What is in Whole Foods Green Goddess Dressing? An Ingredient Breakdown

January 8, 2026 •

3 min read

The 365 Organic Green Goddess dressing from Whole Foods, according to its ingredient list, notably includes organic cultured buttermilk and organic avocado puree. This creates a distinct, creamy texture that sets it apart from many other versions of the classic salad dressing and dip.

Quick Summary

Whole Foods Market carries multiple Green Goddess dressings with different formulations, including their 365 Organic version, which features a creamy base of cultured buttermilk, avocado puree, and sunflower oil, combined with a variety of herbs and tangy ingredients. Other available versions are vegan or follow alternative recipes.

Key Points

Diverse Options: Whole Foods sells multiple Green Goddess dressings, each with a unique formula, so it's vital to check the label for specific ingredients.
365 Organic Ingredients: The flagship 365 Organic version uses a creamy base of sunflower oil, cultured buttermilk, and avocado puree, flavored with a blend of parsley, chives, and vinegars.
Vegan Alternatives: Brands like Gotham Greens and Primal Kitchen offer dairy-free and vegan Green Goddess options with different bases, such as avocado oil or a dairy-substitute blend.
Herbaceous and Tangy: All Green Goddess dressings are defined by their vibrant blend of fresh or dried herbs and a tangy element from citrus juice or vinegar.
Versatile Uses: Green Goddess dressing can be used beyond salads, working as a dip, marinade, or sauce for various dishes.
Check for Specific Diets: Consumers with dietary restrictions should note that not all Green Goddess dressings are dairy-free; vegan and gluten-free options are available but must be verified on the packaging.

A Tale of Two Green Goddesses: The Classic vs. The Whole Foods Approach

Green Goddess dressing is a culinary classic with a rich history, reputedly invented at San Francisco's Palace Hotel in the 1920s. The traditional recipe often includes mayonnaise, sour cream, anchovies, and a blend of herbs like parsley, chives, and tarragon. However, many modern versions, including those found at Whole Foods Market, deviate from this classic formulation.

Whole Foods Market offers several interpretations of Green Goddess dressing, meaning the specific ingredients vary depending on the product. Popular options include the 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Green Goddess dressing, as well as versions from other brands like Primal Kitchen and Gotham Greens.

Unpacking the 365 Organic Green Goddess Dressing

The 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Green Goddess dressing is a widely available option. For a full breakdown of the ingredients, please refer to the product page on the {Link: Whole Foods Market website https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/product/365-by-whole-foods-market-organic-green-goddess-dressing-12-fz-b09d8txq3z} or the {Link: EWG website https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/products/099482516857-365WholeFoodsMarketGreenGoddessOrganicDressingDipGreenGoddess/}.

Beyond the 365: Green Goddess Variations at Whole Foods

Beyond the 365 Organic option, Whole Foods stocks other brands offering different Green Goddess formulations.

Gotham Greens Vegan Goddess Dressing

This dairy-free and vegan alternative uses a base of sunflower oil, water, and basil.

Primal Kitchen Green Goddess Dressing

Marketed as paleo and Whole30-friendly, this version is dairy-free and gluten-free. It uses avocado oil as its base and is thickened with potato starch, flavored with coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, and herbs like tarragon and chives.

Green Goddess Salad Kit Dressing

Even within salad kits sold at Whole Foods, the dressing can differ. For instance, a Taylor Farms kit may include a dressing with a soybean oil base, water, basil, and distilled vinegar, using pea protein for creaminess. This underscores the importance of checking individual product labels.

Comparison of Green Goddess Dressings at Whole Foods

For a full comparison of Green Goddess dressings available at Whole Foods, please refer to the table on the {Link: Whole Foods Market website https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/product/365-by-whole-foods-market-organic-green-goddess-dressing-12-fz-b09d8txq3z} or the {Link: EWG website https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/products/099482516857-365WholeFoodsMarketGreenGoddessOrganicDressingDipGreenGoddess/}.

Versatile Uses Beyond Salad

Green Goddess dressing is not just for salads. Its creamy, herbaceous flavor makes it a versatile addition to various dishes:

Dip: Excellent with vegetables, chips, or crackers.
Sandwich Spread: A flavorful alternative to mayonnaise.
Marinade: Can be used to enhance the flavor of meats or vegetables.
Sauce: Drizzle over roasted vegetables or grain bowls.

The Health-Conscious Consideration

Ingredient lists are important for understanding nutritional content and potential allergens or sensitivities. While many options at Whole Foods emphasize organic ingredients or specific dietary needs like being dairy-free, some consumers may consult resources like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) for ingredient analysis. For example, the EWG has previously noted the presence of ingredients like organic rice syrup in an older 365 Green Goddess product, flagging it due to potential concerns associated with rice-based ingredients. Being an informed consumer involves reviewing ingredient lists and considering any associated health information. You can find more information about ingredient concerns on the EWG website.

Conclusion

The ingredients in Whole Foods Green Goddess dressing vary significantly by brand. The 365 Organic version features a distinctive blend of sunflower oil, avocado puree, and cultured buttermilk for a creamy, tangy profile with parsley and chives as primary herbs. Other brands available, such as Gotham Greens and Primal Kitchen, offer vegan and paleo-friendly alternatives with different bases and herb combinations. Always review the product label to identify specific ingredients and ensure the dressing aligns with your dietary needs and taste preferences.

Note: Product formulations can change. Always check the ingredient list on the packaging for the most current information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not all Green Goddess dressings at Whole Foods are vegan. The 365 Organic version contains cultured buttermilk, which is a dairy product. However, brands like Gotham Greens offer a Vegan Goddess dressing that is dairy-free.

The original Green Goddess dressing recipe included anchovies, but modern store-bought versions, including the 365 Organic and many other brands found at Whole Foods, do not contain anchovies.

Many Green Goddess dressings at Whole Foods are labeled gluten-free, including the 365 Organic version and the Primal Kitchen brand. Always check the product label for the most accurate and current information.

The vibrant green color comes primarily from a blend of herbs like parsley and chives, as well as ingredients like avocado puree, depending on the specific recipe.

The 365 Organic dressing is creamy with a tangy, dairy-forward flavor from buttermilk. Other brands like Gotham Greens and Primal Kitchen offer vegan, dairy-free versions with different oil bases and herb blends.

Xanthan gum is a common food additive used as a thickener and stabilizer. In Green Goddess dressing, it helps create and maintain the smooth, creamy texture and prevents the ingredients from separating over time.

Yes, many recipes exist for making a homemade Green Goddess dressing, often involving a creamy base (like avocado, mayonnaise, or yogurt) blended with fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, basil, and tarragon), lemon juice, and seasonings.