Creamy Avocado Cilantro Dressing

$- 1 ripe avocado - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, tightly packed - 1/4 cup Greek yogurt - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice - 1 garlic clove, minced - 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin - Sea salt and black pepper, to taste - Water, as needed - Use one ripe avocado for creaminess. - Tightly pack half a cup of cilantro leaves. - Full-fat Greek yogurt gives the best taste. - Fresh lime juice adds a bright flavor. - Adjust minced garlic to your taste. - Use just a pinch of cumin for warmth. - Season with salt and pepper to your liking. - Add water to change the dressing's thickness. This dressing is rich in healthy fats from the avocado. - Calories: About 80 per serving - Fat: 6g (mostly healthy fats) - Carbohydrates: 5g - Protein: 2g - Fiber: 2g This dressing makes a great option for salads or as a dip. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, gather your ingredients. You will need: - 1 ripe avocado - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, tightly packed - 1/4 cup Greek yogurt - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice - 1 garlic clove, minced - 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper - Water, as needed First, slice the avocado in half. Remove the pit carefully. Scoop the green flesh into your blender. Next, wash the cilantro leaves. Make sure they are tightly packed in your measuring cup. Add them to the blender next, along with the Greek yogurt, lime juice, minced garlic, and ground cumin. Now, secure the lid on the blender. Blend the mixture on high speed. You want a smooth and creamy texture. Stop to scrape down the sides with a spatula if needed. This helps blend everything evenly. Check the thickness of your dressing. If it seems too thick, add water. Start with one tablespoon at a time. Blend after each addition until you reach the desired consistency. Next, taste your dressing. Adjust the flavor using sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix well after making any changes. Once satisfied, transfer the dressing to an airtight container. Refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend and chill. Enjoy your creamy avocado cilantro dressing on salads or as a dip! Pick a ripe avocado for the best flavor. Ripe avocados feel slightly soft when you squeeze them. Their skin should have a dark green or nearly black color. If it is too hard, it is not ripe. If it feels mushy, it is overripe. You want perfect ripeness for a creamy dressing. You can swap Greek yogurt for sour cream if you like a tangy taste. For a dairy-free option, use coconut yogurt or silken tofu. Fresh lime juice is key, but lemon juice works too. If you don't have cumin, try using chili powder for a spicy twist. Use what you have for a personal touch. To boost the flavor, add more garlic or lime juice. A pinch of chili flakes can bring heat. Consider mixing in a splash of vinegar for brightness. If you love sweetness, a tiny bit of honey or agave can balance the flavors. Experiment with these tips to find your perfect blend. Pro Tips Use Ripe Avocados: Ensure your avocados are perfectly ripe for a smoother, creamier texture in your dressing. Adjust Creaminess: Depending on your preference, you can substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream for a tangier flavor. Fresh Herbs Matter: For the best flavor, use fresh cilantro instead of dried; it really enhances the dressing's freshness. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to customize the seasoning by adding a pinch of chili powder or smoked paprika for a kick! {{image_4}} Want a kick? Add jalapeño or chili powder. Start with a small amount. Blend it in with the other ingredients. Taste as you go to find the right heat. This spicy twist enhances the creamy avocado taste. Feel free to play with flavors! Try adding fresh basil or parsley for a new twist. You can also mix in a spoonful of honey for a sweet touch. Another idea is to include a splash of apple cider vinegar for tanginess. Each herb or ingredient can change the flavor profile of your dressing. To make this dressing vegan, swap the Greek yogurt for silken tofu or a plant-based yogurt. This keeps it creamy without dairy. You can also add a bit of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. These changes make the dressing suitable for all diets while still tasting great! To store your creamy avocado cilantro dressing, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents air from making it brown. Always seal the lid tightly. If you don’t have a container, plastic wrap works in a pinch. Just press it directly onto the surface of the dressing. This dressing lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. The lime juice helps keep it bright and tasty. After a few days, check for any off smells or discoloration. If it looks or smells strange, throw it out. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. You can freeze this dressing! Portion it into ice cube trays for easy use. After it freezes solid, pop the cubes into a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. It lasts about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Give it a good stir before serving to bring back that creamy texture. You can use Creamy Avocado Cilantro Dressing on many dishes. It adds a fresh taste to salads. Drizzle it over mixed greens, tomatoes, and peppers for a burst of flavor. Use it as a dip for fresh veggies like carrots and cucumbers. It also works great on tacos or grilled chicken. Feel free to experiment! Yes, you can make this dressing ahead of time. It stores well in the fridge. Just place it in an airtight container. For the best taste, chill it for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend nicely. You can keep it for up to three days. Just give it a stir before using. If your dressing is too thick, don’t worry! Simply add water to adjust the texture. Start with one tablespoon of water. Blend it well and check the consistency. Keep adding more water until it reaches your desired thickness. This way, you can enjoy a smooth, pourable dressing every time. This article covered how to make creamy avocado cilantro dressing. We discussed the ingredients, steps, and tips to enhance your dressing. I shared tasty variations, including spicy options and vegan choices. Lastly, we talked about how to store the dressing properly to keep it fresh. Making this dressing adds flavor to your meals. Follow these steps to create your own unique version. Enjoy the burst of freshness on your favorite dishes!$

Creamy Avocado Cilantro Dressing

A vibrant and creamy dressing made with ripe avocado, fresh cilantro, and Greek yogurt, perfect for salads or as a dip.

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 40

Course Condiment

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 80 kcal

Ingredients

1 whole ripe avocado
0.5 cup fresh cilantro leaves, tightly packed
0.25 cup Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
1 clove garlic, minced
0.25 teaspoon ground cumin
to taste sea salt
to taste freshly cracked black pepper
as needed water for adjusting consistency

Instructions

Begin by halving the ripe avocado. Remove the pit and scoop the flesh into a blender or food processor.
Add the tightly packed fresh cilantro leaves, Greek yogurt, freshly squeezed lime juice, minced garlic, and ground cumin to the blender.
Secure the lid and blend the ingredients on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, pausing to scrape down the sides with a spatula as needed for an even blend.
Assess the thickness of the dressing. If it feels too thick, gradually add water—start with one tablespoon at a time—blending in between each addition until you achieve your desired drizzle-ability.
Taste the dressing and adjust the flavor by seasoning with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your preference.
Once you are satisfied with the creamy texture and flavor, transfer the dressing to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors and achieve a refreshing cold serving.

Notes

Serve drizzled over salads or as a dip for fresh veggies. Garnish with cilantro and lime for added appeal.

Keyword avocado, cilantro, dip, dressing, healthy