1 Serving Avocado Ranch Dressings contains 391 calories. If you're looking for a delicious and healthy dressing to enhance your meals, avocado ranch dressing might be just what you need. This creamy and flavorful dressing combines the goodness of avocado and the classic taste of ranch dressing. Not only does it taste amazing, but it's also packed with essential nutrients.
Avocado Ranch Dressing is a great source of fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins such as B6, C, E, and K. It's also high in potassium, which can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke. With all these nutritional benefits, avocado ranch dressing is a perfect addition to any diet.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at Avocado Ranch Dressing, its nutritional benefits, ingredients, and variations. We'll also cover how to make it healthier and how to store it properly. So, let's get started!
Nutritional Facts
Avocado Ranch Dressing is a nutrient-dense food that provides several essential vitamins and minerals. Here are some nutritional facts per serving (2 tablespoons): - Calories: 104
- Total Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 4 mg
- Sodium: 108 mg
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
As you can see, avocado ranch dressing is low in carbs and sugar, making it a great option for people who follow a low-carb or keto diet. It's also a good source of healthy fats, which can help you stay satiated and energized throughout the day.
Avocado and Its Health Benefits
Avocado is a fruit that's loaded with nutrients and health benefits. Here are some reasons why you should eat more avocados: - Avocados are high in healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins, which can help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Avocados contain potassium, which can regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke.
- Avocados are rich in antioxidants, which can protect your cells from damage and inflammation.
Ranch Dressing and Its Ingredients
Ranch dressing is a classic American dressing that's made from several ingredients, including: - Mayonnaise
- Buttermilk or sour cream
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried dill
- Salt and pepper
While ranch dressing might be delicious, it's also high in calories, fat, and sodium. That's why it's important to use it in moderation and opt for healthier versions, such as Avocado Ranch Dressing.
Creamy and Delicious Dressing
Avocado Ranch Dressing is a creamy and flavorful dressing that's perfect for salads, sandwiches, or as a dip. It's made by blending avocado, ranch dressing ingredients, and some lemon or lime juice. The result is a delicious and creamy dressing that's much healthier than traditional ranch dressing. To make avocado ranch dressing, you'll need the following ingredients: - 1 ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Where to Use Avocado Ranch Dressing
Avocado Ranch Dressing is a versatile dressing that can be used in many dishes, such as: - Salads: Use avocado ranch dressing as a healthier alternative to traditional ranch dressing in your salads.
- Sandwiches: Spread some avocado ranch dressing on your sandwiches for a creamy and delicious taste.
- Tacos: Add some avocado ranch dressing to your tacos for a unique and flavorful twist.
- Vegetables: Use avocado ranch dressing as a dip for your veggies for a healthy and nutritious snack.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought Avocado Ranch Dressing
While store-bought Avocado Ranch Dressing might be convenient, it's often loaded with preservatives, artificial flavors, and added sugars. That's why making your own avocado ranch dressing is a much healthier and tastier option. When you make your own dressing, you can control the ingredients and adjust the flavor to your liking.
How to Make Avocado Ranch Dressing Healthier
If you want to make Avocado Ranch Dressing even healthier, here are some tips: - Use Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream instead of regular sour cream to reduce the fat and calories.
- Use avocado oil or olive oil instead of mayonnaise to make the dressing healthier.
- Add some fresh herbs and spices, such as cilantro, basil, or cumin, to enhance the flavor and add more nutritional benefits.
- Use lemon or lime juice instead of vinegar to make the dressing more flavorful.
How to Store Avocado Ranch Dressing Properly
To keep Avocado Ranch Dressing fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 5 days. If the dressing becomes too thick or separates, simply whisk it or blend it in a blender until smooth.
Avocado Ranch Dressing Variations
If you want to switch things up and try different variations of Avocado Ranch Dressing, here are some ideas: - Spicy avocado ranch dressing: add some chopped jalapenos or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Chipotle avocado ranch dressing: add some canned chipotle in adobo sauce for a smoky and spicy flavor.
- Avocado lime ranch dressing: use lime juice instead of lemon juice for a tangier and more refreshing taste.
- Avocado cilantro ranch dressing: add some cilantro leaves for a fresh and herbaceous flavor.
Avocado Ranch Dressing Serving Suggestions
Finally, here are some serving suggestions for Avocado Ranch Dressing: - Use it as a dipping sauce for chicken wings or nuggets.
- Drizzle it over roasted vegetables for a healthy and delicious side dish.
- Use it as a spread on your burgers or sandwiches for a flavorful and creamy taste.
- Add it to your baked potatoes or sweet potatoes for a tasty and filling meal.
Avocado ranch dressing is a nutrient-dense food that provides several essential vitamins and minerals.
5 FAQ About Avocado Ranch Dressing
What are the ingredients in Avocado Ranch Dressing?
Avocado ranch dressing typically contains avocado, sour cream, mayonnaise, buttermilk, garlic, herbs (such as chives, parsley, and dill), and seasonings (such as salt and pepper).
Is Avocado Ranch Dressing healthy?
Avocado ranch dressing can be a healthier alternative to traditional ranch dressing because of the added nutrient benefits from avocado. Avocado is a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins. However, it is still high in calories and fat, so it should be consumed in moderation.
What can I use Avocado Ranch Dressing for?
Avocado ranch dressing can be used as a salad dressing, dip, or spread for sandwiches and wraps. It pairs well with vegetables, grilled chicken, and seafood.
How long does Avocado Ranch Dressing last in the fridge?
Avocado ranch dressing can last in the fridge for up to 5 days, as long as it is stored in an airtight container.
Can I make Avocado Ranch Dressing vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version of avocado ranch dressing by swapping out the dairy-based ingredients with plant-based alternatives such as vegan sour cream or yogurt.