Ingredients:

  • 1 medium ripe Avocado, halved, pitted, and peeled (approx. 180g)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh Buttermilk (full-fat preferred)
  • 1/4 cup (60 g) Plain Greek Yogurt (or sour cream)
  • 2–4 Tbsp (30–60 ml) Ice Water (for adjusting consistency)
  • 1 cup (packed) fresh Cilantro (Coriander), leaves and tender stems included
  • 3 Tbsp (45 ml) fresh Lime Juice
  • 1/2 tsp Lime Zest
  • 1 small Garlic Clove, peeled
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1/2 tsp Fine Sea Salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • Optional: 1/4 large Green Chilli (jalapeño or serrano), seeded

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the aromatics: Peel and roughly chop the garlic clove. Roughly chop the cilantro (no need to be neat, as the blender does the heavy lifting).
  2. Combine Creamy Ingredients: Place the peeled avocado, buttermilk, and Greek yogurt into the bowl of the food processor or blender jug.
  3. Add Flavour Agents: Add the packed cilantro, fresh lime juice, lime zest, garlic, cumin, salt, pepper, and optional chilli (if using).
  4. Initial Blend: Secure the lid and blend on medium speed until the mixture is fully smooth and uniform (30–60 seconds). Stop and scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula halfway through to ensure all solids are incorporated.
  5. Check Consistency: If the dressing is too thick (more like a dip), add 1 tablespoon of ice water at a time, blending briefly after each addition, until the desired ribbon-like consistency is achieved. The ice water helps keep the color vibrant.
  6. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dressing. Adjust acidity (add more lime juice), saltiness, or add a pinch of sugar if the limes were particularly sharp. The dressing should be notably bright and salty.
  7. Chill: Transfer the dressing to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period allows the flavors to truly marry together, and the dressing will firm up slightly.
  8. Serve: If the dressing is too thick coming straight out of the fridge, whisk in a teaspoon of cold water or buttermilk just before serving to loosen it up.