Very Green Dressing

Prep: 10 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Mediterranean

A vibrant, herbaceous green dressing with fresh parsley, spinach, basil, and zucchini, perfect for salads or drizzling over grilled vegetables, appealing to health-conscious food lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 1 handful parsley
  • 1 handful fresh spinach leaves
  • 1/2 small zucchini, chunked
  • 10 to 15 fresh basil leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Whip all ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth.
  2. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
  3. Makes about 1 1/4 cups.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider adding a little avocado or Greek yogurt. If you don’t have buttermilk, regular milk with a splash of vinegar can work as a substitute. Fresh herbs are key, so feel free to experiment with other greens like arugula or cilantro. This dressing is great in Mediterranean recipes, adding a fresh touch to salads or grilled vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

This Very Green Dressing pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish. Drizzle it over roasted vegetables or use it as a dip for fresh veggies. It can also enhance dishes like Spinach Ricotta Pie or salads with hearty ingredients. Try it on Olivita Crostini for a fresh appetizer option!

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Because the ingredients are fresh, it may separate; just give it a good shake or stir before using. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change once thawed.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Very Green Dressing contains roughly 617 calories, with 10g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (65% of the Daily Value), potassium (28% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 839mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).

617 kcal 31% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.3g 21% DV
Total Fat 46.9g 60% DV
Carbs 47.2g 17% DV
Fiber 18.3g 65% DV
Sugar 4.4g 9% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 838.5mg 36% DV
Potassium 1298.2mg 28% DV
Cholesterol 0.8mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 32.8mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 25.5mg 28% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 58.4mg 4% DV
Iron 3.3mg 18% DV
Diet fit High-fiber

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dressing in advance?

Yes, this dressing can be made up to two days in advance. Just keep it in the fridge in an airtight container. The flavors will meld beautifully, but remember to stir or shake it before serving to recombine any separated ingredients.

Is there a vegan alternative for buttermilk?

Absolutely! You can make a vegan buttermilk by mixing almond milk or soy milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes before using. This will mimic the tangy flavor of buttermilk in your dressing.

What dishes can I pair this dressing with?

This dressing is versatile and can complement a variety of dishes. It goes well with salads, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables. You might even enjoy it drizzled over a quinoa bowl or used as a sauce for wraps or sandwiches.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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