Light & Lush Green Goddess

Svelte Green Goddess Dip: A Lighter Take on a Classic Herbaceous Delight

Embrace the vibrant flavors of the garden with our Svelte Green Goddess Dip. This exquisite recipe re-imagines the beloved creamy, herbal classic, delivering all the sumptuous taste and velvety texture you crave, but with a lighter profile. Infused with a medley of fresh herbs, a subtle hint of umami from anchovies, and the smooth richness of low-fat sour cream, it’s a guilt-free indulgence that’s perfect for any occasion.

A light-blue gravy boat filled with svelte green goddess dip, showcasing its vibrant green color and creamy texture.
This evocatively named dip isn’t the same as the one of yore. It’s got the same sumptuous taste, the same creamy texture, the same luminous color, just not the same calorie count.

The Allure of the Svelte Green Goddess Dip

The original Green Goddess dressing, famously created at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco, is a rich, mayonnaise-based concoction renowned for its lush herbaceousness and creamy consistency. Our Svelte Green Goddess Dip honors this legacy by capturing its essence while thoughtfully reducing its calorie count. It’s a testament to the idea that delicious food can also be health-conscious, proving that you don’t have to compromise on flavor when opting for lighter fare.

This recipe is particularly delightful for those with an herb garden, transforming a fresh bundle of clipped herbs into a delicate, vibrant green, creamy sauce. The burst of garden-fresh flavor is unparalleled, making it an ideal accompaniment for crisp, raw vegetables. Imagine pairing this dip with slender asparagus spears, sweet baby carrots, peppery radishes, or refreshing cucumber slices – a symphony of taste and texture that celebrates the bounty of nature.

Crafting Your Lighter, Brighter Dip

What sets our Svelte Green Goddess Dip apart is its ingenious balance of ingredients. The use of low-fat sour cream and mayonnaise significantly reduces the fat content without sacrificing the luxurious creaminess that defines a great dip. But the real secret lies in the harmonious blend of fresh herbs, each contributing its unique character to the overall profile.

The Herbal Heart of the Dip

A generous mix of flat-leaf parsley, cilantro, dill, tarragon, and basil creates a complex and refreshing flavor. Parsley offers a clean, earthy note, while cilantro adds a bright, citrusy undertone. Dill introduces a fresh, slightly anise-like aroma, beautifully complemented by the subtle licorice notes of tarragon. Basil, with its sweet and peppery profile, rounds out the herbaceous medley, making every bite an invigorating experience. Scallions and garlic provide a gentle aromatic base, ensuring a well-rounded and inviting taste.

The Umami Whisper: Anchovies

Don’t let the anchovies deter you! While they may seem an unusual addition to a “svelte” dip, their role is purely to enhance the overall flavor with a profound umami depth, not to impart a fishy taste. When finely processed, these tiny fillets dissolve into the dip, contributing a savory richness that elevates the herbaceous notes and makes the dip utterly addictive. They are the secret ingredient that makes this lighter version taste incredibly satisfying and gourmet.

Customizing Your Svelte Green Goddess Dip: Full-Fat or Low-Fat?

Let’s address the elephant in the room: this is not The Original Green Goddess Dip. That classic, with its full-fat glory, would likely never have been described as “svelte” in any era. Our rendition is purposefully lightened, aiming for a svelte-inducing experience. However, culinary preferences are personal, and if you prefer the richness of full-fat sour cream and mayonnaise, you are absolutely welcome to use them.

Opting for full-fat ingredients will, of course, increase the calorie count, but it will also result in an even more decadent and voluptuous dip, as noted by some of our recipe testers. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Whether you choose the svelte path or a more indulgent one, the core flavors from the fresh herbs and umami anchor remain magnificent.

Just a friendly reminder: while tempting thick-cut, kettle-cooked potato chips are delicious, imagine how truly virtuous vegetables like crisp bell peppers, crunchy celery sticks, or vibrant cherry tomatoes transform into irresistible bites when swiped through this super creamy, flavorful dip!

A light-blue gravy boat filled with svelte green goddess dip

Svelte Green Goddess Dip

This lighter Svelte Green Goddess dip elevates the cool, creamy, and herbal classic with a unique depth from anchovies and a velvety texture from low-fat sour cream.

By David Leite

Print
Course
Appetizers
Cuisine
American
Servings

12
servings | 1 1/2 cups
Calories

49
kcal
Prep Time

15 minutes
Total Time

1 hour
15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 oil-packed anchovy fillets, rinsed and patted dry
  • 1 large clove garlic, smashed
  • 2 scallions, including 3 inches of the green tops, cut into 1/2-inch lengths
  • 1/4 cup lightly packed flat-leaf parsley leaves
  • 1/4 cup lightly packed cilantro leaves
  • 1/4 cup chopped dill leaves
  • 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped tarragon leaves
  • 6 large basil leaves, torn into pieces
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 3/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
  • 1/2 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise

Instructions

  1. In the work-bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade, process the anchovies, garlic, scallions, parsley, cilantro, dill, tarragon, basil, vinegar, salt, sugar, and pepper until finely chopped. Stop the machine once or twice to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.
  2. Add the sour cream and mayonnaise and process until smooth. Scoop into a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. (This dip can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Remove from the refrigerator 10 minutes before serving.) Originally published September 20, 2010.
Skinny Dips cookbook cover

Adapted From

Skinny Dips

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Nutrition


Serving:
1
portion


Calories:
49
kcal


Carbohydrates:
3
g


Protein:
1
g


Fat:
4
g


Saturated Fat:
1
g


Monounsaturated Fat:
1
g


Trans Fat:
0.01
g


Cholesterol:
7
mg


Sodium:
310
mg


Fiber:
0.2
g


Sugar:
1
g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.


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Recipe Testers’ Reviews: Real Feedback for a Remarkable Dip

Our Svelte Green Goddess Dip has garnered enthusiastic praise from a diverse group of recipe testers, highlighting its versatility, ease of preparation, and exceptional flavor. Read on to discover their experiences and insights, and how this dip became a fast favorite.

Karen Depp

Karen, hosting a houseful of runners, found this dip (and accompanying salad dressing) to be “absolutely the very best!” It received unanimous “thumbs up” and immediate requests for the recipe. She, and her guests, wouldn’t change a thing, even opting for the full-fat version. It’s now a declared “house special.”

Melissa Maedgen

Melissa explored the “voluptuous” side, using full-fat sour cream and mayo, simply because they were on hand. She described the result as “fantastic,” noting the beautiful balance and brightness despite the many flavors. Excellent with vegetables and crackers, it also served as a beloved salad dressing for her husband. Even without trying the low-fat, she predicted its goodness due to the intense herbal flavor, cementing it as “definitely a keeper.”

Leanne Abe

Leanne discovered this recipe almost by accident, with leftover sour cream, anchovies, and wilting basil. It was a hit at a party, praised for its beautiful color, bright herbaceousness, and garlic kick. She even experimented with fewer herbs (basil, chives, dried dill) and found it “still delicious,” creamy, tasty, and indistinguishable as low-fat. Its versatility shone through as she used it with veggies, pita chips, potato chips, shrimp, spread on toast with a fried egg, and even mixed into cherry tomatoes and avocado. Leanne marvels at its adaptability with different herbs and vinegars.

Liz Tarpy

Liz found the dip far from “delicate,” describing it as “delicious and decadent.” She appreciated the strong garlic and anchovy flavors. Her serving suggestions included grilled salmon and grilled baby Yukon golds, admitting she also enjoyed it straight off her spoon. Using full-fat mayo and low-fat sour cream, she raised a good point about the herbs – she simply threw them all in whole, questioning the need for prior chopping. She also wisely advised having a plan for leftover herbs to avoid waste.

Nancy A. Mosher

Nancy praises this recipe as a fantastic make-ahead option for entertaining, noting its excellent shelf life in the fridge – though she playfully suggests hiding or mislabeling it due to its addictive nature. She declares it “the perfect Green Goddess dip for all manner of things” and a highly versatile sauce. While tarragon wasn’t her favorite, she plans to experiment with lemon basil or a touch of lovage, highlighting the recipe’s flexibility with different tender herbs.

Karla Cyr

Karla seized the opportunity to use fresh garden herbs to create a dip that “doesn’t disappoint.” She, too, chose the full-fat versions for a creamier, richer condiment but acknowledged the lean option. She loved how the mayonnaise and sour cream transformed into a pale green, herb-speckled mixture with a distinct garlic-dill taste. Karla emphasizes that the dip tastes best after setting overnight and is perfect for crudités or toasted bread, even suggesting it as a sandwich spread. This “easy, no-fuss dip” is designed to please any crowd.

Emily Olson

Emily appreciated the simplicity of this “two-step” recipe. Although she couldn’t wait the full hour for the flavors to meld, she used low-fat sour cream and full-fat mayo. She planned to adjust for next time, craving more garlic, more salt, and less anchovy to suit her taste. Interestingly, she also found the dip thin enough to use as a delightful salad dressing for lettuce, tomatoes, and croutons.

Abigail Corn

Abigail loved the dip so much she made it twice more! She experimented with yogurt instead of sour cream (and no sugar) for a “diet dip” version, and also tried reducing the anchovy to just one for those preferring less salt and fish flavor. Both modifications yielded “nice results,” confirming her belief that the variety of herbs is the key, allowing for adaptation to taste or diet. She highly recommends it with vegetables and as a sauce for grilled or fried fish.

Sue Epstein

Sue enthusiastically declared this recipe “definitely a keeper!” She used real mayonnaise and full-fat sour cream, serving it as a dip for cut vegetables as a first course. Her guests were so enamored they requested more to put on their baked salmon main course. Easy to make, refreshing, and well-written, everyone simply adored it.

Victoria Filippi

Victoria found this dip “so delicious and fresh,” praising the amazing herb combination with the cool creaminess of sour cream and mayo. She highlighted how the anchovies provide a pleasant saltiness, perfectly balanced by the sugar and acidity of the white wine vinegar. Beyond raw vegetables, she suggested serving a dollop on grilled fish. Eager to try new applications, she plans to mix it into steamed rice for a refreshing side dish. A “must try!” indeed.

Sandy Hill

Sandy enthusiastically called this dip “a wonderful way to use the herbal bounty of the summer.” Using reduced-fat sour cream and mayonnaise, she found the dip “delicious and fresh tasting.” It disappeared quickly when served with fresh vegetables and wheat crackers. She even imagined it being delicious on baked potatoes and resolved to make a double batch next time without changing a thing.

Pat Francis

Pat is adding this recipe straight to her “party file.” She notes that despite being low-fat, it’s full-flavored and visually appealing. Perfect for both raw vegetables and potato chips, she found the anchovies subtly bolstered the flavor without being overtly present, contributing to a “wonderful freshness” from the herb blend. A “definite winner” in her book.

Tracey G.

Tracey appreciated the “great flavor” of the dip, especially given its low-fat ingredients, and loved using fresh herbs from her garden. However, she felt the raw garlic was a bit overpowering and planned to reduce it or omit it entirely in future preparations to allow other flavors to shine more.

Kara Vitek

Kara’s review is nothing short of rave. “Wow, this dip is amazing. It’s so flavorful, so rich, so velvety,” she exclaims, emphasizing that she used low-fat ingredients. She and her family couldn’t get enough, with Kara joking about licking the bowl clean. She successfully substituted anchovy paste, confirming its undetectable fish flavor but powerful depth. Kara is excited to use it in other ways, like on pizza or hot asparagus, declaring it a new “staple” in her home, especially when her herb garden flourishes. She extends her thanks for introducing her to this fantastic recipe.

This Svelte Green Goddess Dip offers a refreshing and flavorful way to enjoy a classic, whether you’re aiming for a healthier option or simply celebrating the freshness of homemade cuisine. Its vibrant blend of herbs, subtle umami, and creamy texture makes it an irresistible addition to any table. Enjoy it as a dip, a spread, or a dressing, and let the fresh flavors transport you to a garden paradise. Happy dipping!

Recipe by Diane Morgan.