Green Goddess salad dressing first appeared on the menu at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco in 1923 as a tribute to George Arliss who was starring in the play The Green Goddess. It is still served today on their popular Dungeness Crab Salad. It’s a retro recipe from the 20′s that has sadly fallen out of favor, but it’s time to bring it back.
Recipes vary but rely on tarragon, anchovies and chives for it’s distinctive flavor. The anchovies, blended with other ingredients, give this dressing a subtle, rich flavor that is perfect with fresh salad ingredients. My mother served it with iceberg lettuce wedges, cold shrimp and avocado. Bottled versions of Green Goddess have long ago disappeared from the shelf at the grocery store, but it’s so easy to put together and so delicious I hope will try it. Ina Garten recently featured this dressing on her show on the Food Network but replaced the tarragon with basil.
It was good, but it wasn’t the real thing.
Green Goddess Salad Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 3 anchovy fillets, minced, or 1 tablespoon anchovy paste
- 1/4 cup finely chopped chives or green onions
- 1/4 cup minced parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon tarragon vinegar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Combine well, chill, and serve with greens, fish or shellfish. It is especially good with cold shrimp and crab meat, or on fresh tomatoes and avocado slices. This is one of my favorite salad dressings. I hope you will give it a try.
To stay up to date with the latest recipes and travel posts from Wives with Knives, please subscribe here.
{ 24 comments… read them below or add one }
Mmmmmmm! So refreshing!
Hey, on a side note….how much are your artichokes there? I went to buy some the other day to use for decor in my fall arrangements, and at over 4 bucks a pop, I passed!!!
I just bought some Green Goddess seasoning at Penzey's! I'm saving your recipe. I would love that shrimp salad for lunch today
Hi Kris – Artichokes are expensive here too. I've seen $3 to $4 each at the farmers market.
Susan – Good to know about Penzeys. They are located here in Portland and I'll get there one of these days.
Green Goddess — popular in the 50's too. One of the few salad dressings we bought. I'll have to try this and soon!
I agree- I saw Ina's make this recipe. She probably wanted to put her own spin on it, but really, why change a perfect recipe? Thanks for posting it!
Now that's my kind of dressing!
oooooooooo my goodness, that looks divine !!!
I have to make this… I can get the most gorgeous shrimp you ever saw…and I adore avocado…… I"m going to make this !!!
Never had Green Goddess, but it looks quite good.
Ramona
This looks really good, Cathy. I haven't made this in a while. You've inspired me. Have a great day.
I love retro recipes.. Thank you!
This looks like the perfect lunch for me today! I've never had authentic Green Goddess dressing. It looks so yummy!
Thanks for bringing back the green goodess dressing! this used to be my favorite, but you're right, it's hard to find in the stores.
That looks delicious.I love your little food lessons.
Question??? why has it disappeared from supermarket shelves?? I have never had it..just wondering..
Kathleen – Items disappear quickly if there is no demand for them. I don't know why this dressing has fallen out of favor. It is so darn good.
Love the green goddess dressing. I cheat though and use the Penzey's mix to put in sour cream or mayonnaise….
I always enjoyed Green Goddess dressing. This is a treat. Your photography is excellent! I want to reach in and help myself!
This is a real treat,…oooooh yes, indeed!!
Lovely!!
Looks delicious, Cathy. And so pretty, too!
Cathy….this looks wonderful!
what a yummy dressing, this would jazz up any salad! and GORGEOUS picture!
This looks wonderful! I think you are right not to change the herbs (sorry Ina!) How can you improve on this beautiful classic?
It just looks fantastic. Thanks for posting it. I would love for you to join me for Crock Pot Wednesday if you would like.
I've heard of this dressing but have never seen it in grocery or on menus around here…Thanks for the recipe..question the anchovy since I'm not a big fan of the taste!! Hopefully it doesn't "make" the recipe! lol
I grew up on this salad dressing….what a great memory!
{ 1 trackback }