This avocado herb green sauce is an all-purpose, dairy-free green sauce perfect for tacos, salads, bowls, and more. It has a creamy texture from ripe avocado, bright herb flavor from parsley and cilantro, a touch of heat from jalapeño, and fresh acidity from lime and rice vinegar. Ready in about 5 minutes, this versatile sauce is vegan, gluten-free, Whole30 and paleo-friendly.
The best avocado herb green sauce
Think of this as a saucier, more herb-forward cousin to guacamole. It’s blended smooth so it can be used as a drizzle, dip, spread, or dressing. The combination of avocado, cilantro, parsley, green onions, jalapeño, garlic, lime, and a splash of rice vinegar makes a bright, balanced sauce that livens up everything it touches.
We use it on tacos, as a dip for fresh vegetables and chips, spooned over grilled salmon or shrimp, and thinned to dress salads and grain bowls. If you keep a jar of store-bought condiments, clear some space — this one will become a staple.
Why you’ll love this green sauce
This sauce is:
- Bright and flavorful
- Extremely versatile
- Luscious and creamy without dairy
- Gluten-free, vegan, Whole30 and paleo friendly
- Made without mayo
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Herby and fresh
Ingredients and substitutions
This simple homemade sauce relies on a handful of fresh ingredients. It’s forgiving, so use what you have and adjust to taste.
Here’s what you need
- Avocado – the creamy base.
- Fresh herbs – cilantro and parsley are the default. You can use only one, or swap one for basil for a different flavor.
- Jalapeño – adds mild heat; remove seeds or omit to reduce spice.
- Green onions – add bright, oniony zip. Swap for a bit of white or red onion if you prefer.
- Garlic – one clove is plenty.
- Fresh lime juice – fresh is best; lemon juice can substitute.
- Rice vinegar – adds gentle tang; apple cider or wine vinegar works too.
- Olive oil – for extra silkiness.
- Smoked paprika – a pinch for subtle smokiness.
- Salt and pepper – to taste.
- Water – to thin the sauce to the consistency you want.
Can you make green sauce without cilantro?
Yes. If you or someone you’re cooking for dislikes cilantro, simply omit it and use more parsley or a handful of basil instead. The sauce will still be bright and flavorful.
Is this avocado green sauce spicy?
Only mildly—heat depends on your jalapeño. For less heat, remove the seeds and membranes or leave the jalapeño out. For more heat, use a serrano or add a pinch of cayenne.
How to make avocado herb green sauce
Using fresh ingredients and a blender or food processor is all you need. It comes together in about 5 minutes.
Step-by-step
- Add all ingredients to a food processor or blender and process until smooth, scraping the sides as needed. Add water gradually to reach the desired consistency and adjust seasoning with salt and lime juice.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.
Serving suggestions
This green sauce elevates many dishes. Try it a few different ways to find your favorites.
- Drizzled over tacos, quesadillas, fajitas, nachos, or tamales.
- Thinned to a dressing and poured over salads or Buddha bowls.
- Pooled over grilled seafood like salmon or shrimp.
- Served with chicken, pork, or steak.
- Used as a flavorful condiment on breakfast plates.
- Paired with roasted or grilled vegetables.
- As a dip for fresh vegetables or tortilla chips.
- Made thicker and used as a spread for sandwiches or grilled bread.
How long will it last in the refrigerator?
Store the sauce in a covered container for 2–3 days. Because of the avocado, the color will darken with time; it’s brightest and freshest within the first day.
What to make with leftover herbs
Leftover herbs can be used in many quick recipes. Try herb-forward salads, tabbouleh-style quinoa salads, lemony chickpea salads, cilantro-lime rice, or a simple shrimp and avocado salad. Keeping herbs fresh in the fridge (wrapped in a damp towel or stored in a jar with a little water) makes them easier to use before they wilt.
More sauce ideas
If you enjoy homemade condiments, experiment with other vibrant sauces such as basil pesto, rustic romesco, pistachio pesto, a simple stir-fry sauce, or dairy-free alternatives like vegan sour cream or cheese sauce.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider rating it and sharing any tweaks you made — it helps others and lets us know what worked for you. Thank you for cooking with us.
Avocado Herb Green Sauce (Dairy free)
- Author: Nyssa Tanner
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This avocado herb green sauce is a creamy, herb-packed condiment that brightens tacos, bowls, salads, and more. Quick to make and adaptable to what you have on hand, it’s a simple way to boost flavor in everyday meals.
Ingredients
- 1 small avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup cilantro (or more parsley/basil if skipping cilantro)
- 1/2 cup parsley
- 1 small jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced (seeds optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 clove garlic
- Juice of one lime
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup water, plus more as needed to thin
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the bowl of a food processor or blender and process until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Add more water to thin to your preferred consistency.
- Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lime juice to taste. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator in a covered container for 2–3 days.
Equipment
Food processor or blender, cutting board, and a sharp knife make preparation quick and easy.
Notes
Make substitutions freely: swap herbs, reduce or increase heat, and adjust acidity to suit your palate. The sauce is best within the first day when the color is brightest.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Food processor or blender