This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
Buttermilk Avocado Ranch Dressing is an easy gluten-free salad dressing recipe that tastes delicious on salads, grilled meats, or even as a dip. It’s the healthy way to enjoy your favorite dressing since it’s made without mayo, eggs, or oil.
Originally published on April 23, 2012. Updated with new photos on May 16 2017.
My sister was one of those kids where you wanted to say, “Have a little salad with your plate of Ranch dressing,” or “How about some carrots to dip in your bowl of Ranch dressing?”
In fact, isn’t there an entire ad campaign about getting kids to eat their veggies by smothering it in Ranch dressing?
I was honestly never a big fan, and much preferred to slated my salads in Greek Yogurt Blue Cheese Dressing or Creamy Maple Dijon Dressing.
So I thought it was time to tackle this all-time favorite, and see if homemade Ranch dressing would change my mind. And guess what? This one did!
Probably because it’s made without the mayonnaise and oil, using avocado instead to give it a mush fresher and unique flavor!
Avocado Buttermilk Ranch Dressig Recipe
I saw a recipe from Ann at Sumptuous Spoonfuls and it sounded so yummy! I love avocados and I was planning on grilling some steaks to make a steak salad. I knew Avocado ranch would be the perfect match.
This salad dressing is so creamy and flavorful with all of the herbs and seasonings. And it’s made without mayo, but a little extra avocado makes it super creamy. Plus the buttermilk adds a delightful tangy flavor!
What You’ll Need
- Buttermilk – it’s easy to make substitutes for buttermilk with common ingredients.
- Garlic
- Basil
- Honey – just a tiny bit, so it is still low carb, but you can omit it if you want a truly keto dressing.
- Parsley – fresh or dried.
- Dill – fresh or dried.
- Rosemary – I recommend fresh as dried doesn’t break down well.
- Dried minced onion or onion powder
- Chives – you can use a few scallions or green onions instead.
- Avocado
- Salt and pepper
Just toss everything into a food processor or blender and blend till smooth and creamy!
I love my Blendtec for making anything from blueberry smoothies to butternut squash soup super smooth and creamy. It’s perfect to make this homemade avocado ranch dressing.
I am a Blendtec ambassador, and should you make any purchases through my Blendtec Store link, I will receive a small commission, but that also means you can use the code CUPCAKESANDKALECHIPS to receive 20% off.
Make it a meal
Steak salad
- Pour on Grilled Steak Mango Salad with Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak
- Serve with Carrot Zucchini Muffins
Tostadas
- Drizzle on Barbecue Chicken Tostadas
- Have some Chili Lime Corn on the side
Rice Bowls
- Use on Pulled Pork Rice Bowls instead of the Aji Sauce
- Enjoy with Roasted Cauliflower
More healthy Ranch dressing recipes
- Healthy Ranch Dip or Dressing
- Greek Yogurt Barbecue Ranch Dressing
- Greek Yogurt Buffalo Ranch Dressing
More healthy salad dressing recipes
- Healthy Caesar Dressing
- Creamy Balsamic Dressing
- Blueberry Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Creamy Citrus Dressing
- Strawberry Poppyseed Vinaigrette
- Avocado Lime Salad Dressing from Inside Bru Crew Life
- Avocado Tahini Dressing from The Little Ferraro Kitchen
- Light Avocado Green Goddess Dressing Recipe from Cookin’ Canuck
Avocado Ranch Dressing
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 avocado
- 1/2 tsp honey
- 1 clove garlic
- 4 leaves fresh basil
- 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley or 1/2 t dried parsley
- 1 Tablespoon fresh dill or 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp dried minced onion or 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 9 chives
- 1/4 tsp salt
- freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor, and puree until smooth.
Notes
Categories:
Enjoy!
I was excited when I found this because I had all of these ingredients I needed to use up!
I needed more punch so I added fresh lime juice and creamy horseradish and I felt it needed way more salt than called for because avocado demands it! It was yum!!!
I’m so happy that you were able to adapt the ranch dressing to suit your tastes, Cindy. I try to keep my recipes lower in salt, but I agree with you… avocados need salt!
[…] Avocado Buttermilk Ranch Dressing […]
[…] Avocado Buttermilk Ranch Dressing from Cupcakes and Kale Chips […]
I just usually mix Mayonnaise in my salad and I’m kinda feeling bored but I don’t know what other dressings are. I found your recipe and it looks delicious and fresh to me! Thanks for sharing your idea <3
I’m happy to hear that you’ve found a new recipe to try, Donna!
How long will this last in fridge
Peggy, if the dressing is in a well covered container in the refrigerator, it should keep well for a couple of weeks.
I am never going back to store bought! This is sloppily delicious!
I am totally addicted to homemade dressings!
[…] Avocado Buttermilk Ranch Salad Dressing […]
[…] Avocado Buttermilk Ranch Salad Dressing […]
I wonder how this recipe would work with a non-dairy buttermilk. I may just have to give it a try. My husband complains about not having a variety of good homemade salad dressings that do not contain dairy, soy, or corn. He loves avocado, so I think this might just fit the ticket. I’m going to pin this recipe so that I don’t forget. Thanks for sharing this week at Allergy-Free Wednesdays! We’d love for you to join us again next week.
Have a great weekend!
~Michelle, AFW Hostess
I didn’t even know they had dairy-free buttermilk! The original recipe from Sumptuous Spoonfuls called for Greek yogurt and milk instead of the buttermilk, so you could probabaly also use some sort of vegan yogurt and another non-dairy milk.
I’ve never seen a non-dairy buttermilk, but you never know. I just add vinegar to my non-dairy milk and let it turn into buttermilk. I’ll been thinking about what kind of non-dairy yogurt to use. It’s on our menu this week, so I’ll let you know how it turns out.
Yes, let me know how it turns out. I am curious.
[…] HERE for the Avocado Buttermilk Ranch […]
These photos are gorgeous! My husband loves avocado and he loves ranch even more, so I’m going to have to remember this one. 🙂
Thank you! It was really delicious – I hope you give it a try.
This sounds great, and based on the pic….I want the whole meal!
Thanks. I did post the whole salad. There is a link on this page. It was delish!