Tired of the same old salad dressings? Craving something creamy, flavorful, and surprisingly healthy? Then look no further! This homemade avocado ranch dressing is the perfect solution. It’s quick to make, bursting with fresh flavor, and a much healthier alternative to store-bought options. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delicious and satisfying addition to your favorite salads, wraps, or even as a dip for vegetables. Get ready to elevate your meal prep game with this simple yet impressive recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat, your choice!)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Prep your ingredients: Start by washing and chopping your cilantro and mincing the garlic. If your avocado isn't perfectly ripe, let it sit at room temperature for a bit to soften. Ripe avocados blend much more smoothly.
- Combine everything: Add the avocado, Greek yogurt, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper to a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth: Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the blender as needed. If it's too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust: Give it a taste test! You might want to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add more lime juice for extra tang, salt for saltiness, or pepper for a little kick.
- Serve immediately or store: This avocado ranch is delicious served immediately. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The color might darken slightly, but the flavor will remain delicious.
Tips for the Best Avocado Ranch:
- Avocado ripeness is key: Use a ripe avocado for the creamiest dressing. A slightly underripe avocado will result in a less smooth texture.
- Greek yogurt makes it healthier: Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein without excessive fat. You can use full-fat for a richer flavor or low-fat for a lighter option.
- Don't over-blend: Over-blending can create a watery dressing. Blend just until smooth.
- Get creative with herbs: Experiment with different herbs like parsley or dill for a unique flavor profile.
Variations:
- Spicy Avocado Ranch: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Roasted Garlic Ranch: Use roasted garlic instead of raw garlic for a sweeter and more mellow flavor.
- Creamy Avocado Ranch with jalapeño: Add finely diced jalapeño for a zesty punch!
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
*Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on the type of yogurt used) *Fat: 12-15g *Protein: 4-6g *Carbohydrates: 8-10g *Fiber: 5-7g
This homemade avocado ranch dressing is a healthy and delicious way to add flavor to your meals. It's a fantastic addition to salads, vegetables, wraps, and more. Enjoy!