This Creamy Avocado Ranch Dressing recipe is an easy, creamy do it yourself dip or salad dressing that whips up in about 10 minutes. You'll love this fun twist on the classic ranch dressing.
If you love Tex Mex, try my Ground Beef Queso Dip recipe.
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When it comes to versatile and creamy dressings, ranch reigns supreme. Its creamy, tangy goodness pairs perfectly with salads, veggies, and even as a dip for your favorite snacks.
But what if we told you there's a way to elevate this classic dressing to a whole new level?
It's easy with this Avocado Ranch Dressing recipe- a fusion of creamy ranch goodness and the rich, velvety texture of ripe avocados. If you love Ranch, you'll love this one too!.
So, are you ready to take your salads and appetizers to a whole new level?
Why you'll love it
Simple ingredients- that are easy to find any time of year.
Creaminess Meets Freshness- Avocado adds a luscious creaminess to the traditional ranch, while also infusing it with a burst of fresh, green flavor.
Nutrient-Packed- Avocado is a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with healthy fats like monounsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This dressing allows you to enjoy these health benefits in a delightful way.
Customizable- You can adjust the thickness, tanginess, and spice level to suit your taste preferences. Add a little more lime juice for extra zing or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick.
Versatile- Use it as a dressing for salads, a dip for veggies, or a condiment for sandwiches and wraps. The possibilities are endless.
Equipment
Ingredients
Scroll to the bottom of the post for precise amounts and printable recipe card.
- Ripe avocado - ripe avocados will be dark and have some give when pressed. See more info below!
- Sour cream - use plain greek yogurt instead if preferred. You can also use a combination of yogurt and sour cream. Low fat options will work if you are watching your fat and calories.
- Buttermilk - full of low fat versions work well.
- Green onion - milder than white or yellow onion.
- Garlic powder - is a bit milder than fresh garlic cloves. But you can use 2 finely minced fresh garlic cloves if you prefer.
- Fresh limes - fresh lime juice is best, but concentrate will be ok. Fresh lemon juice can be substituted.
- Fresh cilantro - you can try other fresh herbs like fresh chives, parsley, or fresh dill.
- Jalapeño - optional if you want a kick. Chop first before adding to the blender. You can also try a couple shakes of hot sauce.
How to tell when avocados are ripe
- Check the color: A ripe avocado should be a dark green or black color. If it's still bright green, it's not yet ripe.
- Give it a gentle squeeze: A ripe avocado should be slightly soft to the touch, but not mushy. If it's too hard, it's not yet ripe. If it's too soft, it may be overripe.
- Use a spoon: If you're still not sure, you can cut the avocado open and check the flesh. A ripe avocado should be creamy and easy to scoop out with a spoon. If it's brown or stringy, it's likely overripe.
Instructions
STEP ONE: Add avocado, sour cream, buttermilk, green onion, and garlic powder to a blender or food processor. If using jalapeños, add them as well. Blend until smooth.
STEP TWO: Add lime juice and cilantro. Mix on low until well combined. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Kitchen tips
This recipe makes about 1 cup of dressing or dip.
Slightly mash up the avocado before blending.
I used a high speed blender (Vitamix) but any blender or food processor will work. Just blend until no lumps remain.
This Avocado Ranch Dressing is a thick dressing. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more lime juice, buttermilk, or water to thin out.
Be sure to taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
How to store
Refrigerate in a mason jar or a glass airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The acid from the lime juice will help preserve its bright green color to some extent.
To prevent oxidation, press plastic wrap or parchment paper directly onto the surface of the dressing before sealing the container.
Freezing is not recommended.
Yes, you can make avocado ranch dressing ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best results, use within 24 hours. But it it should the better, but it will last for 4 to 4 days.
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in avocado ranch dressing recipe. It will give the dressing a tangy flavor and a creamy texture.
This recipe uses sour cream instead of mayo. If you prefer the texture of mayo, you can replace one or two tablespoons of sour cream with mayo.
Yes, you can use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs in avocado ranch dressing recipe. However, the flavor may not be as intense as using fresh herbs. Also reduce the amount by half.
Buttermilk can be a healthy addition to your diet, as it is low in fat and calories but high in nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and potassium.
How to use avocado ranch dressing
Serve as a dip with some fresh veggies or my Air Fryer Steak Fries or these delicious Crispy Parmesan Potato Bites.
Try it with a green salad or drizzled over the top of my Easy Taco Salad. Another favorite way to use avocado dressing is to top seafood dishes like this Baked Sweet Chili Salmon.
Serve as a condiment with my Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas, New Mexico Huevos Rancheros, or my Homemade Pollo Fundido (Chicken Chimichangas).
More Easy Salad Recipes
- Easy Italian Pesto Pasta Salad
- Mexican Pasta Salad
- Easy Homemade Mexican Guacamole
- Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
- Panzanella
📖 Recipe
Avocado Ranch Dressing
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup avocado slightly mashed
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon green onion chopped
- ½ teaspoon granulated garlic powder
- 2 teaspoon lime juice fresh
- 1 tablespoon cilantro minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add avocado, sour cream, buttermilk, green onions, and garlic powder to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
- Add lime juice and cilantro. Mix until well combined. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- This recipe makes about 1 cup of dressing or dip.
- Slightly mash up the avocado before blending.
- I used a high speed blender (Vitamix) but any blender or food processor will work. Just blend until no lumps remain.
- This Avocado Ranch Dressing is on the thicker side. If you prefer a runnier consistency, add more lime juice, buttermilk, or water to thin. Be sure to taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Avocado doesn’t last long, so use this up within 3 days.
Nutrition
Read more about the health benefits of avocados from the USDA!
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