Avocado Dressing keeps things deliciously simple. While avocado lime ranch dressing can be overpowering with its tangy kick, this classic preparation lets the natural avocado flavor shine through.
Contents
Avocado dressing recipe
Avocado dressing is a healthier alternative to traditional dressings that often rely on mayonnaise or heavy oils. It has all the creamy goodness of avocado but without the sharpness of lime or the heavy tang of ranch.
The lime and avocado dressing is smooth, mild, and fresh. It offers a more subtle, yet still deliciously rich flavor that lets the avocado shine in its purest form. This dressing provides a rich mouthfeel without being overly heavy. If you’re an avocado fan, this is the dressing you’ll want to keep on hand.
This is how to make the avocado dressing:
Avocado dressing
Ingredients
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or lime juice
- 1 small garlic clove minced
- 1/4 cup water adjust for desired consistency
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon honey optional, for a touch of sweetness
Instructions
- Slice the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a blender or food processor.
- To the avocado, add olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, water, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- If the dressing is too thick, add more water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Add honey, more salt, or pepper if needed. Blend again to combine.
- Drizzle over salads, bowls, or use as a dip. Enjoy!
How to serve and pair
From salads to seafood, avocado dressing serves as a versatile dressing option.
1. Salad Dressing
Avocado dressing enhances various salad compositions:
Salad Type | Complementary Ingredients | Suggested Dressing Variation |
Green Salads | Mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers | Classic version |
Grain Bowls | Quinoa, roasted vegetables, chickpeas | Herb-infused blend |
Protein Bowls | Grilled chicken, black beans, corn | Spicy variation |
Power Salads | Kale, sweet potato, seeds | Creamy style |
2. As a Spread
- Sandwiches
- Wraps
- Burgers
- Pita pockets
3. As a Dip
- Raw vegetables
- Pita chips
- Tortilla chips
- Roasted vegetables
- Sweet potato wedges
- Brussels sprouts
- Cauliflower florets
- Zucchini rounds
4. As a Sauce
- Egg dishes: Scrambled eggs or egg salads
- Burrito bowls
- Tacos: Fish tacos, shrimp tacos, or any kind of burrito
- Grilled protein: chicken, pork tenderloin, or smoked meats
Variations
Variations of avocado dressing bring distinct flavors, perfect for salads, grilled vegetables, and more.
1. Avocado Cilantro Dressing
- Add 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped) to the original recipe.
- Optionally, add 1-2 tablespoons lime juice for a tangier flavor.
- Reduce the water slightly for a thicker consistency.
2. Avocado Green Goddess Dressing
- Replace the water with 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar for a bit of acidity.
- Add 2 tablespoons fresh parsley and 1 tablespoon fresh chives.
- Optional: Add a small handful of spinach for extra green flavor.
- Add 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard for a slight tang.
3. Creamy Avocado Dressing
- With Cottage Cheese
- Replace the olive oil with 1/4 cup low-fat cottage cheese.
- Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice for tanginess.
- Keep the garlic, salt, and pepper, and blend until smooth.
- Adjust the water based on consistency (add more if needed).
- Avocado Yogurt Dressing
- Replace the olive oil with 1/4 cup plain yogurt (preferably unsweetened).
- Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar for tanginess.
- Optional: Add a little fresh dill or parsley for flavor.
4. Avocado Caesar Dressing
- Replace the olive oil with 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard and 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (or anchovy fillets).
- Include 1 small clove of garlic (for that Caesar kick).
- Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for additional flavor depth.
5. Avocado Pasta Dressing
- Keep the base recipe as is, but increase the water to create a thinner dressing.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Optionally, add 1 tablespoon of fresh basil or oregano for a herby twist.
- This version is great for coating pasta, so you want it thinner than the other dressings.
6. Spicy Variations
- Jalapeño-lime fusion
- Chipotle-avocado blend
- Serrano pepper kick
- Red pepper flake infusion
Troubleshooting common issues
1. Texture Problems
Issue | Cause | Solution |
Too Thick | Insufficient liquid | Add water or citrus juice gradually |
Too Thin | Over-processing | Blend in additional avocado |
Chunky | Inadequate blending | Extended processing time |
Separated | Temperature fluctuation | Re-blend with a splash of warm water |
2. Color Preservation
To prevent avocado dressing from becoming brown:
- Add citrus juice promptly
- Press plastic wrap directly on the surface
- Store in dark containers
- Use freshest ingredients