Who hasn’t faced the all-too-common dilemma of a leftover avocado half lounging in the fridge? Or maybe you’ve got a bit of guacamole from last night’s fiesta staring back at you every time you open the fridge door. Well, it’s time to give these leftovers a deliciously green makeover with this Creamy Avocado Dressing. It’s a game-changer for your salads, Buddha bowls, or even just for dipping those last few tortilla chips. The best part? It’s completely dairy-free and mayo-free, making it a guilt-free indulgence that’ll make you feel good about scraping the jar clean!
Why This Recipe Works
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Avocado’s Natural Creaminess: The star of this dressing is the avocado’s naturally creamy texture. This means you can achieve that luxurious, rich dressing consistency without needing any dairy or mayo. It’s a healthy, plant-powered creaminess at its best.
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Versatility with Ingredients: Whether you’re using a fresh avocado or some leftover guacamole, this recipe adapts effortlessly. This flexibility makes it perfect for a quick fix without needing a trip to the grocery store.
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Easy Customization: Love garlic? Add a bit more. Prefer lime over lemon? Go ahead and switch. This recipe is a breeze to customize to your taste preferences, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen repertoire.
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Quick and Convenient: With just a few ingredients and a bowl or a Mason jar, you can whip up this dressing in minutes. It’s perfect for those days when you’re looking for a quick yet tasty dressing option.
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Health Benefits Galore: Avocados are loaded with good fats, vitamins, and antioxidants. This dressing isn’t just about taste; it’s packed with nutrients that are great for your body.
Ingredients You’ll Need for this Creamy Avocado Dressing
- 1/2 an avocado – ripe enough to mash or blend: You can replace this with leftover or prepared guacamole; just reduce the salt and pepper at the end
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
This recipe is so forgiving, you’ll be hard-pressed to mess it up. Feel free to enrich the avocado with some Greek yogurt or cream cheese for a little extra tang in case the lime or lemon doesn’t give you enough!
From there, just add water until the sauce becomes a proper dressing! Taste and season with salt and pepper, and you’re ready to add this to a multitude of recipes.
Keep this Recipe Card Handy Next Time You Need a Stellar Buddha Bowl Dressing:
FAQs: Creamy Avocado Dressing
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Can I use overripe avocados for this dressing? Absolutely! Overripe avocados may not be great for slicing, but they’re perfect for dressings. Their extra softness only adds to the creamy texture.
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How long can I store this dressing in the fridge? It’s best consumed within 1-2 days. Since avocados oxidize and turn brown, a bit of lemon or lime juice helps, but it’s still freshest when used quickly.
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Can I make this dressing without lemon or lime juice? You can, but citrus adds a bright flavor and helps prevent the avocado from browning too quickly. If you’re out of lemons or limes, a splash of vinegar could work as a substitute.
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Is there a way to make the dressing thinner? Sure thing! Just whisk in a little water, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. You could also use olive oil for a richer thinning agent.
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I’m allergic to garlic. Can I skip it? Definitely. The garlic adds flavor, but the dressing will still be delicious without it. You might add a pinch of onion powder or extra herbs for a flavor boost.
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Any tips for a chunkier dressing? If you prefer a bit of texture, mash the avocado with a fork instead of blending it, and mix in the other ingredients by hand.
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What if I don’t have olive oil? Any neutral-tasting oil like avocado oil or even a light vegetable oil would work as a substitute. Each oil brings its own subtle flavor difference to the dressing.
Use this Dressing in Buddha Bowls and More!
- Shrimp and Avocado Buddha Bowl
- Chicken & Quinoa Burrito Bowls
- Low-Carb Jicama Noodle Salad Recipe
- Skirt Steak Tacos
Creamy Avocado Dressing
Ingredients
- ½ cup mashed avocado or prepared guacamole
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Whisk ingredients together in a bowl or shake ingredients together in a Mason jar until well combined. Add water as needed to achieve desired consistency and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
Nutrition facts reflect each serving to be a little under 2 tablespoons.
Such a great recipe. Thanks 🙂
I love avocados. Thanks for the recipe.