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Add a creamy, light and vibrant touch to your salads, wraps, and grilled veggies with this Greek Yogurt Avocado Dressing. Bursting with the freshness of ripe avocado, the zesty tang of lemon, and the earthy notes of parsley, this dressing is a tasty blend of flavors that brings a luscious, smooth texture to many dishes.
Perfect as a salad dressing, sandwich spread, or dip, this versatile recipe adds a nutritious and tasty twist to your meals. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s an effortless way to elevate your everyday dishes with a hint of wholesome, creamy goodness. Don’t miss to try my delicious dressings and vinaigrettes including Greek Salad Dressing, Green Goddess Dressing Recipe, and Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette.
Recipe Highlights
Primary Cooking Technique: Quick and simple – Blend until smooth and creamy
Dominant Flavor Profile: Creamy and tangy with a bright burst of lemon and fresh herbs
Skill Level Required: Beginner-friendly
Why You’ll Love This Recipe: This Greek Yogurt Avocado Dressing is creamy, tangy, and packed with fresh flavors that elevate any dish. It’s quick to make, incredibly versatile, and a healthy alternative to store-bought dressings!
Ingredients
- Avocado: Choose a ripe avocado with a slightly soft feel when gently pressed; this ensures a creamy texture for the dressing.
- Parsley: For a fresher, more vibrant flavor, use flat-leaf parsley over curly parsley.
- Lemon Juice: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best zesty flavor.
- Yogurt: Greek yogurt adds a thick, creamy texture and tanginess to the dressing, but feel free to substitute with plain or plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free option. Just make sure it’s not flavored.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Always add salt and black pepper to taste. Start with a pinch and gradually add more as needed to balance the flavors.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor; if preferred, mince or grate it finely to ensure it blends well.
- Water: Adjust the consistency by adding water a tablespoon at a time. This allows you to control the thickness, depending on whether you want a creamy dressing or a lighter drizzle.
How to Make Greek Yogurt Avocado Dressing
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by halving the avocado, removing the pit, and scooping the flesh into smaller pieces. Chop the parsley roughly to ensure it blends evenly. Peel the garlic and juice the lemon, ensuring no seeds fall into the juice.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
In a food processor or blender, add the avocado, parsley, lemon juice, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Start blending on a low setting to combine the ingredients gently.
Step 3: Adjust the Consistency
Gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency. Continue blending on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Stop and scrape down the sides if needed to ensure everything is well incorporated.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust Seasonings
Taste the dressing and adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preference.
If you prefer a tangier flavor, then add more lemon juice. For a creamier texture, add a bit more yogurt.
Step 5: Serve and Store
Pour the dressing into a jar or container. Use immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days. Shake or stir well before each use, as the ingredients may settle over time.
How to Serve Greek Yogurt Avocado Dressing
Pair this versatile dressing with grilled meats, seafood, or vegetarian dishes for a burst of fresh flavor that complements a wide variety of meals.
Salad Dressing: This dressing is perfect for drizzling over mixed greens, grain salads, or a Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and feta. You will love it with Middle Eastern Chopped Salad, Green Goddess Salad and Greek Chickpea Salad with Feta. The creamy texture and zesty flavor add a delightful twist to any salad, making it both refreshing and satisfying.
Sandwich Spread: Use this dressing as a spread for sandwiches such as Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Loaded Grilled Chicken Gourmet Sandwich, and Steak Sandwich. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, adding a creamy, tangy layer of flavor that complements the filling ingredients.
Dip for Veggies: Serve this dressing as a dip with a platter of crudites. It’s a great addition to any appetizer spread or a healthy snack option.
Topping for Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle the dressing over roasted vegetables like Briam Greek Roasted Vegetables, Mediterranean Oven Roasted Vegetables, and Roasted Potatoes. The rich, tangy flavor enhances the earthy notes of the roasted veggies, adding a fresh and vibrant contrast.
Enhance Grain Bowls: Mix it into grain bowls featuring quinoa, brown rice, freekeh, orzo or farro, along with your choice of vegetables, proteins, and toppings. The dressing ties all the ingredients together, adding a creamy and zesty finish.
Recipe Tips
- Choose the Right Avocado: Use a ripe avocado that is slightly soft to the touch but not mushy. This ensures a smooth and creamy texture for your dressing. If the avocado is too firm, the dressing may turn out chunky.
- Adjust the Consistency: If your dressing is too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Remember, different types of yogurt and avocado sizes can affect the thickness, so adjust as needed.
- Blending Hack: If you don’t have a blender, use an immersion blender or mash the avocado with a fork until smooth before whisking in the rest of the ingredients. This can help you achieve a creamy texture even without a food processor.
- Make Ahead: You can make this dressing in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors meld over time, making it even more delicious the next day.
- Keep it Fresh: To prevent the avocado from browning, store the dressing in an airtight container and press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing the lid. This minimizes air exposure and keeps the dressing fresh longer.
Variations and Substitutions
Yogurt Alternatives: If you prefer a lighter option, you can use regular plain yogurt instead of Greek yogurt. It will result in a slightly less creamy texture but still delicious.
Vegan Version: For a vegan version, substitute Greek yogurt with unsweetened plant-based yogurt such as almond, coconut, or cashew yogurt. Ensure it is plain and not flavored.
Herb Swaps: Replace parsley with fresh cilantro for a more vibrant, slightly citrusy flavor. You can also use fresh dill for a tangy, herby twist.
Citrus Variations: Swap lemon juice for lime juice for a different citrus flavor. For a tangy kick, replace lemon juice with apple cider vinegar. Adjust the quantity to taste.
Additional Flavors: Add a pinch of cumin, paprika, or chili powder for a spicier kick. Smoked paprika can add a smoky depth.
Spicy Additions: Add de-seeded jalapenos or jalapenos pickles for a spicy dressing. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for heat and a bit of texture.
Garlic Variation: Incorporate roasted garlic or garlic powder for a sweeter, more mellow garlic flavor.
Storage
Refrigeration: Store the Greek Yogurt Avocado Dressing in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3 days. To maximize freshness, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the dressing before sealing the container.
- Preventing Browning: To prevent the avocado from browning, ensure the container is well-sealed. Adding a little extra lemon juice also helps slow down the oxidation process.
Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this dressing since the flavor and texture would change.
Tips for Freshness
- Store the dressing in a glass jar or a container with a tight-fitting lid.
- Avoid contaminating the dressing by using clean utensils each time you serve it.
- If the dressing thickens in the fridge, stir in a small amount of water to achieve the desired consistency before use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can use plain yogurt or any plant-based yogurt as a substitute for Greek yogurt. Just make sure it is unsweetened and plain to maintain the dressing’s savory flavor.
If your avocado isn’t ripe yet, place it in a paper bag with a banana to speed up the ripening process.
If the dressing is too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. Blend thoroughly after each addition to ensure an even texture.
Use a plant-based yogurt alternative and ensure all other ingredients are vegan-friendly.
More Dressings and Sauces To Try
Dips and Spreads
Creamy Feta Dressing
Dips and Spreads
Toum Recipe – Lebanese Garlic Sauce
Basics
Balsamic Vinaigrette
Dips and Spreads
Zhoug Recipe (Spicy Cilantro Sauce)
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Greek Yogurt Avocado Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 avocado
- ½ cup parsley
- 1 lemon, juice of
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1 clove garlic
- water, for thinning
Instructions
- In a food processor or blender, add the avocado, parsley, lemon juice, Greek yogurt, garlic, salt, and pepper. Start blending on a low setting to combine the ingredients gently.
- Gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency. Continue blending on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Stop and scrape down the sides if needed to ensure everything is well incorporated.
- Taste the dressing and adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preference. If you prefer a tangier flavor, then add more lemon juice. For a creamier texture, add a bit more yogurt.
- Pour the dressing into a jar or container. Use immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days. Shake or stir well before each use, as the ingredients may settle over time.
Video
Notes
- Choose the Right Avocado: Use a ripe avocado that is slightly soft to the touch but not mushy. This ensures a smooth and creamy texture for your dressing. If the avocado is too firm, the dressing may turn out chunky.
- Adjust the Consistency: If your dressing is too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Remember, different types of yogurt and avocado sizes can affect the thickness, so adjust as needed.
- Blending Hack: If you don’t have a blender, use an immersion blender or mash the avocado with a fork until smooth before whisking in the rest of the ingredients. This can help you achieve a creamy texture even without a food processor.
- Make Ahead: You can make this dressing in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors meld over time, making it even more delicious the next day.
- Keep it Fresh: To prevent the avocado from browning, store the dressing in an airtight container and press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing the lid. This minimizes air exposure and keeps the dressing fresh longer.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.