh herbs to the creamy blend that makes it versatile for salads or dips. Always prioritize quality tools to elevate our home cooking experience.
Instructions
We love bringing Ina Garten’s Green Goddess dressing to life with these straightforward steps ensuring a creamy herbaceous delight. Let’s transform fresh ingredients into a vibrant dressing that elevates any meal.
Prep the Ingredients
Before blending, we start by preparing our fresh herbs and other components for optimal flavor. Begin by rinsing 1 cup of fresh basil leaves, 1/2 cup of tarragon leaves, 1/4 cup of chives, and 1 cup of parsley leaves under cold water to remove any grit then pat them dry with a paper towel. Next, finely chop 2 scallions and mince 1 clove of garlic using a sharp chef’s knife on a stable cutting board to release their pungent aromas.
Measure out the remaining ingredients accurately: 2 anchovy fillets (rinsed and patted dry), 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/2 cup of sour cream, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice (freshly squeezed for that zesty tang), 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. This preparation ensures even distribution and a balanced taste profile bursting with earthy and citrus notes.
Blend the Dressing
With ingredients prepped, we move to blending for a silky-smooth texture. Add the chopped herbs, scallions, garlic, and anchovy fillets to the food processor or blender then pour in the mayonnaise, sour cream, and lemon juice on top.
Secure the lid and blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes stopping once to scrape down the sides with a spatula until the mixture forms a vibrant emerald-green emulsion with a fresh herbaceous scent that promises a tangy creamy finish. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional kosher salt or black pepper if needed to achieve that signature Ina Garten balance.
Store or Serve
Once blended, we can either serve immediately or store for later use to maintain freshness. For serving, drizzle the dressing over crisp salads or use as a dip for vegetables and crackers to highlight its refreshing zesty flavor that complements any dish.
To store, transfer the dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days where it will thicken slightly and develop even more depth in flavor. Always stir before using to recapture that perfect creamy consistency.
Make-Ahead and Storage
One of the beauties of our Ina Garten Green Goddess dressing is its flexibility for make-ahead preparation, allowing us to streamline our meal planning without sacrificing flavor. We recommend preparing this vibrant, herbaceous dressing up to 24 hours in advance to let the flavors meld and intensify, making it ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining.
Making Ahead
To get ahead, follow these simple steps after blending the dressing:
- Chill Immediately: Transfer the freshly blended dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate it right away. This halts any bacterial growth and preserves the creamy texture.
- Flavor Enhancement: Let the dressing rest in the fridge for at least 1 hour before use. This resting period allows the fresh herbs like basil and tarragon to infuse their zesty notes more deeply, elevating the overall taste.
- Portioning Tip: Divide larger batches into smaller containers for easy access, ensuring we avoid unnecessary exposure to air that could dull the bright, green hues.
Storing the Dressing
Proper storage is key to maintaining the dressing’s silky-smooth consistency and fresh, zesty flavors for as long as possible. Always store in the refrigerator to keep it safe and delicious.
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 5 days | Use a glass jar or airtight container to prevent oxidation; stir before serving to recombine any separated ingredients. |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Freeze in ice cube trays for portion control; thaw in the fridge overnight and whisk to restore the emulsion, though texture may slightly change. |
Watch for signs of spoilage, such as off odors or visible mold, and discard if noticed to ensure food safety. By following these guidelines, we can enjoy our Green Goddess dressing’s creamy, herbaceous profile whenever inspiration strikes.
Conclusion
We’ve cherished exploring Ina Garten’s Green Goddess recipe and its timeless appeal
It elevates our everyday meals with vibrant flavors and ease
Let’s embrace it as a kitchen staple for fresh dips and dressings
You’ll love how it adds a confident twist to your culinary adventures
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Green Goddess dressing?
Green Goddess dressing is a fresh, zesty condiment with roots in the early 20th century, popularized by Ina Garten. It features a creamy, herbaceous blend of fresh herbs like basil, tarragon, chives, and parsley, mixed with garlic, anchovies, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, and spices. This versatile dressing is ideal for salads, dips, or toppings, offering vibrant flavors that make it a kitchen staple for food enthusiasts.
What ingredients are needed for Ina Garten’s Green Goddess recipe?
Ina Garten’s recipe calls for fresh basil, tarragon, chives, parsley, garlic, anchovy fillets, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, scallions, kosher salt, and black pepper. These simple, wholesome ingredients create a balanced, creamy texture with bold, herbaceous notes. Measure them accurately for the best results, focusing on fresh herbs for maximum flavor.
How do you prepare Green Goddess dressing?
Start by rinsing and chopping fresh herbs, scallions, and garlic. Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender, then blend until smooth for a silky emulsion. This process takes about 5-10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed for a balanced flavor, resulting in a vibrant, creamy dressing ready for immediate use.
What tools are required to make Green Goddess dressing?
You’ll need a food processor or blender for smooth blending, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a chef’s knife and cutting board for prepping herbs, a citrus juicer for lemon juice, and mixing bowls with a spatula. These tools ensure efficient preparation and help achieve the perfect texture without wasting ingredients.
Can I make Green Goddess dressing ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it up to 24 hours in advance to enhance flavors as they meld. After blending, transfer to an airtight container and chill in the refrigerator. This make-ahead approach saves time and improves taste, making it convenient for meals or gatherings while preserving its creamy, fresh profile.
How should I store Green Goddess dressing?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days to maintain freshness. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to two months. Always check for spoilage before use, and stir well after thawing to restore the creamy texture and vibrant flavors.
How long does Green Goddess dressing last?
Refrigerated, it lasts up to five days; frozen, up to two months. Proper storage in an airtight container prevents spoilage and keeps the dressing fresh. Monitor for changes in color, smell, or texture, and always use clean utensils to extend its shelf life safely.