Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing [in 5-minutes]

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This 5-minute avocado cilantro lime dressing is fresh, tangy, and lusciously smooth. It's perfect for drizzling over salads, tacos, grain bowls, and roasted veggies and even as a dip for fresh-cut veggies. Better yet, this dressing is vegan, oil-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free, making it a healthy addition to your whole food plant-based lifestyle.

Avocado cilantro lime dressing in a mason jar.

The addition of jalapeno provides a nice kick. If you don't like heat, either remove the seeds or omit the jalapeño.

This delicious sauce can be used on the best southwest salad, Cuban black beans, fast and easy chipotle pinto beans, and on the oh-so-yummy oil-free sofritas bowl.

Why You'll Love This Dressing

Quick & Easy: Takes just 5 minutes to make!
Creamy & Flavorful: The richness of avocado, the brightness of lime, and the fresh kick of cilantro create a perfect balance.
Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with heart-healthy fats, antioxidants, and immune-boosting nutrients.
Multi-Purpose: Use it as a dressing, dip, or sauce for your favorite meals!

Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing Ingredients

Avocado
Cilantro
Jalapeno
Lime
Cumin powder
Garlic powder
Salt to taste

Ingredients for avocado cilantro lime dressing: avocado, cilantro, lime, jalapeno, and seasonings.

How to Make It

Add all ingredients to a mini food processor or blender. I love using my Nutribullet mini blender for this.

Blend until smooth and creamy, adding a little more water if needed for the desired consistency.

Taste and adjust salt as needed.

Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Pro Tip: For a spicier kick, leave the jalapeno seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne!

Avocado cilantro lime dressing ingredients being blended in a mini blender.

Delicious Ways to Enjoy This Dressing

This dressing pairs beautifully with:

Salads: Try it on a fresh southwest salad or a simple green bowl.
Tacos & Fajitas: Drizzle it over black bean tacos, green goddess tacos, or portobello mushroom steak fajitas.
Bowls: Add it to a Cuban black bean bowl, chipotle pinto beans, or a homemade sofritas bowl.
Roasted & Grilled Veggies: Toss it over grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or air fryer tofu nuggets for an extra burst of flavor.

Health Benefits of Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing

As a nutritionist and certified lifestyle medicine professional, I appreciate how each of the ingredients in this avocado cilantro lime salad dressing offers unique health benefits. Combined, this dressing is a powerhouse in both nutritional and culinary terms.

Avocados

Avocados are renowned for their rich content of monounsaturated fats, which studies show to be heart-healthy by helping lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels while boosting HDL (good) cholesterol. Additionally, avocados are loaded with potassium, an essential mineral that supports healthy blood pressure levels and muscular function. Furthermore, they are a great source of fiber, promoting digestive health and aiding in weight management by promoting feelings of fullness.

Cilantro

Cilantro, also known as coriander leaves, is not only a fragrant herb but also a nutritional powerhouse. It is packed with antioxidants, including quercetin, which may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and certain types of cancer. Moreover, cilantro is rich in vitamins A and K, essential for maintaining healthy vision, skin, and bone density. Its natural detoxifying properties support liver function, aiding in the body's elimination of toxins and heavy metals.

Limes

Lime, with its tangy flavor, adds more than just zest to dishes; it offers a myriad of health benefits as well. Rich in vitamin C, lime boosts the immune system, helping the body fight off infections and illnesses. Lime juice is also known to have alkalizing properties, which can help balance the body's pH levels and reduce acidity. Furthermore, the antioxidants found in limes may contribute to healthy skin and slow down the aging process.

Together, these ingredients form a delicious and nutritious trio that can enhance both the flavor and health profile of any dish.

Avocado cilantro lime dressing in a mason jar with a spoon lifting some out to show creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this dressing last?

This dressing stays fresh for up to 2 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Since avocados oxidize quickly, the dressing may darken slightly, but adding a little extra lime juice can help slow this process.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! However, because avocado browns over time, it’s best to make it fresh. If preparing ahead, store it in an airtight container with a piece of plastic wrap pressed directly against the surface to minimize oxidation.

Can I make this dressing without cilantro?

Yes! If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley or green onions for a different but still fresh flavor.

How can I make this dressing spicier or milder?

For more heat, leave the jalapeño seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, remove all the seeds from the jalapeño or skip it altogether.

Can I use lemon instead of lime?

Yes, but lime gives it a more traditional, zesty flavor. If substituting, use the juice of half a lemon and adjust to taste.

What can I use instead of avocado?

If you need a substitute, try plain unsweetened dairy-free yogurt or silken tofu for a creamy texture, though the flavor will be different. Also, check out this low-fat cilantro lime ranch dressing.

What if my dressing is too thick?

Add 1-2 tablespoons of water at a time and blend until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

Absolutely! Substitute one small clove of garlic, minced, for a stronger, fresh garlic flavor.

We hope you love this oil-free and vegan avocado cilantro lime dressing. Please rate and leave a comment below. Be sure to share a picture on Instagram and tag us @danielsplaterecipes so we can see your creation!