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    Zesty Avocado & Cilantro Dressing

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    Pixicook editorial team

    A flavorful and creamy dressing made with fresh cilantro, avocado oil mayonnaise, and a hint of chipotle or cayenne pepper.

    Ingredients for Zesty Avocado & Cilantro Dressing

    units in
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    units in
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    serves
    6 peoplechevron
    serves
    6 peoplechevron

    Cilantro, loosely packed

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Unsweetened Almond Milk

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Avocado Oil Mayonnaise

    cups

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    Garlic Clove, coarsely chopped

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Salt

    teaspoons

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    Black Pepper

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Chipotle Powder Or Cayenne Pepper

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    How to Make Zesty Avocado & Cilantro Dressing

    1. Gather Ingredients

    Begin by gathering all your ingredients and placing them in a food processor or blender. You'll need ¾ cup of loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves, ⅓ cup of unsweetened almond milk, ¼ cup of avocado oil mayonnaise, 2 cloves of coarsely chopped garlic, ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and ⅛ teaspoon of chipotle powder or cayenne pepper. Combining everything in one go helps the flavors meld together beautifully as they blend.

    2. Blend Ingredients

    Next, blend the mixture until it reaches a smooth consistency. This step is crucial because a creamy, homogenous dressing ensures that each bite is bursting with balanced flavors. Keep blending until there are no visible chunks of garlic or cilantro, and the dressing has a velvety texture.

    3. Taste and Adjust Seasoning

    Once blended, take a moment to taste your creation. Adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference, keeping in mind that a little goes a long way.

    4. Store the Dressing

    Finally, transfer your zesty avocado and cilantro dressing to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. If you used homemade mayonnaise, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you opted for store-bought mayonnaise, you can enjoy it for up to 2 weeks.

    Variations

    Roasted Garlic

    Instead of using fresh garlic, roast a head of garlic in the oven until caramelized and soft. Squeeze out the roasted cloves and blend them into the dressing for a milder, sweeter garlic flavor.

    Spice it Up

    Add a small chipotle pepper in adobo sauce or a teaspoon of smoked paprika to introduce a smoky, spicy element. Adjust the amount depending on your heat preference.

    Cheesy Twist

    Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese for a more savory and umami-rich profile. The cheese can round out the flavors and add a new layer of complexity.

    Creamy Element

    Swap out some of the avocado with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier, richer dressing. This also adds a probiotic punch to your dressing.

    Citrus Twist

    Replace the lemon or lime juice in the recipe with orange juice for a sweeter, less tart profile. You can also add a bit of zest from the orange to enhance the citrusy aroma.

    Pitfalls and tips

    Choose the Right Avocado

    Select a perfectly ripe Hass avocado—it should yield slightly to gentle pressure without being mushy for the best creaminess.

    Acidity Balance

    Use fresh lime juice to provide a bright acidity and balance the richness of the avocado, adjusting to taste and considering a splash of white wine vinegar for complexity.

    Freshness is Key

    Look for vibrant, green cilantro leaves with no signs of wilting for a fresh, citrusy contribution to the dressing's flavor.

    Storage

    Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the dressing before sealing to maintain its color, and consume within a day or two.

    Texture

    Achieve a smooth and emulsified dressing using a high-speed blender or food processor, thinning with water or olive oil if necessary.


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