This avocado-lime ranch dressing is a copycat Chick-fil-A recipe with a healthy twist! Our version of this famous restaurant salad dressing features a delicious blend of creamy buttermilk, ripe avocados, fresh cilantro, a dash of spices and a splash of lime. There’s no added sugar, and it has half the calories of its original counterpart. Whether pairing it with one of our many copycat Chick-fil-A recipes or using it atop one of your favorite salads, sandwiches or wraps, this dressing will liven up any dish.
Ingredients for Avocado-Lime Ranch Dressing
- Buttermilk: Buttermilk’s tangy taste is key to this dressing’s flavor profile. If you don’t have any on hand, make buttermilk from scratch or use another buttermilk substitute.
- Sour cream: Sour cream’s thick consistency helps give the dressing a rich, creamy texture. Greek yogurt or creme fraiche will deliver the same effect as substitutes for sour cream.
- Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise enriches the dressing with fat and flavor, lending a luxurious smoothness you can’t get from using just sour cream.
- Avocado: The high oil content of fresh avocados makes them ideal for achieving a smooth, velvety dressing. Choose ripe avocados with dark skin and flesh that feels soft but not mushy. If you bought an underripe fruit, here are some ways to quickly ripen an avocado.
- Lime juice: Fresh lime juice adds zest and depth to the dressing, balancing the fatty flavors of the avocado and sour cream. If you don’t have a citrus juicer, here’s how to cut a lime to get the most juice.
- Seasonings: Cumin and garlic powder add warm, earthy aromatics, while salt and pepper round out this simple spice blend.
- Fresh herbs: Fresh cilantro and dill weed give the dressing a burst of citrusy, grassy herbal undertones.
Directions
1. Blend the ingredients
Place the buttermilk, sour cream, mayonnaise, avocado, lime juice, cilantro, dill weed, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a blender. Cover and blend until smooth.
Editor’s Tip: Refrigerate the dressing in an airtight container for at least two hours before serving. If the dressing is too thick, stir in water to get your preferred consistency.
Recipe Variations
- Adjust the herbs: Experiment with different types of herbs, such as fresh basil, lemon balm, mint or parsley, to discover unique flavor combinations. This is especially important if you have the genetic variant that makes cilantro taste like soap.
- Add smoky heat: To infuse the dressing with a smoky, spicy kick, add a tablespoon of finely minced chipotle peppers in adobo.
- Try a fruit fusion: Blend in fresh mango, pineapple or papaya for a sweet, tropical taste that complements avocado well.
- Twist in some citrus: Add orange or grapefruit zest to the lime for a brighter, more citrus-forward flavor.
- Add garlicky goodness: Instead of garlic powder, use roasted garlic for a deeper, sweeter, savory take. Mash the cloves into a paste before blending them into the dressing.
How to Store Avocado-Lime Ranch Dressing
When stored in an airtight container, this avocado-lime ranch dressing should last five to seven days in the refrigerator.
Avocado-Lime Ranch Dressing Tips
How do you keep avocado-lime ranch dressing from turning brown?
Lime-avocado ranch dressing will naturally turn brown over time, due to oxidation. However, one of the benefits of lime juice is that citric acid acts as an antioxidant and slows down the process. Take similar steps to keep an avocado from turning brown: To reduce the dressing’s exposure to air, store it in an airtight container and press a piece of plastic wrap directly against the dressing’s surface before sealing to limit air contact further and prevent oxidation. Always refrigerate the dressing, as colder temperatures slow down the oxidation process. Before serving, stir or shake the dressing to distribute flavors and textures evenly, ensuring the best taste.
Can you make this avocado-lime ranch dressing recipe without dairy?
Yes, you can make this avocado-lime ranch dressing dairy-free! Start by substituting buttermilk and sour cream with plant-based milk alternatives. You can use dairy-free yogurt or a combination of dairy-free milk (like almond, soy or coconut) mixed with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice to replicate the tangy flavor of buttermilk. For sour cream, opt for vegan sour creams or blend silken tofu with a touch of vinegar or lemon juice to achieve a similar consistency and flavor. Incorporate vegan mayonnaise instead of traditional mayonnaise to keep the dressing completely dairy-free.
How do you use avocado-lime ranch dressing?
Lime-avocado ranch dressing is a versatile and flavorful condiment that pairs perfectly with our copycat Chick-fil-A Southwestern-style salad. However, its uses go beyond fast food. This citrusy dressing is a great addition to fish tacos or creamy chicken enchiladas. You can use it as a base to create a zesty, creamy coleslaw or to dress up a baby kale salad. For an extra burst of avocado-lime flavor, blend it into guacamole. This dressing also makes a delicious dip for air-fryer fried chicken strips and loaded waffle fries.
