Dip into the world of homemade dressings with this Zesty Avocado Cilantro Buttermilk Dressing. Bursting with fresh flavors of ripe avocados, tangy buttermilk, vibrant cilantro, and zesty lime, it's a refreshing dressing that pairs wonderfully with a salad or can be used as a tasty dip for snacks.
Most ingredients for this recipe are fairly common, but the haas avocado and fresh cilantro may require a trip to the supermarket. Haas avocados, known for their creamy texture and rich flavor, are typically available year-round at most grocery stores. Fresh cilantro, a herb with a distinctive, slightly citrusy taste, can usually be found in the produce section.
Ingredients for Zesty Avocado Cilantro Buttermilk Dressing
Buttermilk: A dairy product that adds a creamy texture and slightly tangy flavor to the dressing.
Jalapeno: Gives a spicy kick to the dressing.
Cilantro: Adds a fresh, citrusy flavor and vibrant color to the dressing.
Avocado: Provides a creamy base and contributes healthy fats to the dressing.
Garlic: Adds a bold, savory note to the dressing.
Scallion: Provides a mild, onion-like flavor.
Lime juice: Adds a zesty, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the avocado.
Cumin: Gives a warm, earthy flavor to the dressing.
Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the dressing.
Salt: Balances and brings out the other flavors in the dressing.
One reader, Kat Acuna says:
This zesty avocado cilantro buttermilk dressing recipe is a game-changer! The creamy avocado and zesty cilantro create a perfect blend of flavors. It's so versatile - I use it as a salad dressing, a dip, and even as a marinade. It's a must-try for anyone who loves fresh and vibrant flavors!
Mastering the Techniques for Zesty Avocado Cilantro Buttermilk Dressing
How to prepare the dressing: Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
How to adjust consistency: For a thinner dressing, add more buttermilk; for a thicker dip, use less.
How To Make Zesty Avocado Cilantro Buttermilk Dressing
This never-failing avocado cilantro buttermilk dressing turns a boring salad zappy by passing on a creamy and tangy taste from the buttermilk and jalapeño.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ¾cuplow fat buttermilk
- 1small jalapeno,seeds removed, leave them in for spicy
- ¼cupfresh cilantro
- 1medium haas avocado
- 1garlic clove
- 2tbspscallion,chopped
- 1lime juice
- ⅛tspcumin
- ¼tspfresh ground pepper
- ½tspkosher salt
Instructions
-
Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
-
For a thinner dressing, add more buttermilk; for a thicker dip use less.
Nutrition
- Calories: 70.20kcal
- Fat: 5.22g
- Saturated Fat: 0.89g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.37g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.63g
- Carbohydrates: 5.49g
- Fiber: 2.44g
- Sugar: 1.94g
- Protein: 1.83g
- Cholesterol: 1.23mg
- Sodium: 177.99mg
- Calcium: 44.59mg
- Potassium: 235.05mg
- Iron: 0.30mg
- Vitamin A: 11.03µg
- Vitamin C: 8.65mg
Elevate Your Zesty Avocado Cilantro Buttermilk Dressing with This Technique Tip
When handling the jalapeno, it's important to remember that the seeds and membranes are where most of the heat is. If you prefer a milder dressing, remove these parts before blending. Conversely, if you like a spicier dressing, leave them in. Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling hot peppers to avoid accidentally getting the oils in your eyes or on sensitive skin.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Zesty Avocado Dressing
Plan ahead: Before starting the recipe, gather all the ingredients and equipment needed to streamline the cooking process.
Prep in advance: Wash, chop, and measure ingredients beforehand to save time during the actual cooking process.
Use kitchen tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors or blenders to quickly chop, blend, or mix ingredients.
Multi-task: While one component is cooking, work on preparing another part of the recipe to maximize efficiency.
Clean as you go: Wash and put away utensils and dishes as you cook to minimize post-cooking cleanup time.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid mistakes that could lead to time-consuming adjustments.
Substitute Ingredients For Zesty Avocado Cilantro Buttermilk Dressing Recipe
low fat buttermilk - Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt can provide a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture to the dressing.
jalapeno - Substitute with serrano pepper: Serrano pepper has a similar heat level and flavor profile to jalapeno, making it a suitable substitute.
fresh cilantro - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley can provide a similar herbaceous flavor and bright green color to the dressing.
haas avocado - Substitute with ripe mango: Ripe mango can offer a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness similar to avocado, adding a unique twist to the dressing.
garlic clove - Substitute with 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a milder and more evenly distributed garlic flavor in the dressing.
scallion - Substitute with chives: Chives can offer a mild onion flavor and a pop of green color to the dressing.
lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can provide a similar level of acidity and citrusy flavor to the dressing.
cumin - Substitute with coriander: Coriander can offer a similar warm and earthy flavor to the dressing.
fresh ground pepper - Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes: Crushed red pepper flakes can add a subtle heat and a pop of color to the dressing.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a similar level of salinity and enhance the overall flavor of the dressing.
Elevate Your Salads: Presentation Tips for Zesty Avocado Cilantro Buttermilk Dressing
- Elevate the plating: Arrange the dish with precision and attention to detail, ensuring each component is showcased beautifully.
- Incorporate vibrant colors: Introduce colorful garnishes and ingredients to add visual appeal and create a striking presentation.
- Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the dish to stand out and captivate the diners.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of freshness and aroma by delicately placing cilantro and scallions as a final garnish.
- Consider texture contrast: Incorporate elements that provide textural contrast, such as crunchy tortilla strips or toasted pumpkin seeds, to enhance the overall dining experience.
- Emphasize the avocado: Showcase the creamy avocado by slicing it artistically or creating a visually appealing avocado rose to serve as the focal point of the dish.
- Use elegant serving vessels: Select elegant and sophisticated serving vessels that complement the dish and elevate its overall presentation.
- Incorporate artistic drizzling: Skillfully drizzle the zesty avocado cilantro buttermilk dressing in an artistic manner, adding a touch of finesse to the plating.
- Balance the components: Ensure a harmonious balance of flavors, textures, and colors on the plate to create a visually stunning and delectable dish.
- Highlight the lime: Incorporate visually appealing lime wedges or zest to add a pop of color and citrusy brightness to the presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Zesty Avocado Cilantro Buttermilk Dressing
- Blender: A kitchen appliance used to blend, purée, or emulsify food and other substances.
- Cutting board: A durable board on which to place material for cutting.
- Knife: A tool used for cutting, consisting of a blade and a handle.
- Measuring cups: Used to measure the volume of liquid or solid cooking ingredients.
- Measuring spoons: Used to measure an amount of an ingredient, either liquid or dry, when cooking.
- Citrus juicer: A tool designed to extract juice from citrus fruits.
- Garlic press: A kitchen tool used to crush garlic cloves efficiently.
- Microplane grater: A kitchen tool used to grate foods such as nutmeg, cinnamon, citrus, garlic, and hard cheeses.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients.
- Spatula: A broad, flat, flexible blade used to mix, spread, and lift material.
- Whisk: A cooking utensil used to blend ingredients smooth, or to incorporate air into a mixture, in a process known as whisking or whipping.
Preserving Freshness: Storing and Freezing Zesty Avocado Cilantro Buttermilk Dressing
Store the zesty avocado cilantro buttermilk dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The avocado may cause the dressing to darken slightly over time, but it will still be safe to consume.
If you want to extend the shelf life of the dressing, consider freezing it:
- Pour the dressing into ice cube trays or small freezer-safe containers, leaving some room at the top for expansion.
- Freeze the dressing until solid, which should take about 2-3 hours.
- Once frozen, transfer the dressing cubes or containers to a freezer-safe bag or container, label it with the date, and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
To thaw the frozen avocado cilantro buttermilk dressing:
- Remove the desired amount of frozen dressing from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator overnight to thaw.
- Alternatively, you can thaw the dressing at room temperature for a few hours, but be sure to use it immediately once thawed.
After thawing, the dressing may separate slightly. Simply give it a good whisk or shake to recombine the ingredients before using.
If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell, mold, or significant changes in color or texture, discard the dressing immediately, whether it was stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
Surprising Facts About Avocado Cilantro Buttermilk Dressing
Avocado cilantro buttermilk dressing is a versatile and healthy option for salads, tacos, and as a dip for vegetables. It is a great source of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to your meals.
Budget-Friendly Cooking: Is This Zesty Avocado Dressing Economical?
This zesty avocado cilantro buttermilk dressing recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as avocado, buttermilk, and cilantro, are generally affordable and widely available. The versatility of this dressing also adds value, as it can be used on salads, as a dip, or as a marinade for meats. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10. Overall, I would rate this recipe a solid 9 for its affordability and the numerous ways it can elevate a variety of dishes.
Is This Zesty Avocado Dressing Healthy or Unhealthy?
This zesty avocado cilantro buttermilk dressing recipe is a healthy and delicious choice for several reasons:
- The base of the dressing is low-fat buttermilk, which is a good source of calcium and protein while being low in calories and fat
- Avocado provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals
- Cilantro, jalapeno, scallion, and garlic add flavor and antioxidants without significantly increasing calorie content
- Lime juice provides vitamin C and helps balance the flavors
- The recipe is low in added sugars and unhealthy fats
The only potential drawback is the sodium content from the kosher salt, but the amount used is relatively small.
To make this dressing even healthier, you could:
- Use non-fat buttermilk instead of low-fat to further reduce the calorie and fat content
- Increase the amount of cilantro, jalapeno, and scallion to boost the antioxidant and vitamin content
- Add a handful of spinach or kale to the blender for an extra dose of nutrients
- Experiment with using less salt or replacing it with other seasonings like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a different flavor profile
Overall, this dressing is a nutritious and tasty way to liven up salads, tacos, grain bowls, and more. The creamy texture and zesty flavor from the avocado, buttermilk, and fresh herbs make it a satisfying choice that you can feel good about enjoying regularly as part of a balanced diet.
Our Editor's Take on This Zesty Avocado Cilantro Buttermilk Dressing Recipe
This zesty avocado cilantro buttermilk dressing is a delightful combination of creamy avocado, zesty jalapeno, and fresh cilantro. The buttermilk adds a tangy and creamy base, while the lime juice and garlic provide a burst of flavor. The dressing is versatile and can be used as a dip, dressing, or sauce, making it a great addition to any dish. The balance of flavors and textures makes it a standout recipe that will elevate any meal.
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Why trust this Zesty Avocado Cilantro Buttermilk Dressing Recipe:
This zesty avocado cilantro buttermilk dressing recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their salads or appetizers. The combination of creamy avocado and tangy buttermilk creates a rich and velvety base, while the cilantro and jalapeno add a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor. The addition of lime juice and garlic provides a zesty kick, perfectly complemented by the subtle warmth of cumin and the savory notes of scallions. This recipe offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, promising a delightful and refreshing dressing experience.
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