Creamy Cilantro Lime Avocado Dipping Sauce (vegan)

Name: Creamy Cilantro Lime Avocado Dipping Sauce (vegan)
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: ½ cup unsweetened, plain plant-based yogurt; 1 large ripe avocado; 1 jalapeno, deseeded and sliced; zest from 1 lime; juice from 1 lime; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; ¼ cup minced fresh cilantro; 1 tablespoon minced red onion; 1 garlic clove, roughly chopped; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1-3 tablespoons filtered water (*if desired to thin out the dip)

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Creamy Cilantro Lime Avocado Dipping Sauce (Vegan) is a quick, dairy-free sauce made with fresh avocado, cilantro, and lime juice for a smooth, flavorful dip that’s perfect for tacos, bowls, veggies, and more.

The dip is in a small glass bowl with tortilla chips and is ready to eat.

This is one of those sauces I make when a meal needs something extra. It’s quick, fresh, and instantly makes bowls, tacos, or even simple veggies feel more put together.

If you love easy sauces like this, some of my favorites are my creamy avocado pesto or lemon tahini dressing.

Table of Contents

Spotlight on This Creamy Cilantro Lime Avocado Dipping Sauce

It’s easy to make. All you need is a few simple ingredients and an electric mixer and you are all set. You can have this creamy avocado sauce on your plate within 5 minutes. I hope you make this easy recipe as much as I do!
It’s delicious. This flavorful sauce will transform burrito bowls, taco salads, nachos, and everything in between. Its creamy consistency, rich texture, and fresh flavor is the perfect addition to all Mexican food.
It’s healthy. This dairy-free and wholesome cilantro lime sauce is only made with fresh ingredients. You won’t find any junk such as processed ingredients, sugars, or vegetable oils in the ingredient list.
It’s great to make ahead of time. Make this creamy cilantro lime and avocado dipping sauce in the morning, store it in a glass jar, and in the fridge to enjoy for dinner. It stores well in the fridge and is the perfect way to meal prep.
It’s customizable. You can add more spice or less or additional ingredients based on your tastebuds. I don’t know about you but those are my favorite kinds of recipes to make.

An upclose picture of this dip in a glass mason jar.

How to Serve This Creamy Cilantro Lime Avocado Dipping Sauce

Taquitos: One of my favorite things to dip into this sauce are these simple vegan black bean taquitos. You can make them without the mango salsa and then dip them into this cilantro sauce. Yum!

Tortilla chips: Feel free to make nachos or dip tortilla chips directly into this delicious vegan sauce. It’s truly the perfect topping for nachos in my opinion.

Tacos or burritos: Amp up your tacos and burritos with fresh cilantro, and this creamy green sauce. Taco Tuesday will quickly become your favorite night of the week.

Bowls and Salads: There’s nothing like a taco salad with this creamy cilantro lime avocado dipping sauce as the salad dressing. Its creaminess is out of this world.

The Ingredients

Dairy-free yogurt: Grab a container of plant-based, unsweetened, plain yogurt. Try to find a thicker brand that will make the dip more creamy and delicious.

Fresh lime juice: Don’t use store-bought lime juice, instead grab yourself a fresh lime.

Lime zest: Before you cut open the lime for juicing, grab a Microplane and zest the lime first. Lime zest will bring a wonderful rich citrus flavor that I know you will enjoy.

Extra virgin olive oil: Use a high-quality EVOO if you can find some. The quality matters and you can taste the difference. I do not recommend using any other oil here.

Avocado: Grab 2 large ripe avocados for this recipe. Fresh avocado is part of the base and makes the dip hearty and creamy.

Cilantro: You want to use fresh cilantro instead of dried cilantro. It really makes all the difference using fresh herbs for this dip.

Garlic: Once again, you want to use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder. You will not get the same flavor without fresh garlic.

Red onion: You can really use any onion that works for you. This includes white or yellow onion, green onions. or shallots. You only need a little bit.

Jalapeno: You will want to remove the seeds so that the dip is flavored with the jalapeno and doesn’t end up being too spicy. Skip this step if you must or replace the jalapeno with red pepper flakes.

Water: This will help thin the dip to the desired consistency. This part is all up to you. In fact, you may choose not to use water. But, you’ll only use a small amount.

Salt: Finish off this dip with some sea salt to taste. This part is up to you, also.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it taste like?

It’s creamy and smooth with a bright, zesty lime flavor, fresh cilantro notes, and a savory finish that makes it both refreshing and flavorful.

Can I substitute the yogurt?

No. Unfortunately, yogurt and avocado are the base of this dipping sauce.

Can I serve it immediately, or does it have to be chilled?

Sure! While I do recommend chilling it for about an hour before serving, you can absolutely serve it right away. Dig in!

How long can this dip stay out on the counter?

As a general rule, dairy should not sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, and if it is hot, then 1 hour. It’s always a good idea to put the bowl or container over ice just to be safe.

How do I keep this dip green?

To keep this dip from turning brown, store it in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to limit air exposure.

The Instructions

Step one: Place all of the ingredients into the bowl of a food processor. This includes yogurt, avocado, jalapeno, lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, red onion, garlic, and salt. Blend until creamy, scraping down the sides with a spatula a few times.

All of the ingredients in the bowl of a food processor.

Step two: Add a tablespoon of filtered water at a time until you have reached the ideal consistency. I use typically 1-2 tablespoons. You may choose not to add any.

THe dip has been blended in the bowl of the food processor.

Step three: Transfer the dip to a small glass bowl or jar. Chill for an hour before serving or serve right away.

Storage

Place the leftovers in an airtight container and in the fridge for 3-4 days. I recommend placing a small piece of plastic wrap over the top of the dip before securing the lid to keep it from browning. Do not freeze.

Tips and Modifications

Feel free to remove the jalapeno if you do not like spice.

The dip should not stay out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Otherwise, place the bowl of dip over ice.

Use a perfectly ripe avocado for the best texture. It should give slightly when pressed but not feel mushy. This is the key to getting that ultra-creamy consistency.

If your dip feels too thick after chilling, simply stir in a little water or lime juice to bring it back to life before serving.

Pro tip: Make it once, then use it all week. This sauce is one of those staples that instantly elevates bowls, tacos, and simple meals, so having it ready in the fridge saves time and adds flavor to everything.

More Vegan Dip Recipes

Hidden Veggie Cashew Crema Sauce

Creamy Blender Black Bean Salsa Dip

Easy Vegan Veggie-Loaded 7-Layer Appetizer Cups

Mediterranean Lemon Bean Dip