Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing

Growing up in the Midwest, I fondly remember Friday fish fries and the nostalgic charm of salad bar salads. Those days were filled with choices like runny French dressing and ranch, which, while comforting, don’t quite match the vibrant flavors we can create at home. As much as I appreciate a good hole-in-the-wall bar experience, when it comes to making salads at home, I have a few standards.

I consider myself a salad enthusiast. I enjoy breakfast salads, lunch salads, and yes, even salads for dinner. My ideal salad features a mix of arugula, red onion, seeds, and cheese. On some days, I could have Butternut Squash Kale Salad with Farro and Goat Cheese for every meal. No matter what salad I’m whipping up, I firmly believe that the dressing can make or break it. That’s why I’m excited to share this amazing Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing with you!

Why This Dressing is Special

This dressing is a delightful blend of creamy, tangy, sweet, and fresh flavors. It’s versatile, too! Use it on fresh green salads, pasta salads, or as a dip for veggies. Say goodbye to the old salad bar dressing and say hello to something truly special.

Salad Dressing Tips + Tricks

When making salad dressing at home, there are a few key elements to keep in mind. Here are some of my secrets:

1. Oil

Every great salad dressing starts with oil. It’s the ingredient that brings everything together. I prefer using extra virgin olive oil because of its rich flavor and healthy fats. However, you can also try avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or even coconut oil. Each oil has its unique taste, so feel free to explore. A fun tip is to infuse your oil with herbs for an extra flavor boost!

2. Vinegar

A touch of vinegar adds necessary tanginess to any dressing. For this cilantro lime dressing, I used rice vinegar for a subtle tang. You can also experiment with balsamic vinegar, white wine vinegar, or even plain white vinegar. Having a staple vinegar on hand is always a good idea!

3. Sweetness

Balance is key in salad dressings. Pair the tangy vinegar with a hint of sweetness. Natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup work wonders, but remember, a little goes a long way! If you’re out of those, a pinch of coconut sugar or brown sugar can do the trick.

4. Spices

Don’t shy away from adding flavor! Fresh chopped herbs can elevate your dressing to new heights. Many of us tend to under season, but I encourage you to be bold. Toss in a handful of chopped herbs or a teaspoon of your favorite spice mix to create a dressing that truly shines.

Creating the perfect salad dressing takes some practice, but once you find your preferred flavors, it becomes a breeze. Until then, try out this creamy cilantro lime dressing and drench it over your favorite salad – you won’t regret it!

Healthy Salad Options to Explore

If you’re looking for delicious salad inspiration, here are some of my favorite kale salad recipes: