Prepare to meet your new salad obsession: Avocado Green Goddess Dressing (Oil-Free)! This vibrant, herby sauce is impossibly creamy, bursting with garden-fresh flavor, and made without a drop of oil or dairy. Once you taste it, you’ll want to drizzle it over everything from hearty bowls to crisp veggies and more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Creamy, No Oil: The magic of avocado makes this dressing decadently smooth without a single drop of oil.
- Bursting With Fresh Herbs: Parsley, basil, and chives combine for a symphony of bright, bold garden flavors in every spoonful.
- Zesty and Tangy: Lemon juice and apple cider vinegar deliver punchy flavor and keep the dressing lively and fresh-tasting.
- Ready in 10 Minutes: Just toss everything in a food processor and blend — perfect for last-minute meals or meal prep!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Avocado Green Goddess Dressing (Oil-Free) is all about celebrating whole, vibrant ingredients. Every single addition is chosen for its role in delivering that signature hue, creaminess, and layers of flavor — no fillers, no fuss. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Fresh parsley (2 cups, chopped): The backbone of Green Goddess flavor, parsley brings color, earthiness, and a soft grassy freshness that makes every bite shine.
- Chopped chives (¼ cup): These offer a delicate oniony note that’s mellow and snappy, making the dressing taste bright and balanced.
- Fresh basil (¼ cup): About 10-12 leaves add a sweet, peppery fragrance that’s pure summer. Don’t skip it!
- Garlic (2 cloves): Just enough to add savory depth without overwhelming the other herbs.
- Ripe avocado (1 medium/large): The star! Avocado is what makes this oil-free dressing luscious and creamy, with mild flavor and healthy fats.
- Lemon zest (from ½ lemon): Totally optional, but it gives a little zingy aroma and extra brightness.
- Fresh lemon juice (¼ cup): Essential for tang and balance — it also keeps the avocado vibrant and green.
- Apple cider vinegar (1½ tablespoons): Adds a gentle fruity acidity that boosts all those herbal notes.
- Fine sea salt (up to 1 teaspoon): Salt brings all the flavors into focus — start with less and add to taste.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon+): For gentle heat and aromatic lift; add more if you like.
- Water (¼ to ½ cup): Helps achieve your perfect creamy-but-pourable consistency; adjust as needed.
Variations
The beauty of Avocado Green Goddess Dressing (Oil-Free) is that it’s endlessly customizable! Don’t hesitate to make swaps based on what herbs you have on hand, dietary needs, or just your mood — you truly can’t go wrong.
- Swap your greens: Try using cilantro instead of basil for a Mexican-inspired twist, or toss in a handful of spinach for vibrant color and nutrition.
- Adjust the tang: Use lime juice for a different citrus vibe, or white wine vinegar if you don’t have apple cider vinegar on hand.
- Make it spicy: Add half a jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds.
- Go creamy and nutty: Stir in a couple teaspoons of tahini or a dollop of non-dairy yogurt for extra richness (still oil-free!).
How to Make Avocado Green Goddess Dressing (Oil-Free)
Step 1: Blend the Herbs and Garlic
Add the parsley, chives, basil, and garlic to your food processor. Pulse for about five seconds, just until everything is roughly chopped — this ensures you get even distribution of flavor in every bite and prevents long stringy bits.
Step 2: Add Avocado and Flavorings
Slice the avocado open, remove the pit, and scoop the creamy flesh right into the food processor. Add the lemon zest (if using), lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and ¼ cup water. These ingredients help everything blend and give your Avocado Green Goddess Dressing (Oil-Free) its zesty, bright character.
Step 3: Process Until Creamy
Blend everything together until it’s perfectly smooth, or leave it a little chunky if that’s your style. For a runnier salad dressing, stop and drizzle in more water, one tablespoon at a time. This is your Goldilocks moment — you want that consistency just right!
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Now’s the time to give your Avocado Green Goddess Dressing (Oil-Free) its final touch of magic: taste, and adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon, as needed. Sometimes, a little extra squeeze of citrus or pinch of salt totally brings it to life. Then just scoop it into a jar and you’re good to go!
Pro Tips for Making Avocado Green Goddess Dressing (Oil-Free)
- Herb Selection Matters: Always use freshest possible herbs — wilted parsley or basil can dull both the color and flavor quickly.
- Ripeness Rules: A perfectly ripe avocado is creamy and blends easily; if your avocado is underripe, the dressing will be less smooth (and less flavorful).
- Perfect Consistency: Start with less water and add more gradually — some love it super thick for dipping, others like a pourable sauce for salads.
- Zest Last Minute: If using lemon zest, zest it right before blending to capture all those gorgeous, aromatic oils!
How to Serve Avocado Green Goddess Dressing (Oil-Free)
Garnishes
For a lovely finishing touch, sprinkle the dressing with extra chopped chives, a few basil ribbons, or even a twist of cracked black pepper. A scatter of lemon zest or a citrus wedge on the side makes it especially inviting!
Side Dishes
This dressing is fabulous on simple salads, but don’t stop there — it’s sensational as a dip for raw veggies, spooned over roasted potatoes or grain bowls, or even spread inside wraps and sandwiches. Try it with brown rice and grilled tofu for a filling, plant-based meal!
Creative Ways to Present
Pour the Avocado Green Goddess Dressing (Oil-Free) into a pretty glass jar or ramekin and swirl the top for a showstopping dip at parties. Or, spoon it onto plates in decorative dots or swooshes for restaurant-quality style. The rich green color looks incredible alongside vibrant roasted or raw veggies!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in a small, airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The lemon juice and vinegar help keep the avocado green and gorgeous, so don’t worry about browning!
Freezing
While it hasn’t been thoroughly tested, Avocado Green Goddess Dressing (Oil-Free) should freeze well thanks to its high acid content. Freeze small portions in silicone ice cube trays and thaw in the fridge for quick single servings!
Reheating
This dressing is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature — no reheating required! If thawed from frozen, simply whisk or blend to restore the creamy texture before serving.
FAQs
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Can I make Avocado Green Goddess Dressing (Oil-Free) ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dressing up to four days in advance and keep it chilled in an airtight container. The fresh herbs, avocado, lemon, and vinegar work together to keep the color and flavor at their best.
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What if I don’t have a food processor?
A good blender works just as well! You might need to scrape down the sides a bit more often, and add a touch more water for smooth blending, but the results will be every bit as delicious.
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Is this dressing vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! The Avocado Green Goddess Dressing (Oil-Free) is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and free from added oils or dairy. Check your vinegar for gluten if highly sensitive, but the base recipe is suitable for almost everyone.
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Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
For best results, stick with fresh parsley, basil, and chives. Dried herbs just don’t bring the same vibrancy. However, if you must, use about one-third the amount (since dried herbs are more concentrated) and expect a milder, less colorful result.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tasted homemade Avocado Green Goddess Dressing (Oil-Free) yet, now’s your chance for a serious flavor upgrade. With every creamy, zesty, herb-packed bite, you’ll find new ways to enjoy it all week long. Go ahead — whip up a batch and see how quickly it becomes your favorite staple!
Print
Avocado Green Goddess Dressing (Oil-Free) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Dressing
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Oil-Free Avocado Green Goddess Dressing is a creamy and flavorful alternative to traditional dressings. Packed with fresh herbs and avocado, it’s perfect for salads, bowls, or as a dip.
Ingredients
Fresh Herb Blend:
- 2 cups chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
Other Ingredients:
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 medium/large ripe avocado
- Zest from half a lemon (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Up to 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or more to taste)
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Blend Herbs: In a food processor, combine the parsley, chives, basil, and garlic. Blend until chunky, about 5 seconds.
- Add Avocado: Slice the avocado and add the flesh to the food processor. Include lemon zest, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, pepper, and ¼ cup water. Process until smooth, adjusting water for desired consistency.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon to preference. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate dressing in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Lemon juice and vinegar prevent browning.
- Freezing: Freezer-friendly, but best enjoyed fresh within a couple of days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
