Avocado Ranch Dressing Recipe

Homemade Avocado Ranch Dressing

As these Salmon Patties finished cooking in the skillet, I rummaged around the kitchen to see what I could turn into a quick sauce for the burgers.

I quickly spotted a few perfectly ripe avocados, a half tub full of Tofutti sour cream, and a handful of fresh herbs.

Ahhh… Avocado Ranch Dressing it would be!

After slathering four hamburger buns with an obscene amount of creamy sauce, I still had more than half of this fun twist on ranch dressing left.

Knowing the avocado would start to turn brown in just a few days, I started adding it to everything!

And you know what… it actually tasted incredible on literally EVERYTHING I put it on!

From over-easy eggs for breakfast, tossing greens in it to make a side salad, to serving it up along with this blackened fish tacos recipe.

So needless to say, you can have no fears about having leftovers of this creamy avocado lime ranch, because chances are it’ll going to get devoured before the avocado would’ve even begun to change colors.

And for those of you that are wondering: yes, it does in fact taste just as good—if dare I say better?!—than the dressing from Chick-fil-A or Taco Bell. And… it’s SO much healthier for you, too!

What is Avocado Ranch Dressing?

Homemade avocado ranch has a velvety creamy texture with the natural herby flavors of fresh dill and parsley. They’re paired with rich and smooth avocado, yogurt or sour cream, and milk, which are balanced out with a mild acidity. 

If you’re a ranch dressing lover, you’ll likely appreciate avocado ranch, as well.

Ingredients

The simple ingredients you need for this creamy Avocado Ranch Dressing recipe include:

• Avocado. One large Haas avocado is recommended. You can also use two small avocados. Just make sure you don’t get a jumbo-sized one. Look for a ripe avocado for the best results.
• Sour Cream. A vegan sour cream was used when testing this recipe. Plain yogurt or Greek yogurt can also be used with very similar results.
• Mayonnaise. This also helps to make it nice and creamy.
• Lemon Juice. A little hint of citrus helps keep the avocado from turning brown too quickly. You can also use lime juice for more of a southwest flair.
• Herbs. Fresh dill and parsley are the key herbs that make this sauce actually taste like a ranch dressing. While fresh herbs are the most flavorful, dried herbs may also be used. Just make sure you reduce the amount to ⅓ of what’s recommended.
• Seasoning. This recipe calls for both garlic powder and onion powder, and it’s not recommend to sub one for the other. They’re both extremely crucial in making the sauce actually taste like ranch.
• Milk. Oat milk is my go-to plant-based milk to use for homemade ranch dressing since it’s rich and creamy. However, buttermilk will make it taste the most like ranch. Just make sure to use unsweetened milk. If you opt for regular or skim milk, you won’t end up with a thick dressing.

How to Make Avocado Ranch

Below, you’ll find the steps for making this Avocado Ranch recipe:

Process the Avocado and Yogurt

Add the avocado, yogurt, and lemon juice to a food processor. You can use a mini-prep food processor or a high-speed blender, such as a Nutribullet.

Mix for 30-60 seconds, or until the avocado is smooth and no chunks remain.

Season and Thin it Out

Add the mayonnaise, dill, parsley, powders, salt, pepper and milk to the food processor bowl with the avocado-yogurt mix.

Process until ingredients are just combined. If mayo is blended too long it has a tendency to separate. Adding mayonnaise AFTER blending the avocado ensures it doesn’t do this. 

Pour the dressing into an airtight container, like a mason jar with a well-fitting lid.

Refrigerate for 15-30 minutes. This gives the flavors of the avocado dressing a chance to meld together before serving.

Meal Prep and Storage

• To Prep Ahead: It is highly recommended you serve this sauce soon after making for the freshest taste and the best color.
• To Store: Pour into a tall airtight jar. The less of the sauce that is exposed to the air, the better. Tightly place a piece of plastic wrap over the top of the sauce to prevent it from turning brown. It should last for up to 3-4 days. It will start to change colors slightly after one or two days but is still OK to eat.
• To Freeze: This is not recommended since both mayo and sour cream are used and will separate upon thawing.

Dietary Modifications

The recipe you’ll find below is already gluten-free, vegetarian, and low-carb as written. Here are some adjustments and substitutions you can make to help it fit your other dietary requirements:

• Dairy-free: Use a plant or nut-based sour cream and milk.
• Vegan, paleo, Whole30: Choose a plant or nut-based sour cream, milk, and mayonnaise.
• Keto: Find a sour cream and milk with no sugar added.

Is avocado ranch healthy? Vegan? Keto?

Avocado ranch dressing, though higher in calories, is generally healthy and Keto-friendly. To make a vegan version, opt for a vegan-friendly sour cream and milk.

How long does homemade avocado ranch last?

This dressing will keep in the refrigerator for three to four days. However, the color will start to change after one or two days due to the avocado in the recipe.

Can I freeze avocado ranch?

Freezing avocado ranch is not recommended as both the mayonnaise and yogurt will separate.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Fresh herbs are key. The flavor will be so much better if fresh dill and parsley are used.
• Save the mayo for last. It will end up separating if processed too long.
• Sub if needed. If you don’t have sour cream on hand, yogurt also works great!
• Use it on everything. Get creative and use your imagination! Pair this dressing with breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s the perfect dip, as well.
• Less is best. Keep as much air away from the dressing when storing. This keeps it from oxidizing and will keep it green longer.
• Let it sit. Allowing the dip to rest in the refrigerator before serving will give the flavors a chance to come together.

What to Serve with Avocado Ranch

Use this creamy avocado ranch as a dip for veggies, as a condiment, or as a salad dressing. The real question is, what CAN’T you serve with it?! But for real, here are some great dishes to try with it.

Salmon Burgers or Air Fryer Hamburgers with Air Fryer French Fries, both topped with this dressing, is just about the perfect meal. You can even opt for Avocado Fries.

It enhances both Blackened Fish Tacos and Blackened Shrimp Tacos.

At breakfast, try it with this Breakfast Hash and Eggs.

More Healthy Dressing Recipes

It’s shockingly easy peasy and healthy to whip up your own homemade dressings. Skip the grocery store versions and try making these other recipes at home next.

If you love this recipe, try the original Ranch Dressing on green salads or to dip fresh veggies, like carrots, bell pepper, and broccoli.

For when you need a lighter dressing, give Lemon Vinaigrette, Greek Salad Dressing, Apple Cider Vinaigrette, Balsamic Vinaigrette, or Olive Garden Italian Dressing a shot.

Other rich and creamy options are Lemon Tahini or Thousand Island.

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