Avocado Basil Dressing

I’ve mostly stopped buying store-bought dressings because my family goes through them so quickly, and bottled versions often include ingredients I don’t love as a dietitian. Plus, it’s so much more budget-friendly to whip up dressings with ingredients I already have on hand. But, honestly, the biggest reason I stopped buying store-bought is that homemade salad dressing tastes so much fresher.

This avocado basil dressing, created by Taste of Home’s culinary producer Josh Rink, is a perfect example. It’s extra bright and flavorful thanks to fresh basil and green onions blended with olive oil, Greek yogurt, avocado and lemon juice. The texture is naturally thick and creamy, making it versatile enough to spoon over salads or grain bowls, serve with dippers or toss with pasta as an easy, flavor-packed sauce.

Avocado Basil Dressing Ingredients

• Olive oil: This is the time to break out your best bottle of extra virgin olive oil. It adds richness to the dressing, helps create a smooth rich texture, and balances the tang from the yogurt and lemon.
• Lemon juice: You’ll need at least one medium lemon to get 3 tablespoons of juice. Roll it on the counter before cutting to help release more juice.
• Greek yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt creates a thick, creamy base without the need for mayonnaise or sour cream, while also adding a boost of protein. Either nonfat or whole milk works. Nonfat keeps the dressing lighter and tangier, while whole milk makes it extra creamy and richer tasting.
• Avocado: A ripe avocado is key for the right texture. It should yield slightly when you gently squeeze it, but it shouldn’t feel mushy. If it’s too firm, it won’t blend smoothly.
• Basil: You’ll need 1 cup of packed fresh basil leaves. The basil gives this dressing its bright color and garden fresh flavor, so don’t use dried basil here.
• Green onions: Blended into the dressing, green onions add a mild onion flavor without any harsh bite. Use both the white and green parts—the whites bring a little sharpness, while the greens keep the flavor fresh and mild.

Directions

Step 1: Blend until smooth

Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, yogurt, avocado, basil, and green onions in a blender or food processor. Add 3 tablespoons of water, and season with 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper.

Secure the lid and blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. If the dressing feels too thick, add more water 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.

Editor’s Tip: After blending, give the dressing a quick taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. A pinch more salt or an extra squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavor and really help everything pop.

Step 2: Chill

Transfer the avocado basil dressing to a jar with a lid or an airtight container, and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Editor’s Tip: The dressing may thicken slightly as it chills. If needed, whisk in a splash of water or lemon juice to loosen it before serving.

How to Use Avocado Basil Dressing

The bright, herby flavor makes this creamy avocado basil dressing a versatile, all-purpose sauce for just about anything on the table. Try it as a:

• Salad dressing: If needed, thin it out with a little extra water or lemon juice, then drizzle it over your favorite leafy greens. It also works well stirred into cooked and cooled noodles for a green-hued creamy pasta salad.
• Plating sauce: The herby flavor works similarly to chimichurri, brightening proteins and vegetables. Try spooning it onto serving plates and topping it with grilled chicken or steak and vegetables for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
• Dip: Since this dressing is on the thicker side, it can totally double as a healthy dip. Pair it with a colorful crudite platter, pita chips or crackers for an easy snack or party appetizer.
• Pasta sauce: Toss with hot cooked pasta for a quick, creamy sauce that clings to every noodle. Add mix-ins, like broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes or sliced chicken sausages, for a heartier meal.
• Finishing sauce: Add a dollop to grain bowls or roasted vegetables for a pop of fresh, vibrant flavor.

How to Store Avocado Basil Dressing

Store avocado basil dressing in an airtight container or a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator. Keep it chilled until serving, and return any leftovers to the fridge promptly (as long as it hasn’t been sitting at room temperature for more than two hours).

How long does avocado basil dressing last?

Avocado basil dressing will keep for one to two days in the refrigerator. After that, the avocado may start to brown and the basil can lose some of its brightness. It’ll still be safe to eat, but this dressing is at its best and most vibrant the day it’s made.

Avocado Basil Dressing Tips

Is avocado basil dressing healthy?

Yes! This avocado basil dressing makes a healthy salad dressing, dip or pasta sauce. Greek yogurt is a good source of protein and calcium, while the avocado and olive oil are packed with heart-healthy fats. The avocado also adds a boost of fiber, making this creamy dressing as nutritious as it is delicious.

What other herbs pair well with a creamy avocado dressing?

Peppery fresh basil is the star of this creamy avocado dressing recipe, but plenty of other herbs work beautifully here too. Replace the basil with parsley for a fresh, clean flavor, or try dill for a bolder, tangier twist.

Cilantro pairs exceptionally well with avocado and citrus, creating a creamy dressing that’s especially good drizzled over Tex-Mex favorites like an enchilada casserole, burrito bowls or a chicken taco salad. You can also blend in a mix of herbs for a green goddess or ranch dressing vibe.

Can you make this avocado basil dressing dairy-free?

Yes! For a dairy-free version of this avocado basil dressing, swap in an equal amount of a plant-based yogurt, such as coconut or cashew yogurt, for the Greek yogurt.