Tired of the same old vinaigrette? It’s time to elevate your salads with a dressing that’s bursting with unexpected flavor! This Avocado, Grapefruit, and Chipotle Dressing is a game-changer. It masterfully blends the creamy, healthy fats of avocado with the bright, zesty punch of fresh citrus and a smoky, warm kick from chipotle. It’s not just a dressing; it’s a creamy, dreamy, nutrient-packed sauce that will make any green salad, grain bowl, or taco sing.
Ingredients
• Makes 1 3/4 cups / 435 mL
• 1 medium avocado, flesh only
• 2 tbsp / 30 mL green onion, chopped
• 1 small clove garlic, chopped
• 3/4 cup / 185 mL freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
• 1/4 cup / 60 mL freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 tbsp / 30 mL maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp / 2 mL chopped chipotle pepper in adobo
• 1/4 tsp / 1 mL salt
Instructions
1. Place the avocado flesh, green onion, garlic, grapefruit juice, lime juice, maple syrup, chipotle pepper, and salt into a high-speed blender.
2. Secure the lid and blend on high for 30 to 45 seconds, or until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Use immediately or transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutritional Information
• Per 1/4 cup / 60 mL serving
• Calories: 106
• Fat: 6 g
• Carbohydrate: 13 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Potassium: 346 mg
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Vitamin C: 22 mg
Pro Tips
• For a milder dressing, use less chipotle pepper or scrape the seeds out before chopping. For more heat, add a little extra adobo sauce from the can.
• To prevent browning during storage, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the dressing before sealing it in an airtight container.
• If the dressing is too thick for your liking, blend in more grapefruit or lime juice, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the perfect consistency.
• For the smoothest possible texture, ensure your avocado is perfectly ripe and soft to the touch.
FAQ
Q: How do I keep this avocado dressing from turning brown
A: The high amount of citrus juice from the grapefruit and lime naturally helps slow down oxidation. For best results during storage, transfer the dressing to an airtight container and press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing the lid. This minimizes air contact and will keep it vibrant and green for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I make this dressing without maple syrup
A: Yes, you can easily substitute the maple syrup. For another vegan option, try using agave nectar in a 1:1 ratio. If you’re not strictly vegan, honey is also a great choice, though it will slightly alter the flavor. For a sugar-free version, you can omit the sweetener entirely, but the dressing will be much tarter.
Q: How can I make a high-protein vegetarian meal with this dressing
A: This dressing is a fantastic complement to high-protein vegetarian meals. Drizzle it over a grain bowl packed with quinoa, roasted chickpeas, and black beans. It’s also delicious as a sauce for tofu or tempeh tacos, or as a creamy topping for a hearty lentil salad.
Q: Is this dressing only for salads
A: Absolutely not! While it’s amazing on green salads, this creamy, plant-based dressing is incredibly versatile. Use it as a sauce for roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes or broccoli, a spread for veggie burgers and sandwiches, a dip for raw veggies, or a flavorful topping for vegetarian tacos and grain bowls.
