Craving that creamy, tangy Chick-fil-A Avocado Lime Ranch dressing but don't want to make a special trip? This recipe lets you recreate the magic right in your own kitchen! It's surprisingly easy, incredibly flavorful, and a healthier alternative to store-bought dressings. Perfect for dipping chicken nuggets, drizzling over salads, or as a vibrant sauce for your favorite tacos, this homemade avocado lime ranch is a delicious addition to any meal. Get ready to experience the best of homemade cooking with this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt for a vegan option)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (choose your favorite brand or make your own!)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Prep the Avocado: Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a medium-sized bowl. Make sure your avocado is ripe but not overly soft for the best texture.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the buttermilk (or yogurt), mayonnaise, lime juice, cilantro, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the avocado.
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Blend it Up: Use a fork or an immersion blender to thoroughly combine all the ingredients until you reach a smooth and creamy consistency. If you prefer a chunkier dressing, simply mash the avocado gently and stir in the remaining ingredients.
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Taste and Adjust: Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add more lime juice for extra tang, salt for more savoriness, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
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Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This also helps the dressing thicken slightly. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Avocado Lime Ranch:
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Avocado Ripeness: Using a perfectly ripe avocado is crucial for achieving the desired creamy texture. Slightly underripe avocados can result in a grainy dressing.
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Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro and chives add a vibrant freshness that you won't get from dried herbs.
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Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is far superior to bottled juice. The difference in flavor is significant!
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Storage: Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Delicious Variations:
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Spicy Ranch: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
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Jalapeño Ranch: Incorporate 1-2 finely chopped jalapeños for a zesty and spicy flavor.
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Cilantro Lime Ranch (without the chives): Amp up the cilantro for a stronger cilantro taste.
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Creamy Avocado Ranch (without the lime): Omit the lime for a milder, richer flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on ingredients used)
- Fat: High in healthy fats from avocado and mayonnaise
- Protein: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: Low
This quick dinner idea is also a healthy meal choice packed with healthy fats and flavor. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something delicious and easy to make. Enjoy this simple, yet delicious homemade dressing!