Creamy, tangy, and packed with fresh flavor, this avocado cilantro lime dressing adds a delicious herby twist to salads, tacos, bowls, and all your favorite summer meals!
Give my Greek yogurt ranch dressing a try too!
I love a good salad dressing just as much as the next person, but this creamy avocado cilantro lime dressing might just take the cake! It is so easy to make and loaded with flavor! All you need is a few simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen and a blender or a food processor.
I like to make a big batch of this dressing and keep it in a mason jar in my fridge. Then, I'll add it to salads, as a topping to my chicken breast for dinner, or just serve with as a dip with some veggies! No matter how you serve it, I guarantee everyone is going to love it!
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How to Choose a Ripe Avocado
You want that perfect avocado that’s soft and buttery, but not mushy. First, take a look at the color. Look for a dark green to almost black skin. Then, feel it! Gently squeeze the avocado in the palm of your hand, it should yield just slightly. If it's super squishy or has dents, it’s probably overripe.
If you can, pop off the little stem at the top. If it’s green underneath, it’s good to go. If it’s brown, the inside might be bruised. This can be done with avocados that are piled high at the grocery store, but if you are getting bags for 4 or 5, this won't work. Just keep that in mind!
If your avocados are rock hard, leave them on the counter for a day or two (or pop them in a paper bag with a banana to speed things up).
Ingredients to Make Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing
- Avocado. You want it to be perfectly ripe. If you've got some extra avocados, make 4 ingredient guacamole or avocado black bean salsa with them!
- Greek Yogurt. This helps make the dressing extra creamy.
- Cilantro. Fresh cilantro is best. If you aren't a cilantro fan, feel free to leave it out.
- Lime Juice. Fresh lime juice is best, but if you have it in the bottle you can use that, it just won't give you the delicious fresh lime flavor.
- Garlic Clove. For a little extra spice.
- Olive Oil. To help thin out the dressing a little bit.
Be sure to check out the printable recipe card for full recipe information on ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions and Variations
- Make it spicy! Add a jalapeno for a little extra spice. You can remove the seeds and the veins to make it even a little less spicy but still get that delicious pepper flavor.
- Make it dairy free! Feel free to leave out the Greek yogurt if you want to make this dairy free. You can also use a non-dairy sour cream or yogurt if you have it on hand.
- No lime juice? Use some lemon juice instead! Even a little bit of apple cider vinegar can be used in place of lime juice.
How to Make Creamy Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing
Step 1
Scoop the avocado into a blender or food processor. Add the garlic clove as well.
Step 2
Wash the cilantro and remove the stems. Add it to the food processor.
Step 3
Pour in the Greek yogurt, salt, and pepper to the blender.
Step 4
Blend for 30 seconds to 1 minute until smooth and creamy.
What to Serve with Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing
Honestly, this dressing is good on everything! It adds that perfect creamy, tangy, herby goodness that just makes everything taste better. Here are a few yummy ideas!
- Drizzled over a taco salad.
- As a dip for fresh veggies or sweet potato fries.
- On top of burrito bowls or grain bowls.
- As a sauce for grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Spooned over roasted veggies.
- Spread on sandwiches or wraps.
Storage Instructions
Even though this dressing has an avocado in it, it won't turn brown quickly. The lime juice makes sure the avocado doesn't turn brown, but as long as it's covered well, it will hold it's color. But if you are worried, press a piece of plastic wrap or parchment directly on the surface and that will prevent it from browning even more.
Store leftovers in an airtight container or jar in the fridge. It's also great for meal prep so you can add a dollop to your lunches throughout the week. It will last in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
If it thickens in the fridge, just stir in a splash of water or lime juice to loosen it back up. You can also add a little bit more olive oil to loosen it up.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can, but the texture may change slightly once thawed. I’d recommend using it fresh if possible, or freezing in small portions to use in cooked dishes (like tossing with roasted veggies).
If you’re not a cilantro fan, try parsley, basil, or even a mix of green onions and arugula.
Fresh cilantro gives the best flavor, but in a pinch, you can use about 1–2 teaspoons of dried cilantro. The flavor will be a little different, but it still works!
Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing
Equipment
- Food processor
Ingredients
- 1 Avocado Very Ripe
- ¼ cup Greek Yogurt
- ¼ cup Cilantro
- 2 tablespoon Lime Juice
- 1 Garlic Clove
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a blender or a food processor and blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Notes
- If your avocado feels soft but not mushy when gently squeezed, it's ready! Underripe avocados can make the dressing chunky and we don't want that!
- Keep the dressing in a mason jar in the refrigerator before serving. It's best to let it hang out in the fridge for 3-4 hours before serving.
- Make sure to taste the dressing before serving. Add a little more salt and pepper for the best taste.
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