Panera Green Goddess Dressing Recipe: A Copycat Version for Home

The Secret to Panera’s Green Goddess Dressing

Panera’s Green Goddess Dressing has gained a cult following, and for good reason. This creamy, herby dressing is a game-changer for any salad. The secret to its success lies in the combination of fresh ingredients, including 120 g / 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 60 g / 1/4 cup of sour cream, and 20 g / 1/4 cup of chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and tarragon.

To make it at home, simply combine these ingredients with 2 tablespoons / 30 ml of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 teaspoon / 5 ml of Dijon mustard, and 1/2 teaspoon / 2 ml of garlic powder in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

• Blend at room temperature, around 20°C / 68°F, for the best results.
• Adjust the amount of herbs to your liking, but 20 g / 1/4 cup is the perfect starting point.

Panera Green Goddess Dressing

This copycat recipe brings the beloved Panera Green Goddess Dressing right to your kitchen. It’s vibrant, creamy, and perfect for salads, sandwiches, or dipping.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Yields: 1 cup

• Ingredients:
• 1 cup (240 g) mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) chopped fresh chives
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) chopped fresh tarragon
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) black pepper

Ingredients for Panera-Style Green Goddess Dressing

Making this creamy dressing at home requires just a few key ingredients. Gather these to get started.

Main Ingredients:

• 240 g / 1 cup Mayonnaise
• 120 g / 1/2 cup Sour Cream
• 60 g / 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Dill
• 30 g / 2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Chives
• 30 g / 2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Tarragon
• 15 g / 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
• 15 g / 1 tablespoon White Wine Vinegar
• 1.25 g / 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 g / 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 45 g / 3 tablespoons Grated Fresh Parmesan Cheese

Optional Ingredients:

• 30 g / 2 tablespoons Chopped Green Onions
• 15 g / 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
• 7.5 g / 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder

These optional ingredients can be added to taste for extra depth and flavor.

How to Make Panera-Style Green Goddess Dressing

To create a creamy, tangy, and delicious Green Goddess Dressing at home, follow these step-by-step instructions. Start by combining 120 ml / 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 60 ml / 1/4 cup of sour cream, and 15 g / 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard in a blender or food processor.

• Add 15 g / 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped tarragon, 10 g / 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh dill, and 5 g / 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh chives to the blender.
• Blend the mixture on high speed until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
• With the blender running, slowly pour in 30 ml / 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar and 15 ml / 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
• Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste, then refrigerate at 4 °C / 39 °F for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

This Panera Green Goddess Dressing Recipe makes approximately 240 ml / 1 cup of dressing, perfect for topping salads, vegetables, or using as a dip. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator at 4 °C / 39 °F for up to 1 week.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Green Goddess Dressing

Want to elevate your Panera Green Goddess Dressing game? Here are some pro tips to ensure a creamy, flavorful dressing that’s always a hit:

Emulsification is Key

The secret to a luscious Green Goddess Dressing lies in proper emulsification. This means creating a stable mixture of oil and water. To achieve this:

1. Start with room temperature ingredients: Cold ingredients can hinder emulsification.
2. Whisk vigorously: Use a whisk or immersion blender to vigorously blend the ingredients, starting with the vinegar and lemon juice, then gradually adding the oil in a slow, steady stream.
3. Taste and adjust: Once emulsified, taste the dressing and adjust seasonings as needed. Don’t be afraid to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or herbs to achieve your desired flavor profile.

Flavor Balance

The classic Green Goddess Dressing boasts a harmonious blend of flavors. To maintain this balance:

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh dill, parsley, and chives add vibrancy and complexity.
• Don’t skimp on the garlic: Garlic adds a pungent depth of flavor.
• Adjust the acidity: Start with the recommended amount of vinegar and lemon juice, but feel free to adjust based on your preference.

Substitutions and Variations for Panera-Style Green Goddess Dressing

Want to make your Green Goddess Dressing even more unique? Experiment with these substitutions and variations to create your perfect blend.

Herb Swaps

• Tarragon: Replace 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley with 1 tablespoon of tarragon for a slightly anise-flavored twist.
• Dill: Swap 1 tablespoon of fresh dill with 1 tablespoon of chopped chives for a more oniony flavor.

Creamy Alternatives

• Greek Yogurt: Replace 1/4 cup of sour cream with 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt for a tangier, lower-fat option.
• Mayonnaise: Swap 2 tablespoons of sour cream with 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise for a richer, creamier texture.

Spice It Up

• Garlic: Add 1 minced garlic clove for an extra depth of flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Remember, the key to a great Green Goddess Dressing is balance. Taste and adjust as you go to find your perfect combination.

Creative Variations for Panera-Style Green Goddess Dressing

Take your Green Goddess Dressing to the next level with these creative variations and flavor combinations. Each variation offers a unique twist on the classic recipe, allowing you to experiment with new flavors and ingredients.

• Lemon-Dill Variation: Add 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped dill and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the original recipe for a bright, refreshing flavor. Prep time increases by 5 minutes.
• Spicy Avocado Variation: Blend in 1 ripe avocado and 1-2 teaspoons of diced jalapeño for a creamy, spicy kick. Flavor profile changes significantly, with a richer, more velvety texture.
• Garlic-Parmesan Variation: Mix in 1 minced garlic clove and 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese for a savory, umami flavor. Refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
• Basil-Greek Yogurt Variation: Substitute 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt for 1/4 cup of mayonnaise and add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil for a lighter, more herbaceous flavor. Chilling time remains the same.

How to Store Panera-Style Green Goddess Dressing

Once you’ve whipped up this delicious homemade Green Goddess Dressing, you’ll want to make sure it stays fresh and vibrant. Here’s the best way to store it:

1. Refrigerate: Transfer your dressing to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. This will help prevent it from oxidizing and keep it flavorful for up to a week.
2. Freezing Option: For longer storage, you can freeze your Green Goddess Dressing. Pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace for expansion. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to use your stored dressing, give it a good shake or whisk to recombine the ingredients. If it’s frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Panera-Style Green Goddess Dressing

Don’t let common problems derail your delicious homemade Panera Green Goddess Dressing! We’ve got the solutions to help you achieve the perfect consistency and flavor.

Common Issues and Fixes:

• Separation: If your dressing separates after refrigeration, try whisking it vigorously before serving. You can also add a small amount of mayonnaise or sour cream to help emulsify the mixture.
• Too-thin consistency: If your dressing is too thin, add a little more mayonnaise or sour cream to thicken it. Alternatively, you can reduce the amount of buttermilk or milk.
• Flavor imbalance: If your dressing tastes too acidic or too bland, adjust the amount of lemon juice or mayonnaise accordingly. You can also add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.
• Greens not blending: If your blender or food processor struggles to blend the greens, try adding a small amount of water or ice to help the blades move smoothly.
• Dressing too thick: If your dressing is too thick, add a little more buttermilk or milk to thin it out.

Remember, the key to a great Panera Green Goddess Dressing is balance and patience. Don’t be discouraged if it takes a few attempts to get it just right – with these troubleshooting tips, you’ll be on your way to creating a delicious and authentic copycat recipe.

Nutrition Information for Panera-Style Green Goddess Dressing

This homemade Green Goddess Dressing, inspired by the Panera Green Goddess Dressing Recipe, offers a nutritional profile that’s both delicious and considerate of various dietary needs.

Per serving (30 ml / 2 tablespoons), this dressing contains approximately 170 calories, 18 g / 0.6 oz of fat, and 120 mg of sodium. The macronutrient breakdown is as follows:

• Calories: 170
• Fat: 18 g / 0.6 oz
• Sodium: 120 mg

This recipe is GF (gluten-free) and can be adapted to be DF (dairy-free) and vegan by substituting certain ingredients.

Key Takeaways from Making Panera-Style Green Goddess Dressing

Mastering the art of homemade Green Goddess Dressing requires attention to a few key details. Follow these takeaways to unlock the secrets of this creamy, herby condiment.

• Balance the flavors**: Combine creamy mayonnaise, tangy buttermilk, and a hint of sweetness from the shallots for a balanced taste.
• Use fresh herbs**: Fresh tarragon, dill, and chives provide the signature flavor of Panera’s Green Goddess Dressing. Don’t substitute with dried herbs.
• Don’t overdo the garlic**: A light touch with the garlic ensures the dressing doesn’t become overpowering.
• Temper the dressing**: Gradually add the buttermilk to the mayonnaise mixture to prevent the dressing from separating.
• Chill before serving**: Allow the dressing to refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

By following these key takeaways, you’ll be able to create a homemade Green Goddess Dressing that rivals the original Panera version.

Author Notes and Acknowledgments

The Panera Green Goddess Dressing Recipe has been a long-time favorite, and creating a copycat version was a thrilling challenge. This iconic salad dressing, with its rich and creamy texture, is a staple in many Panera enthusiasts’ kitchens. The goal was to replicate the original’s unique flavor profile, which balances tangy and herby notes.

After extensive research and experimentation, this recipe was developed to mimic the taste and consistency of the original Panera Green Goddess Dressing. The key to success lies in combining 120 ml / 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 60 ml / 1/4 cup of sour cream, and a blend of fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and chives. The dressing is then seasoned with 1 1/2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt, all mixed together until smooth.

This recipe is best prepared in a cool environment, around 20°C / 68°F, to prevent the ingredients from spoiling. The resulting dressing can be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 4°C / 39°F for up to 5 days.

Enjoy Your Homemade Panera-Style Green Goddess Dressing

There you have it! A creamy, vibrant Green Goddess Dressing that rivals Panera’s famous version. You’ve mastered the perfect blend of herbs, tangy lemon, and rich mayonnaise.

Drizzle this homemade dressing over your favorite salads, use it as a dip for vegetables, or even toss it with grilled chicken or fish.

Looking for more delicious salad dressing recipes? Check out our creamy Caesar dressing or our zesty balsamic vinaigrette!