This Panera Bread Green Goddess Dressing is a creamy, garden-fresh masterpiece—the exact drizzle I crave when I want a salad that feels light, bright, and completely revitalizing. A perfect combo of zesty lemon, smooth Greek yogurt, and a lush canopy of fresh basil and parsley, it is a dressing that elevates simple greens into a restaurant-quality event. The way the aromatic chives and sharp garlic dance through the velvety base creates a sophisticated zing that makes every bite of a Cobb salad or grain bowl feel like a celebration of spring.
Jump to RecipePanera Bread Green Goddess Dressing Recipe Ingredients
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (avocado oil mayo works great for a healthier swap)
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
- 1 cup fresh parsley, stems removed
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar or champagne vinegar
- 1 tsp honey or agave nectar
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1–2 tbsp water (to reach desired consistency)

How To Make Panera Bread Green Goddess Dressing Recipe
- Prep the herbs: Wash and thoroughly dry the parsley, basil, and chives. It is important to remove any excess water so the dressing remains thick and doesn’t become diluted.
- Combine in blender: Place the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, parsley, basil, chives, minced garlic, lemon juice, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper into a high-speed blender or food processor.
- Pulse and blend: Pulse several times to break down the large herb leaves, then blend on high for 30–60 seconds. You are looking for a completely smooth, vibrant green liquid with no large flecks of herbs remaining.
- Adjust consistency: If the dressing is too thick for your preference, add water one tablespoon at a time and pulse again until it reaches a pourable, “drizzly” consistency.
- Taste and season: Taste the dressing on a piece of lettuce. Add an extra pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon if needed to make the flavors pop.
- Chill and set: Transfer the dressing to a glass jar or airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the garlic and herb flavors to fully infuse the creamy base.

Recipe Tips
- Fresh Herbs are Mandatory: Do not attempt this recipe with dried herbs. The vibrant color and “green” flavor depend entirely on the oils found in fresh basil and parsley.
- The Yogurt Balance: Using Greek yogurt provides that signature Panera tang while keeping the dressing lighter than a traditional mayonnaise-only base.
- Avoid Bitter Basil: If you blend the dressing for too long at high speed, the friction can heat up the basil and make it taste slightly bitter. Keep the blending process quick and efficient.
- Aged Vinegar: Using a high-quality white wine vinegar or champagne vinegar provides a softer acidity than harsh white distilled vinegar, which results in a much more balanced dressing.
What To Serve With Panera Bread Green Goddess Dressing
This versatile dressing isn’t just for salads; it’s a powerhouse condiment.
- A classic Cobb salad with chicken, avocado, and hard-boiled eggs
- As a dip for fresh crudités like cucumber slices, radishes, and bell peppers
- Drizzled over grilled salmon or roasted shrimp skewers
- Spread onto a turkey and swiss sandwich for a bright flavor boost

How To Store Panera Bread Green Goddess Dressing
- Refrigerate: Store the dressing in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 to 7 days.
- Separation: Because it contains fresh herbs and no stabilizers, it may separate slightly as it sits. Simply give the jar a vigorous shake before each use.
- Freeze: Freezing is not recommended for this dressing, as the mayonnaise and yogurt emulsion will break and become watery upon thawing.
Panera Bread Green Goddess Dressing Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~65 kcal (per 2-tbsp serving)
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
Nutrition information is estimated per serving based on the ingredients provided.
FAQs
Yes! You can substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free plain almond or soy yogurt. Alternatively, you can use a whole avocado in place of the yogurt for extra creaminess and a boost of healthy fats.
No, the Green Goddess dressing is mild and herbaceous. If you want a bit of heat, you can add half a jalapeño (seeds removed) to the blender for a “Spicy Green Goddess” variation.
If you don’t have fresh chives, the green tops of spring onions (scallions) make an excellent substitute and provide a very similar mild onion flavor.
Panera Bread Green Goddess Dressing Recipe
Course: DressingCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings10
minutes65
kcalA copycat version of the famous Panera dressing, featuring a creamy yogurt base packed with fresh basil, parsley, and lemon.
Ingredients
¼ cup mayo + ¼ cup Greek yogurt
1 cup fresh parsley
¼ cup fresh basil
2 tbsp chives
2 garlic cloves
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 tsp honey
Salt & Pepper
Directions
- Clean and dry all fresh herbs thoroughly.
- Combine all ingredients (except water) in a blender.
- Blend on high until smooth and bright green.
- Thin with water if the consistency is too thick.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
- Refrigerate in a jar for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For the best “Panera” flavor, use a light-colored honey so it doesn’t overpower the herbs.
- Ensure your garlic is fresh; sprouted garlic can add an unwanted harshness to the dressing.
- Use a rubber spatula to scrape the sides of the blender to ensure every bit of herb is incorporated.
