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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!