Panera Copycat Recipes

Panera Bread Green Goddess Dressing Recipe

Panera Bread Green Goddess Dressing Recipe

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 Recipe

Panera 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)
Panera Bread Green Goddess Dressing Recipe
Panera Bread Green Goddess Dressing Recipe

How To Make Panera Bread Green Goddess Dressing Recipe

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
Panera Bread Green Goddess Dressing Recipe
Panera Bread Green Goddess Dressing Recipe

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
Panera Bread Green Goddess Dressing Recipe
Panera Bread Green Goddess Dressing Recipe

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

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

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.

Is this dressing spicy?

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.

What can I use instead of chives?

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

Recipe by LuluCourse: DressingCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking timeminutes
Calories

65

kcal

A 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.

You may also like...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *