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For this creamy avocado cilantro dressing, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 ripe avocado - 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, packed - 1 tablespoon lime juice - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt) - 1 clove garlic, minced - 1/4 cup water (adjust for desired consistency) - 1/4 teaspoon cumin - Salt and pepper to taste If you don’t have an ingredient, here’s what you can use: - Instead of Greek yogurt, use regular yogurt or a plant-based yogurt. - Swap lime juice for lemon juice if you prefer. - For garlic, you can use garlic powder, about 1/8 teaspoon. - If fresh cilantro is hard to find, use parsley for a different flavor. This dressing is not just tasty; it is also healthy: - Avocado is full of good fats. It helps keep your heart healthy. - Cilantro has antioxidants and may help with digestion. - Greek yogurt provides protein and probiotics for gut health. - Lime juice adds vitamin C, which boosts your immune system. - Garlic can help lower blood pressure and improve heart health. Each ingredient adds flavor and health benefits to your meals. Enjoy this dressing on salads, tacos, or as a dip! {{ingredient_image_1}} To make creamy avocado cilantro dressing, gather your ingredients first. Here’s what you need: - 1 ripe avocado - 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, packed - 1 tablespoon lime juice - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt) - 1 clove garlic, minced - 1/4 cup water (adjust for desired consistency) - 1/4 teaspoon cumin - Salt and pepper to taste Start by cutting the avocado in half. Remove the pit and scoop out the flesh. Place it in a blender or food processor. Next, add the cilantro, lime juice, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, and cumin. When blending, the key is to ensure everything mixes well. I recommend starting on a low speed. Gradually increase to high speed. This helps all the ingredients blend smoothly without splattering. If the mixture is too thick, add a little water—about 1/4 cup to start. Blend until you reach a creamy texture. Scrape down the sides if needed, and blend again. To get the best consistency, it’s important to adjust the water. If your dressing is too thick, keep adding water slowly. Taste as you go. It should be creamy but pourable. Once you have the right texture, season with salt and pepper. Blend once more to mix the seasoning well. Your dressing is now ready to enjoy! This dressing is so versatile! You can drizzle it over your favorite salad or use it as a dip. It pairs well with grilled chicken or shrimp. Try it with tacos or burritos for a fresh twist. You can also mix it into grain bowls for added flavor. Want to boost the taste? Add more lime juice for tang or a pinch of cayenne for heat. You can also toss in a bit of honey for sweetness. Experiment with other herbs like parsley or basil to change things up. Avoid using unripe avocados; they won’t blend well. If you skip the lime juice, the dressing may turn brown quickly. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning. A little salt and pepper can make a big difference. Lastly, be careful not to add too much water at once; this can make your dressing too thin. Pro Tips Choose the Right Avocado: Make sure to select a ripe avocado that yields slightly to pressure for a creamy texture in the dressing. Adjust Consistency: Feel free to adjust the amount of water to achieve your preferred dressing thickness, whether you want it thicker for a dip or thinner for a salad drizzle. Freshness is Key: Use fresh cilantro and lime juice for the best flavor; dried herbs won't provide the same vibrant taste. Storage Tips: To prevent browning, store the dressing in an airtight container and press plastic wrap directly against the surface before sealing. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dressing dairy-free. Instead of Greek yogurt, use dairy-free yogurt. Almond, coconut, or soy yogurt works well. These options keep the creaminess while making it vegan. You can also skip the yogurt altogether. Just add a bit more avocado and water for a smooth texture. To add some heat, toss in jalapeños. Start with one small jalapeño, seeds removed. Blend it in with the other ingredients. This spicy twist adds a kick to your dressing. Adjust the amount of jalapeño based on your heat preference. It’s perfect for those who love bold flavors. Feel free to switch up the herbs. Instead of cilantro, try parsley or basil. Each herb brings a new taste. You can also add a splash of apple cider vinegar for tang. If you want a different flavor, mix in a bit of green onion or dill. These changes give you endless options for delicious dressings. To keep your creamy avocado cilantro dressing fresh, store it in an airtight container. Glass jars work best. Make sure to seal it tightly. This helps prevent air from getting in and causing spoilage. Always use a clean spoon when serving. This keeps the dressing free from bacteria. You can keep this dressing in the fridge for up to three days. After this, it may spoil. Look for changes in color or smell. If it starts to turn brown or smells off, it’s time to toss it. You might also see separation; this is normal. Just give it a good stir, but if it smells bad, don’t take the risk. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a great option. Pour the dressing into an ice cube tray for easy use later. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. You can store it for up to three months. When you need some, just thaw a few cubes in the fridge or at room temperature. Yes, you can use other types of yogurt. Greek yogurt gives a thick texture and tangy flavor. If you want a lighter option, try regular yogurt. You can also use dairy-free yogurt if you're vegan or lactose intolerant. Each type will change the creaminess and taste a bit, but they all work well. To adjust the flavor, start with lime juice. Add more for a tangier taste. If you like heat, try adding a pinch of chili powder or a slice of jalapeño. Garlic also adds a strong flavor; you can use less if it’s too much. Taste as you go, and blend until it fits your liking. This dressing works great on green salads. Try it on a simple mix of lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. It also pairs well with grain salads, like quinoa or farro. For a heartier option, drizzle it over a taco salad. The creamy dressing adds richness to fresh ingredients, making every bite tasty. This blog post covered key points on making a great dressing. We discussed the ingredients, their benefits, and swaps you can use. I shared step-by-step instructions and tips for perfecting your dressing's texture. You learned about different variations, including dairy-free options, and how to store your dressing properly. Experiment with flavors and find what you enjoy most. With a few techniques and ideas, you can elevate your salads and meals. Enjoy cooking and make your dressing unique!

Creamy Avocado Cilantro Dressing

A smooth and flavorful dressing made with avocado and fresh cilantro, perfect for salads or as a dip.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole ripe avocado
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, packed
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 2 cup Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 4 cup water (adjust for desired consistency)
  • 1 4 teaspoon cumin
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a blender or food processor.
  • Add the fresh cilantro leaves, lime juice, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, and cumin to the blender.
  • Gradually add water to the mixture to help with blending; start with 1/4 cup and add more if needed to reach the desired creamy consistency.
  • Blend all ingredients on high until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as necessary.
  • Taste the dressing and season with salt and pepper to your preference. Blend once more to incorporate the seasoning.
  • Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

Drizzle over salads or serve with vegetable sticks. Garnish with a cilantro leaf for added color.
Keyword avocado, cilantro, dip, dressing, healthy