Avocado Salad Dressing

Name: Avocado Salad Dressing
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 avocado (ripe); 1 lemon (juiced); 1 clove garlic (minced); salt (to taste); black pepper (to taste); 1/4 cup olive oil (give or take)

5 from 6 votes

40 comments

September 19, 2024

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If you’re looking for a creamy, zesty dressing that doesn’t come from a store-bought bottle, this Avocado Salad Dressing is a game-changer. Made with ripe avocado, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and fresh garlic, this dressing is packed with healthy fats and bright flavors. It’s so easy to whip up in a mini food processor, and you’ll be drizzling it on everything from salads to rice bowls before you know it.

Why You’ll Love This Avocado Dressing Recipe

Oh how I love the mighty avocado! I try to eat one every day. This homemade avocado salad dressing recipe is all about simplicity and taste. You’ll love how rich and creamy it is, thanks to the perfect combination of avocado and olive oil. It’s not just for salad either—use it as a dip for veggies, drizzle it over grilled chicken, or even pair it with tortilla chips.

Ingredients Needed For Avocado Salad Dressing

Just a handful of fresh ingredients needed for this creamy salad dressing! Here’s everything you need:

Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and richness. Use full-fat for the best flavor.
Ripe avocado: The star of the show! Make sure it’s soft for that creamy texture.
Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dressing with a little zing.
Garlic clove: Fresh garlic adds a nice punch. If raw garlic is too strong for you, use garlic powder instead.
Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning. Adjust to taste.
Olive oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for a smooth, silky consistency.

Variations

Avocado lime dressing: Swap lemon juice for fresh lime juice for a tangy lime twist.
Greek yogurt: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
Fresh herbs: Throw in fresh cilantro, fresh basil, or even parsley for a herbaceous kick.
Sour cream: Sub in sour cream for the mayo if you prefer a tangier dressing.
Avocado oil: Double up on avocado by swapping out the olive oil.

How to Ripen the Perfect Avocado

Making sure your avocados are the perfect ripeness can be tricky. Place the avocado in a brown paper bag with an apple or banana. These fruits release ethylene gas, which helps speed up the ripening process. Leave the bag at room temperature, and your avocado should ripen in 1-2 days. If you’re not in a hurry, just leave the avocado on your kitchen counter at room temperature. It will ripen naturally in 4-5 days. There are quicker microwave and oven methods for ripening an avocado immediately, but I haven’t tested those methods, and honestly with a fresh dressing like this – it just doesn’t sound appealing to me.

How To Make Avocado Salad Dressing

This recipe makes about 2 cups of salad dressing. For full recipe details, including ingredient measurements, see the printable recipe card below.

1. Combine Ingredients

In a mini food processor or small blender, combine mayonnaise, ripe avocado, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.

Ingredients including avocado, lemon halves, garlic, honey, yogurt, and spices are arranged around a food processor, which contains avocado, yogurt, and spices, on a gray countertop.

A food processor containing green avocado sauce is surrounded by avocado halves, lemon halves, garlic cloves, and a small dish of oil on a countertop.

2. Add in Olive Oil

Slowly stream in olive oil until the dressing reaches your desired consistency. If you like it thinner, add a bit more.

A hand pours olive oil from a measuring cup into a food processor containing a green mixture. An avocado, garlic, and lemon are nearby on the counter.

A food processor with green puree sits on a countertop. A halved lemon and garlic cloves are nearby.

3. Serve

Serve immediately or chill in an airtight container for later. You can use this creamy avocado dressing right away, or store it in the fridge.

A jar of creamy green sauce sits on a small plate. Halb of an avocado and a lemon wedge can be seen in the background.

A small jar of creamy green sauce is displayed on a plate with a spoon dipped in it. Garlic cloves and half an avocado are placed nearby.

Storage + Make Ahead Directions

Store in mason jars or any airtight container, covered with a piece of plastic wrap to prevent browning. Be sure to place the plastic wrap directly on the dressing. Keep it chilled and use it within 1-2 days for the best flavor. You can also save one of the avocado pits and throw that right in the jar. That can help give it a little more longevity.

I don’t recommend freezing this salad dressing. The texture would be grainy and just not the same with brown avocado. Use it fresh!

To Make Ahead: Since this dressing is best used within a day or 2 of making it, you can make it ahead within that time frame. Give it a good stir before using.

Try These Other Homemade Salad Dressings:

Love Avocados? Try These Recipes:

With this delicious dressing recipe, you’re just minutes away from transforming any salad into a vibrant and delicious meal. Give it a try next time you’re looking for a fresh and creamy dressing that’s easy to make at home! The printable recipe card is below! Have a great day, friends! 🙂

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.

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5 from 6 votes