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- 1 ripe avocado - 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, loosely packed - 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or coconut yogurt for dairy-free) - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice - 1 clove garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste - 2-3 tablespoons water (to adjust thickness) If you want to switch things up, try these options: - Swap Greek yogurt with silken tofu for a vegan option. - Use lemon juice instead of lime for a different zing. - Add jalapeño for heat if you like spice. - Try parsley or basil instead of cilantro for a new flavor. Each serving offers a healthy dose of nutrients: - Calories: ~80 - Protein: ~3g - Carbohydrates: ~4g - Fat: ~7g - Fiber: ~2g - Sodium: ~50mg This dressing is rich in healthy fats from avocado and provides a burst of flavor from fresh herbs. Perfect for salads or as a dip, it’s both tasty and nutritious! {{ingredient_image_2}} To make this creamy avocado cilantro dressing, start by halving the avocado. Carefully remove the pit. Use a spoon to scoop the soft flesh into your blender. Next, add the fresh cilantro leaves. Toss in the Greek yogurt and squeeze in the lime juice. Don’t forget the minced garlic and ground cumin. Blend these ingredients on high until smooth. If needed, scrape down the sides with a spatula to mix well. To get that perfect creaminess, ensure all ingredients are fresh. A ripe avocado is key. Blend at a high speed to incorporate air, making it lighter. If you struggle with blending, add a little water. Just one tablespoon at a time will do the trick. Keep blending until it’s smooth and creamy. After blending, check the thickness. If it’s too thick for your taste, add water slowly. Blend after each addition to see how it changes. Aim for a drizzly, smooth texture that clings to salads. Finally, taste the dressing and adjust with salt and pepper as you like. This will enhance all the flavors beautifully. To make this dressing shine, use fresh ingredients. Fresh cilantro gives you a bright taste. Lime juice adds a zesty kick. Taste as you go. Adjust salt and pepper for your liking. If you want a bolder flavor, add more garlic. Ground cumin brings warmth, so use it wisely. You can also add a pinch of chili powder for heat. This dressing is super versatile. Drizzle it over fresh salads, and it will pop. It also works well on grilled veggies. Try it on tacos or as a dip for chips. To impress your guests, garnish with extra cilantro leaves. Serve it in a pretty bowl to make it look inviting. You can even use it as a sandwich spread. Creamy avocado cilantro dressing pairs nicely with many meals. Use it on grilled chicken for a tasty twist. It complements fish like salmon, making it refreshing. You can even serve it with quinoa or rice dishes. It adds a creamy texture to any meal. Try it with roasted veggies for added flavor. Keep experimenting to find your favorites! Pro Tips Use Ripe Avocados: Ensure your avocados are perfectly ripe for the creamiest texture. A ripe avocado will yield slightly to gentle pressure and have a dark green skin. Fresh Ingredients Matter: For the best flavor, always use fresh cilantro and freshly squeezed lime juice. This will elevate your dressing and make it more vibrant. Adjust Consistency: Feel free to customize the thickness of your dressing by adding water gradually. This allows you to achieve the perfect pourable consistency for your needs. Storage Tips: Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To prevent browning, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the dressing before sealing. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dressing dairy-free. Instead of Greek yogurt, use coconut yogurt. This swap keeps the creamy texture while adding a hint of sweetness. This option is perfect for those who avoid dairy or want a lighter dressing. Feel free to spice things up! Try adding a pinch of chili powder or cayenne. This will add heat without losing flavor. You can also mix in fresh herbs like parsley or dill. Each herb brings its own unique taste, enhancing your dressing. You can combine this dressing with various ingredients for extra flavor. For a zesty twist, add diced mango or pineapple. This brightens the flavor and adds a fun texture. Another option is to mix in chopped green onions or jalapeños for a kick. This dressing can be a versatile addition to many meals. To keep your creamy avocado cilantro dressing fresh, place it in an airtight jar. This helps keep out air and moisture. Make sure to seal it tightly. Avoid using a regular bowl, as it can let in air. If you're storing it for later, always label the jar with the date. This dressing can last in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the avocado can start to brown. To keep it fresh, always use a clean spoon when serving. This prevents bacteria from spoiling the dressing. If you notice any off smells or colors, it's best to discard it. If your dressing thickens in the fridge, don’t worry! Just add a bit of water. Stir it well to bring back that creamy texture. You can also blend it again for a smooth finish. If it tastes bland, a pinch of salt or lime juice can enhance the flavor. Yes, you can make this dressing ahead of time. Just blend all the ingredients and store it in an airtight jar. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors will blend and deepen over time, making it even tastier. If you don’t have Greek yogurt, use coconut yogurt for a dairy-free option. You can also try sour cream or plain yogurt. Each choice will still give you that creamy texture and rich taste. To spice up the dressing, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño. Blend it in for an extra kick. You can also try adding hot sauce to reach your desired heat level. This dressing is very versatile! Drizzle it on fresh salads, grilled veggies, or tacos. It also works great as a dip for chips or fresh veggies. You can even add it to grain bowls for a flavor boost. This blog post covered all you need to know about making a great dressing. We explored ingredients, substitutions, and nutrition. I provided step-by-step instructions for easy preparation. We discussed tips for flavoring and serving with various dishes. You also learned about dairy-free options and how to store leftovers. Embrace these ideas to create your own tasty dressings. With practice, you’ll impress your taste buds and friends. Your cooking will shine!

Creamy Avocado Cilantro Dressing

A vibrant and creamy dressing made with ripe avocado and fresh cilantro, perfect for salads and grilled vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Condiment
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole ripe avocado
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, loosely packed
  • 1 quarter cup Greek yogurt (or dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt)
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
  • to taste none salt and freshly cracked pepper
  • 2 tablespoons water (for adjusting the consistency)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by halving the avocado. Carefully remove the pit, and use a spoon to scoop the creamy flesh into the container of a blender or food processor.
  • To the avocado, add the fresh cilantro leaves, Greek yogurt, freshly squeezed lime juice, minced garlic, and ground cumin.
  • Blend the ingredients together on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the blender with a spatula as needed to ensure everything is well incorporated.
  • Assess the thickness of the dressing. If it appears too thick for your liking, gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, blending after each addition until you reach your preferred consistency.
  • Taste the dressing and season it with salt and freshly cracked pepper to suit your flavor preferences.
  • Once blended to perfection, transfer the dressing into a serving bowl or an airtight jar for storage.

Notes

Serve drizzled over fresh salads or grilled vegetables. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keyword avocado, cilantro, dressing, healthy