Avocado Dressing: Rich, Creamy, Irresistible

Avocado salad dressing with lemon and cilantro

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.

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.

A jar of avocado dressing on the table

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 salad dressing with lemon and cilantro

Avocado dressing

This versatile sauce combines ripe avocados with fresh herbs, lime juice, and a touch of garlic for a healthy, dairy-free alternative to traditional dressings. Ready in just 5 minutes, it's both nutrient-rich and indulgent.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Course Condiment
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 120 kcal

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!
Keyword avocado dressing, creamy salad dressing, healthy salad dressing, homemade salad dressing, vegan dressing

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 TypeComplementary IngredientsSuggested Dressing Variation
Green SaladsMixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbersClassic version
Grain BowlsQuinoa, roasted vegetables, chickpeasHerb-infused blend
Protein BowlsGrilled chicken, black beans, cornSpicy variation
Power SaladsKale, sweet potato, seedsCreamy 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

IssueCauseSolution
Too ThickInsufficient liquidAdd water or citrus juice gradually
Too ThinOver-processingBlend in additional avocado
ChunkyInadequate blendingExtended processing time
SeparatedTemperature fluctuationRe-blend with a splash of warm water

2. Color Preservation

To prevent avocado dressing from becoming brown:

  1. Add citrus juice promptly
  2. Press plastic wrap directly on the surface
  3. Store in dark containers
  4. Use freshest ingredients

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