Embodiments of a recombinant Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) G ectodomain are provided. Also disclosed are nucleic acids encoding the RSV G ectodomain and methods of producing the RSV G ectodomain. Methods for inducing an immune response in a subject are also disclosed. In some embodiments, the method can be a method for inhibiting a RSV infection in a subject by administering an effective amount of the recombinant RSV G ectodomain to the subject to produce a protective immune response.