Velvety Green Goddess Sauce: A Creamy, Herb-Packed Flavor Boost for Any Dish

In an effort to add more protein to my diet, I often have perfectly hard-boiled eggs in my fridge - see below for my favorite technique. Eggs are yummy over toast, in a salad, on the go or in this unbelievably delicious green goddess sauce that my kids have fallen in love with. Easy to make it adds a great flavor dimension to any meal. The recipe is from a series of eggy ideas in Women's Health Magazine.

This Green Goddess sauce would pair perfectly with:

• Grilled chicken or salmon: Drizzle it over for a burst of creamy, herby flavor.

• Fresh veggies: Serve as a dip with sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots, or cherry tomatoes.

• Grain bowls: Top quinoa, farro, or brown rice bowls with roasted veggies and a dollop of sauce.

• Tacos: Use it as a refreshing sauce for fish or shrimp tacos.

• Salads: Toss it with leafy greens for a creamy salad dressing.

• Sandwiches or wraps: Spread it on bread or wraps for an added zing.

This Green Goddess sauce recipe is very versatile and can be adjusted for balance and added depth of flavor:

1. Balance the Acidity: Add a touch more lime juice or lemon juice for a brighter acidity if needed, or substitute some of the lime juice with apple cider vinegar for a more complex tang.

2. Smooth the Texture: If the sauce feels too thick, add a bit of water or olive oil to thin it out without diluting the flavor.

3. Boost the Herbs: Increase the parsley and basil to 1/2 cup each if you prefer a more intense herbaceous flavor.

4. Optional Creaminess: For a richer texture, consider blending in 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or a small splash of cream.

5. Extra Depth: Add 1-2 anchovy fillets or a teaspoon of capers for umami, which is often found in traditional Green Goddess recipes.

6. Freshness and Crunch: Add a handful of fresh spinach or kale for extra greens and nutrition, and perhaps some nuts like toasted pine nuts or almonds for texture.

7. Spice Variation: Adjust the cayenne to your preferred level of heat, or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky element.

These tweaks can make the sauce more tailored to your taste or dietary preferences while maintaining its core creamy and flavorful essence!

Ingredients

1/2 cup plain Gree yogurt

1 avocado, peeled and pitted

2 hard-boiled eggs

1/3 cup each packed parsley and basil

Two sliced scallions

1 garlic clove, minced

Juice of 1/3 lime

1/4 tsp each cayenne and salt

Instructions

In a blender purée all ingredients. Serve immediately.

PS: The best way to make the perfect hard-boiled egg is to bring at least 1 inch of water to a boil in a medium saucepan with a steamer basket inside. Add eggs in a single layer, cover and steam for 15 minutes. Using a spoon or label, transfer eggs to a bowl filled with ice water and let rest 30 minutes. Enjoy!