This Creamy Avocado Buttermilk Dressing is the perfect blend of tangy, savory, and smooth.
With low-fat buttermilk, ripe avocado, sour cream, and a splash of heat from Tabasco, this dressing works beautifully as a salad topper, dip, or sandwich spread.
It’s fresh, flavorful, and made in just minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ultra-creamy texture – Thanks to avocado and sour cream.
Healthy-ish twist – Made with low-fat buttermilk and real ingredients.
Quick prep – Just toss it in a food processor and blend.
Versatile – Use as a salad dressing, dip, or sauce.
Packed with flavor – Garlic, mustard, and hot sauce bring it to life.
Great for meal prep – Keeps well in the fridge for a few days.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Low-fat buttermilk – Adds tang and thins the dressing to pourable consistency.
Sour cream + mayonnaise – Create a rich, smooth base.
Ripe avocado – Adds body and a fresh, buttery flavor.
Dijon mustard – Brings sharpness and depth.
Tabasco sauce – Adds a subtle kick without overwhelming.
Fresh cilantro – For an herby, zesty finish.
Garlic – A sharp note that lifts the creamy base.
Salt & pepper – Balance and enhance every other flavor.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use a ripe avocado – It should feel slightly soft when squeezed.
Don’t skip the Dijon – It adds complexity and emulsifies the dressing.
Adjust thickness – Add more buttermilk to thin, or less for a dip.
Use a high-powered blender or food processor – For best texture.
Store with minimal air – Use a small jar to reduce browning.
How to Make Creamy Avocado Buttermilk Dressing
Step 1: Add Ingredients to Food Processor
In a food processor or blender, combine the buttermilk, sour cream, mayonnaise, avocado, cilantro, Dijon mustard, Tabasco, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
Step 2: Blend Until Smooth
Pulse a few times to begin combining.
Then blend on high until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
Scrape down the sides if needed.
Step 3: Adjust Seasoning
Taste and season with extra salt and pepper, if desired.
The avocado and buttermilk balance each other well, but feel free to adjust.
Step 4: Serve or Store
Transfer to a serving bowl or jar. Use immediately as a dressing or dip.
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Press plastic wrap directly against the surface if you want to minimize browning.
What to Serve It With
Green salads – Drizzle over mixed greens or romaine.
Grilled chicken or shrimp – As a zesty dipping sauce.
Tacos or burrito bowls – Spoon over for extra creaminess.
Vegetable platters – Use as a dip for carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers.
Burgers or wraps – Spread inside for bold flavor.
Variations / Substitutions
Make it dairy-free – Use dairy-free sour cream and milk alternatives.
Add lime juice – For extra brightness and to preserve color.
Swap herbs – Try parsley or basil instead of cilantro.
Add honey – For a touch of sweetness.
Use Greek yogurt – In place of sour cream for a protein boost.
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Prevent browning – Press plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing.
Shake before use – The dressing may thicken slightly in the fridge.
Freezing not recommended – Avocado-based dressings change texture.
Use small containers – Minimizes air exposure and helps keep it fresher.
FAQs
Can I use full-fat buttermilk or sour cream?
Absolutely. It will be richer, but still delicious.
Is this spicy?
Just a hint. Add more or less Tabasco based on your heat preference.
Can I make this without a food processor?
You can mash the avocado and whisk everything by hand, but texture may not be as smooth.
How long does it last in the fridge?
About 3 days. For best quality, store in an airtight jar and keep chilled.
Can I use this as a dip?
Yes! Just reduce the buttermilk for a thicker consistency.
Will it brown from the avocado?
It might slightly. Lime juice and airtight storage help reduce this.
Can I freeze it?
Not recommended. The texture can break down once thawed.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Avocado Buttermilk Dressing is fresh, flavorful, and endlessly useful.
Whether you’re dressing a salad or drizzling over grilled veggies, it adds creamy brightness to any dish.
I love making a jar at the start of the week—it turns basic meals into something special with zero effort.
