GREEN GODDESS DRESSING – A BRILLIANT BACKYARD BASIL ALTERNATIVE TO PESTO
Let’s be honest – there are only so many jars of classic pesto one kitchen can handle before the family begs for mercy. If you are looking for a fresh and healthy way to use up that gorgeous explosion of garden basil, it’s time to invoke the green goddess. Strikingly bright in colour and velvety smooth thanks to the ripe avocado, green goddess dressing is a kitchen workhorse. Whip up a batch in under 5 minutes and watch it transform your weekly meals. Toss it with a crunchy, chopped cabbage salad, drizzle it over grilled chicken or charred salmon, or set it out in a bowl as a delicious dip for your next raw veggie platter. So good.
 Did You Know?
Tracing it roots back to the tropical regions of Central Africa and Southeast Asia, basil has grown from a sacred ancient herb into a beloved staple in our local kitchens. Today, a staggering 60-plus varieties of this span the globe, ranging from the familiar sweet Italian basil to the distinctively fragrant Thai and lemon basils. Adding basil into your recipes does far more than elevate flavour – it also provides a powerful nutritional boost. Rich in essential nutrients like vitamin K, which supports bone health and blood clotting and potent antioxidants like beta-carotene that protect cells from damage, basil is a nutrient dense super-herb that is so easy to grow indoor and out.
INGREDIENTS (6 Servings)
- 1 cup (250 ml) fresh basil leaves, tightly packed
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
- 1 cup (250 ml) plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 2 Tablespoons (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) black pepper
- 1-2 Tablespoons (15-30 ml) water, to thin if needed
 INSTRUCTIONS
- Combine all of the ingredients except for the water in a high-speed blender or food processor.
- Blend the ingredients until completely smooth and velvety.
- Stream in a little water if you prefer a pourable salad dressing consistency over a thick dip texture.
- Store in a sealed jar or container for up to 3 days.
ENJOY!
Per Serving: Â |Calories: 115 kcal | Carbohydrates: 5 g | Protein: 3.5 g | Fat: 9.5 g |Fibre: 2 g | Sodium: 0.5 mg |
Joanne Nijhuis, MSc, RD is a Consulting, Media and Culinary Registered Dietitian in Simcoe Grey Bruce on a mission to entertain and educate through her love of food. In addition to recipe development and writing for several publications, Joanne is currently working on her first cookbook. For more information, email Joanne at jo.knows.nutrition@outlook.com.