Vegan Avocado Dressing Recipe: Creamy, Healthy, and Easy to Make
Vegan avocado dressing recipe is a creamy, flavorful addition to salads, grain bowls, or roasted vegetables, offering a healthy, plant-based alternative to traditional dressings. This recipe blends ripe avocados with fresh lime juice, garlic, and a hint of olive oil for a velvety texture and zesty flavor. To make it, simply scoop out the flesh of a ripe avocado and blend it with a tablespoon of lime juice, a clove of minced garlic, and a splash of olive oil. For added flavor, incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the consistency by adding water or unsweetened plant-based milk until it reaches your desired thickness. Not only is this dressing rich in heart-healthy fats and nutrients, but it’s also free of dairy, making it suitable for vegans and those with dietary restrictions. Perfect for elevating any dish, it’s a must-try!
Vegan Avocado Dressing Recipe: Creamy, Healthy, and Easy to Make
If you’re looking for a versatile, creamy, and flavorful addition to your meals, this vegan avocado dressing is the perfect choice. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, this dairy-free dressing is not only packed with nutrients but also incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you’re drizzling it over a salad, using it as a dip, or adding it to grain bowls, this recipe is sure to elevate your dishes. Plus, it’s gluten-free, oil-free, and customizable to suit your taste preferences.
Vegan Avocado Dressing Recipe
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon
- Small bowl (for mixing)
Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: fresh herbs (like cilantro or parsley) for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into the blender or food processor.
- Blend: Add the olive oil, water, lime juice, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper to the blender.
- Process: Blend until smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick, add more water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more lime juice for acidity, salt for flavor, or maple syrup for sweetness.
- Serve: Transfer the dressing to a small bowl or a jar. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
- Store: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
Tips:
- Ripeness of Avocados: Ensure the avocados are ripe for the best creamy texture. They should yield slightly when pressed.
- Consistency: Adjust the consistency to your liking by adding more or less water
Nutrition Benefits
This vegan avocado dressing is as nourishing as it is delicious. Here’s why it’s a healthy choice:
- Avocado: Rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamins C, E, K, and B6, and loaded with potassium and fiber. Avocado helps keep you feeling satisfied and supports heart health.
- Lime or Lemon Juice: High in vitamin C, which boosts immunity and adds a tangy flavor that complements the creamy avocado.
- Garlic: Contains antioxidants and compounds that support immune function.
- Plant-Based Milk: Adds creaminess without the need for dairy, and you can choose fortified versions for added calcium and vitamin D.
- Optional Herbs: Fresh cilantro, parsley, or dill provide antioxidants, enhance flavor, and boost overall health benefits.
One serving of this avocado dressing typically contains around 120 calories, primarily from healthy fats, and is free of added sugars or preservatives.
Ingredients
- 1 large ripe avocado
- 2 tablespoons lime or lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 clove garlic (minced or grated)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Fresh herbs (like cilantro, parsley, or dill), red pepper flakes, or nutritional yeast for added flavor
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Scoop out the flesh of the avocado into a blender or food processor. Add lime or lemon juice to prevent browning and enhance the flavor.
- Blend the Base: Add the garlic, plant-based milk, vinegar, salt, and pepper to the blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, gradually add more plant-based milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Customize: Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings as needed. For extra flavor, you can blend in fresh herbs, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or nutritional yeast.
- Serve: Transfer the dressing to a serving bowl or jar. Use it immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Shake or stir before serving, as natural separation may occur.
Serving Suggestions
- Drizzle over mixed greens, roasted vegetables, or grain bowls.
- Use as a creamy dip for veggie sticks, crackers, or chips.
- Spread on wraps, sandwiches, or burgers for an added layer of flavor.
- Thin it out with water or more plant-based milk to create a light avocado vinaigrette.
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.