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This creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet concoction can elevate everything from simple salads to hearty main courses.
Want a super easy, tasty dressing that goes with just about anything? This cilantro avocado dressing is it. It’s got a fresh, tangy flavor that’s perfect for salads, tacos, sandwiches, you name it.
Important tips
1. Choose a ripe avocado
Use a perfectly ripe avocado. It should yield slightly to gentle pressure. An overripe avocado will make the dressing taste mushy and brown. If your avocados ripen too fast, store them in the refrigerator, this will slow down the process.
2. Use fresh cilantro
Wash the cilantro thoroughly and pat it dry before blending. Excess water will dilute the dressing. You can include tender stems for extra flavor, but avoid thick, woody stems as it can make the dressing bitter
3. Use fresh lemon juice
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always best. Bottled lemon juice can have a slightly metallic taste.
4. Oil
While extra-virgin olive oil is recommended for its flavor, you can also use a neutral oil like avocado oil or grapeseed oil if you prefer a milder taste.
5. Use a high-speed blender
A high-speed blender gives a smooth dressing. If you’re using a food processor, you may need to scrape down the sides a few times to ensure everything is evenly blended.
How to adjust the consistency of the dressing
1. If it’s too thick: Add water, lemon juice, or olive oil to thin it out.
2. If it’s too thin: Add more avocado or cilantro.
Variations
1. To make it spicy: Add a few slices of jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even sriracha chili sauce.
2. To make it creamier: Add a tablespoon or two of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream.
3. To make it extra aromatic: Cilantro also pairs well with dill and green onion. You can do half cilantro and half dill or you can add 2 stalks of green onion
4. To make it nuttier: Add a tablespoon of tahini for a richer, nuttier flavor.
What to use the dressing for
1. Salads: It adds a creamy, vibrant touch to any green salad.
2. Sandwiches: It serves as a delicious and healthy alternative to mayonnaise.
3. Noodles: Toss it with cooked noodles for a quick and flavorful meal.
4. Meat and Seafood: Drizzle it over grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp for a burst of fresh flavor.
5. Tacos, burito, poke bowls: adds a wonderful fresh element to any rice/grains or salad bowls
How to store
This dressing is best used fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The lemon juice will help slow the browning process, but it will still happen over time.
All purpose Cilantro Avocado Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cilantro packed, leaves and tender stems
- 40 g ripe avocado from 1/2 medium-size avocado
- 2 cloves garlic
- 40 g lemon juice juice of 1 lemon
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp fine sea salt or more to taste
- 1 tsp sugar or more to taste
Instructions
- You will need a high-speed blender to make this dressing
- Roughly cut the cilantro into shorter pieces. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed until the mixture turn into creamy and smooth consistency. Take care not to overblend because it can heat up the ingredients and turn the cilantro brown
- Have a taste. It should be tangy, savory, with just a slightly hint of sweetness. Adjust by adding more salt or sugar to your preference
- Transfer to an glass jar and store in the fridge for about 1 week. Please note that the dressing thickens further when they are cold. They will separate too after sitting for a while.
- Simply give it a stir and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes and it should thin out a bit
*Nutrition facts are just estimates and calculated using online tools*
