Avocado Vinaigrette
Creamy avocado vinaigrette with fresh herbs and tangy tarragon vinegar, perfect for salads and light dishes, appealing to those seeking a healthy, flavorful dressing.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a covered container, shake together the vegetable oil, tarragon vinegar, minced parsley, salt, pepper, and sugar.
- Halve the avocados lengthwise; twist each half in opposite directions to separate.
- Remove the pits from the avocados.
- Drizzle the dressing over the avocado halves in serving dishes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier vinaigrette, blend the dressing ingredients instead of shaking. If tarragon vinegar is unavailable, white wine vinegar can be a good substitute. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can also be used instead of parsley for a different flavor profile. Adjust the seasoning to taste and consider adding a pinch of garlic powder for extra depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the avocado halves drizzled with the vinaigrette as a light appetizer or side dish. They pair beautifully with Good Vegetables like grilled zucchini or roasted bell peppers. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside grilled chicken or fish. This dressing also works well on a fresh salad, enhancing Mediterranean recipes or vegan recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The avocados will brown quickly, so it's best to prepare them fresh just before serving. If you have extra dressing, use it over salads or grilled vegetables for added flavor. Shake well before use as ingredients may separate.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Avocado Vinaigrette contains roughly 58 calories, with 3g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1190mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this vinaigrette ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the vinaigrette a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to shake or stir well before serving, as the ingredients may separate over time. However, it's best to cut and dress the avocados just before serving to prevent browning.
What if my avocados are not ripe enough?
If your avocados are not ripe, place them in a paper bag at room temperature for a day or two until they soften. You can also gently press on the skin; if it yields slightly, it's ripe. Avoid using hard avocados for this recipe, as they won't provide the creamy texture needed for the dressing.
Can I use this vinaigrette for salads?
Absolutely! This avocado vinaigrette is versatile and can enhance any salad. It's particularly delicious over a mixed greens salad or drizzled on a quinoa salad. For an added twist, try it on a Green Rice Salad for a refreshing meal. Just adjust the quantity as needed based on your salad size.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).