Let’s be real, sometimes you just need a condiment that tastes totally indulgent but is actually good for you. That is exactly why I keep coming back to this Paleo Avocado Dipping Sauce. It is incredibly creamy, bright with fresh lime, and comes together in the blender in literally five minutes. Whether you are dunking fresh veggies or looking for a dairy-free salad dressing, this zesty green sauce is about to become your new kitchen staple.
Ingredients
- 1 medium (approx. 5.3 oz / 150g) ripe Hass avocado
- 2 tbsp (30ml) fresh lime juice (juice of approx. 1 lime)
- 1 clove (approx. 0.18 oz / 5g) garlic, peeled
- 1 tbsp (15g) Dijon mustard
- 0.5 tsp (1g) freshly ground black pepper
- 0.25 tsp (1.5g) fine sea salt
- 2 to 4 tbsp (30ml to 60ml) extra-virgin olive oil (adjust based on desired consistency)
Instructions
- Prep the Avocado: Carefully slice the avocado in half lengthwise, remove the pit, and scoop out the 5.3 oz (150g) of flesh from the peel; discard the skin and pit.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the avocado flesh, 2 tbsp (30ml) lime juice, 1 peeled garlic clove, 1 tbsp (15g) Dijon mustard, 0.5 tsp (1g) black pepper, and 0.25 tsp (1.5g) salt into a food processor or a high-speed mini-blender.
- Pulse to Combine: Pulse the mixture continuously on high for 30-45 seconds until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the texture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thinner consistency (like a salad dressing), slowly stream in the extra-virgin olive oil—starting with 2 tbsp (30ml) and increasing up to 4 tbsp (60ml)—while blending until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
- Serve or Store: Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl to use immediately as a dip, spread, or dressing, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutritional Information
Estimates based on 6 servings (approx. 2 tbsp per serving).
- Calories: 105 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Total Carbohydrates: 3g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Net Carbs: 1g
Chef’s Pro Tips for the Perfect Emulsion
- Ripeness is Non-Negotiable: For a truly silky texture, your avocado must be perfectly ripe (yields slightly to gentle pressure). If the avocado is firm or stringy, the sauce will be grainy rather than smooth.
- Stream the Oil Slowly: If you are thinning this out for a dressing, don’t dump all the olive oil in at once. With the motor running, pour the oil in a slow, steady stream. This helps emulsify the mixture, creating a lighter, airier texture that holds together better.
- Tame the Garlic Bite: Raw garlic can sometimes overpower delicate avocado. To mellow the flavor, let the chopped garlic sit in the lime juice for 5 minutes before adding it to the blender. The acid “cooks” the garlic slightly, removing the harsh raw edge.
- The “Plastic Wrap” Trick: Avocado oxidizes (turns brown) quickly when exposed to air. When storing leftovers, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the sauce before putting the lid on the container. This creates an airtight seal that keeps it bright green for longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep my Paleo Avocado Dipping Sauce from turning brown? The lime juice in the recipe acts as an antioxidant to delay browning, but air is the enemy. To keep it vibrant green, store it in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly against the surface of the sauce. It usually stays green for up to 24-48 hours in the fridge.
Is this avocado sauce Keto and Whole30 compliant? Yes! This recipe is naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, sugar-free, and grain-free. It fits perfectly into Keto, Paleo, and Whole30 meal plans because it relies on healthy fats from avocado and olive oil rather than processed thickeners or dairy.
Can I make this sauce without a food processor? Absolutely. If you don’t have a food processor or mini-blender, you can mash the avocado very thoroughly with a fork and whisk the ingredients together in a bowl. The texture will be slightly chunkier—more like a smooth guacamole—but the flavor will still be delicious.
What is the best way to serve this dipping sauce? This sauce is incredibly versatile. It works beautifully as a dip for raw vegetables (crudités) or sweet potato fries, a spread on burgers or wraps, or thinned out with extra olive oil to serve as a creamy salad dressing over mixed greens.
I really hope you give this Paleo Avocado Dipping Sauce a spin in your kitchen this week. It is one of those rare “unicorn” recipes that feels like a cheat meal but is actually packed with nourishing ingredients. Once you try it, you’ll likely find yourself putting it on everything from breakfast eggs to dinner salads. If you make it, snap a photo and tag me—I’d love to see how you serve it up!
