Avocado lime ranch dressing is a creamy ranch blended with ripe avocado, fresh lime and cilantro. It goes on salads, tacos, burrito bowls and grilled chicken, and it doubles as a dip for raw vegetables. You only need a blender and 5 minutes, and it keeps for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Use mayonnaise for a classic version or Greek yogurt for a lighter one.
Ingredients
- 1 large ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup (120 g) mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, or half of each
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) buttermilk or milk, plus more to thin
- Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tbsp) and 1/2 tsp lime zest
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 small garlic clove
- 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix (or 1 tsp dried dill, 1/2 tsp garlic powder and 1/2 tsp onion powder)
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt, and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 small jalapeño, seeded, or 1 tsp honey to balance the tang
Makes: about 1 1/4 cups · Prep: 5 minutes
How to Make Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing
- Add everything to a blender. Scoop the avocado into the blender, then add the mayonnaise or yogurt, buttermilk, lime juice and zest, cilantro, garlic, ranch seasoning, cumin, salt and jalapeño if using.
- Blend until smooth. Scrape down the sides once. If the dressing is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until it pours easily.
- Taste and adjust. Add more lime for tang, a pinch of salt, or a little honey if it is too sharp.
- Chill. Refrigerate in an airtight jar for at least 15 minutes so the flavors blend. It thickens as it cools.
Tips for the Best Dressing
- Choose a ripe avocado. It should give slightly when pressed. Under-ripe fruit tastes grassy and will not blend smooth.
- Use fresh lime juice. It brightens the flavor and slows browning. Bottled juice tastes flat here.
- Control the thickness. Use less milk for a dip, more for a pourable salad dressing.
- Dairy-free: use a dairy-free mayonnaise and unsweetened oat or almond milk with a squeeze of lime in place of the buttermilk.
Ways to Use It
- On salads: toss it with crisp romaine, corn, tomatoes and tortilla strips, or try it on our dense bean salad.
- On tacos and bowls: drizzle it over tacos, burrito bowls or the chicken quinoa bowl.
- As a dip: serve it with carrot sticks, celery and bell peppers, or with cheesy taco sticks.
- With fresh salsa: pair it with pico de gallo on grilled chicken or shrimp.
Variations
- Spicy: blend in a jalapeño or serrano, a pinch of cayenne, or a little chipotle powder.
- Extra herby: add a few basil leaves or a teaspoon of fresh dill.
- Tangier: add a splash of apple cider vinegar or an extra spoonful of Greek yogurt.
- Richer: blend in a few soaked cashews or a spoonful of grated Parmesan.
Storage
Store the dressing in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days with mayonnaise or 4 days with extra lime juice. Press plastic wrap onto the surface if you keep it in a bowl, because air turns avocado brown. Stir before using. A little browning on top is harmless. Scrape it off or stir it in. Freezing is not recommended, since the texture turns watery.
FAQs
How long does avocado lime ranch dressing last?
It keeps for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Lime juice slows browning, and pressing plastic wrap onto the surface helps.
Can I make it without mayonnaise?
Yes. Use plain Greek yogurt for the whole base. The dressing will be tangier and a little lighter.
Is avocado lime ranch healthy?
Homemade versions have no preservatives and get healthy fats from the avocado. Using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise lowers the fat and calories. It is still a creamy dressing, so use it in moderation.
How do I stop it from turning brown?
Use plenty of fresh lime juice, store it in a tightly sealed jar, and keep it cold. Make it the day you plan to serve it for the greenest color.
Final Thoughts
This dressing takes 5 minutes and uses ingredients you probably already have. Make a jar at the start of the week and use it on salads, tacos and bowls. If you like Mexican flavors, try our creamy enchiladas next.
More Sauces and Seasonings
Make more homemade sauces and seasonings with Thai peanut sauce, 5-minute strawberry vinaigrette, homemade chicken taco seasoning and jalapeño salt. For toast and steaks, whip up cowboy butter.