This zesty Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing is a bright, creamy sauce built on a tangy buttermilk base. Smooth and flavorful, it complements salads, tacos, grain bowls, sandwiches, and veggie platters. It’s simple to make in a blender and stores well in the refrigerator for a few days without discoloring thanks to the acidity of the lime and buttermilk.
Creamy Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing
This avocado cilantro lime dressing transforms everyday meals into something special. Use it to enliven a simple grilled chicken salad, drizzle it over mixed greens, spoon it onto tacos or grain bowls, or reduce the buttermilk slightly to serve as a thick dip. Because it uses fresh lime and buttermilk, it keeps its attractive color and bright flavor when stored refrigerated for a few days.
Why You’ll Love This Avocado Dressing
I’ve been making this avocado cilantro dressing for years because it’s dependable, nutritious, and versatile. It’s packed with fiber, naturally gluten-free, vegetarian-friendly, and delivers bold flavor without relying on mayonnaise or heavy creams.
- Creamy without mayo: Ripe avocado combined with buttermilk creates a rich texture without mayonnaise.
- Bright and zesty: Fresh lime and jalapeño add a lively, slightly spicy note that pairs wonderfully with Tex-Mex flavors.
- Fast to prepare: Toss everything into a blender and blend until silky—no fuss, no bottled dressings.
- Extremely versatile: Use as a salad dressing, taco sauce, sandwich spread, or a dip for veggies and chips.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Below are the ingredients used to make this dressing. Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card further down.
- Low-fat buttermilk: provides the tangy, creamy base.
- Jalapeño: seed and membrane removed for mild heat, left in for more spice.
- Fresh cilantro: gives the dressing its herbaceous, bright character.
- Hass avocado: adds creaminess and richness.
- Garlic: a small amount for savory depth.
- Scallions: mild onion flavor without overpowering the herb notes.
- Fresh lime juice: essential for bright acidity—use fresh limes, not bottled juice.
- Seasonings: ground cumin, freshly cracked black pepper, and kosher salt to taste.
How to Make Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing
This dressing is incredibly easy to prepare and comes together in minutes. All you need is a blender or food processor.
- Blend everything: Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth and creamy.
- Adjust consistency: For a thinner dressing add more buttermilk; for a thicker, dip-like texture use less buttermilk.
Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing
Creamy, zesty, and tangy thanks to a buttermilk base, this avocado cilantro lime dressing is perfect for salads, tacos, sandwiches, and dipping vegetables. It’s a light, flavorful homemade dressing you’ll reach for again and again.
Yield: 6 servings
Serving Size: 3 1/2 tablespoons (per serving)
Prep: 10 mins | Total: 10 mins
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup low-fat buttermilk
- 1 small jalapeño, seeds removed (optional: leave seeds in for more heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, packed
- 1 medium Hass avocado, pitted and peeled
- 1 clove garlic, peeled
- 2 tablespoons chopped scallion (green and white parts)
- Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice as desired.
- If the dressing is too thick, add a splash more buttermilk and blend again until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. Stir or shake before serving.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 50 kcal • Carbs: 5 g • Protein: 2 g • Fat: 3 g • Fiber: 1.5 g • Sodium: 128 mg
My Favorite Ways to Use This Avocado Dressing
Over the years I’ve used this dressing in many ways. Here are some of my favorite applications and serving suggestions:
- Drizzle over grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp to add a creamy, tangy finish.
- Use as a sauce for tacos, burrito bowls, or as an alternative to sour cream or crema.
- Spread a thin layer on sandwiches, wraps, or burgers in place of mayonnaise.
- Serve as a dip with raw vegetables, tortilla chips, taquitos, or chicken wings.
- Spoon over roasted sweet potatoes, roasted vegetables, or grain bowls for added creaminess and brightness.
Storage Tips
Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The lime and buttermilk help preserve color and flavor, but for the best texture and brightness use within a few days. Stir or shake well before serving.
More Homemade Dressings You’ll Love
- Greek salad dressing
- Green Goddess (basil) dressing
- Lemon vinaigrette
- Low-fat creamy blue cheese dressing
- Cucumber ranch dressing
