Tired of the same old boring salad dressings? Craving a healthy and flavorful addition to your meals? Then look no further! This creamy, zesty avocado lime ranch dressing is about to become your new favorite condiment. It's incredibly easy to make, bursting with fresh flavors, and a much healthier alternative to store-bought options. Perfect for dipping veggies, drizzling over salads, or adding a kick to your favorite tacos, this homemade dressing is a game-changer. Let's dive into this simple yet delicious recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended for creaminess)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 large lime)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a little heat)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Prep the Avocado: Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a food processor or blender.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the Greek yogurt, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, onion powder, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper to the food processor.
- Blend Until Smooth: Process until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed. You may need to add a tablespoon or two of water if the mixture is too thick.
- Taste and Adjust: Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You might want more lime juice for extra tang, or more chili powder for some heat.
- Serve or Store: Transfer the dressing to an airtight container. It's delicious served immediately, but even better after chilling in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This allows the flavors to deepen and the dressing to thicken slightly.
Tips for the Best Avocado Lime Ranch:
- Avocado Ripeness: Use a ripe avocado for the creamiest texture. A slightly underripe avocado will make the dressing a little less smooth.
- Greek Yogurt: Full-fat Greek yogurt creates a richer, creamier dressing. However, you can use non-fat or light if you prefer.
- Fresh Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a vibrant, herbaceous flavor. If you don't have fresh, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried cilantro.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is best, but bottled lime juice works in a pinch.
Variations:
- Spicy Ranch: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Creamy Ranch: Add a tablespoon or two of mayonnaise for an even creamier texture.
- Herb Ranch: Experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe makes about 1 ½ cups of dressing. Nutritional information is approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 per serving
- Fat: 12-15g
- Protein: 3-4g
- Carbohydrates: 5-7g
This Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing is a fantastic addition to your healthy eating repertoire. It's quick, easy, and incredibly delicious – perfect for busy weeknights or impressive gatherings. Enjoy!