This creamy avocado dip is rich, fresh, and full of bright flavor-thanks to the addition of Greek yogurt and fresh basil. It's a little unexpected, a lot delicious, and comes together in minutes. Thicker than guacamole and with a tangy, herby twist, it's perfect for parties, snacking, or spreading on toast. Serve it with pita chips, raw veggies, or alongside grilled chicken or shrimp. However you scoop it, this dip adds bold flavor to just about everything.
Unlike many avocado dips, this version skips the usual cumin or chili powder and lets fresh basil shine. The yogurt adds a subtle tang and keeps it creamy without feeling heavy. It's a great alternative to guacamole when you want something a little lighter, herbier, and just as versatile. Whether you're serving it at a gathering or keeping it all to yourself, this dip is a fresh take worth making on repeat.
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Why You'll Love This Avocado Dip
- Super quick and easy - Just a few ingredients and ready in minutes.
- Make it your way - Use a food processor or mash by hand.
- Creamy and satisfying - Smooth texture that melts in your mouth.
- Guac lover? - If you love guacamole, you'll want to try this twist.
Recipe Ingredients
- Avocados - Be sure they are ripe by gently pressing with your fingers at the top and sides. You want them soft but not squishy (over-ripe).
- Yogurt - Use plain Greek yogurt, which gives the dip creaminess and a nice tang. Don't use flavored yogurt like vanilla.
- Fresh herbs - Basil is my first choice, but you can use other mint-family herbs. See the substitutions section. Use just the leaves, not the stems.
- Citrus juice - Preferably fresh lime or lemon juice for bright flavor.
- Garlic - Use garlic powder or fresh garlic. If using fresh, chop it finely and smear it into a paste with the back of your knife so no one bites into a raw chunk. Garlic powder blends in easily.
- Pepper - I prefer white pepper for this recipe, but ground black pepper works too.
Please see the recipe card for measurements, salt, and pepper.
Chef's tip: How to make avocados ripen faster? Place them in a brown paper bag with a banana. Bananas release ethylene, a natural plant hormone that triggers ripening. The paper bag traps the gas that's produced and speeds up the ripening process. Apples and tomatoes work too. Read here about how avocados ripen.
Substitutions and Variations
- To make this vegan - Use vegan mayo in place of the yogurt.
- To make it tangier - Replace the yogurt with sour cream.
- Herbs - Instead of basil (or in addition to it), try fresh cilantro, flat-leaf parsley, feathery dill, or even mild mint. You can also mix herbs for added depth. No herbs? Use a handful of fresh baby spinach leaves for a milder green flavor.
- For heat - Add a finely chopped jalapeño, a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne, or a splash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Extra flavor - Stir in a little ground cumin or ground coriander for a subtle earthy warmth.
Recipe Instructions
With a Food Processor
Add all ingredients to the workbowl of a food processor and process smooth. Taste and adjust with any additional citrus, yogurt or salt. So easy!
Make Avocado Dip By Hand
Mash the avocados as smoothly as possible with a fork in a medium bowl then use a whisk to make it creamy. Chop the basil leaves fine, then add the rest of the ingredients and continue whisking until it is as smooth as possible.
Depending on how ripe your avocados are, it could be creamy or a little more chunky like traditional guacamole. Either way it will taste great.
For another terrific avocado appetizer or snack, try my guacamole with pomegranate seeds.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with raw veggies such as bell pepper strips, cucumbers, carrots, endive leaves, and snap peas, or your favorite chips and crackers. You can also:
- Spread it on avocado toast or use in place of guacamole.
- Serve with cooked shrimp instead of cocktail sauce.
- Serve it with grilled chicken or kabobs.
- Top grilled or baked fish like salmon or halibut.
- Use as a sandwich or burger spread, or in turkey wraps and quesadillas.
- Garnish deviled eggs (or fill them with the dip and top with bacon crumbles).
- Spoon over enchiladas, tacos, or grain bowls in place of sour cream or crema.
How to Store
Avocado dip is best enjoyed the same day, but leftovers keep for 1-2 days in the fridge in an airtight container. To reduce browning - Squeeze a little lemon or lime juice over the surface, then press plastic wrap directly on top to minimize air exposure.
If it browns, just scrape off the top layer and stir the rest-it still tastes great. Add a splash of fresh citrus juice to revive the flavor if needed.
Recipe FAQs
Both start with avocado but differ in ingredients and texture. Guacamole is usually chunky and includes lime, onion or shallot, garlic, tomato, and cilantro. Avocado dip, on the other hand, is creamy and smooth thanks to the addition of yogurt, sour cream, or mayo. Think of it as a cross between guacamole and a herby spread.
Yes! Avocados are loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and important vitamins and minerals. Greek yogurt adds protein and gut-friendly probiotics-unless you're dairy-sensitive, in which case you can use a dairy-free alternative (see the substitutions section). Want to learn more? Here's a great article on avocado nutrition.
More Terrific Dip and Spread Recipes
Here's another nice appetizer for parties and gatherings, Endive leaves with herbed cream cheese. And for another veggie appetizer, make some rainbow vegetable spring rolls.
⭐️Did You Make This?
If you make this avocado dip, please comment and let me know. If you loved it, please give it a 5 star rating! They really help other readers. Questions, comment and I will answer.
📖 Recipe
Avocado Dip with Yogurt and Fresh Basil
Equipment
- Food Processor or make by hand, notes below.
Ingredients
One Step Dip
- 2 large ripe avocados peeled and seeded
- 1 5 ounce container plain unsweetened Greek yogurt or Vegenaise for DF
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed see swaps below
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves fresh, chopped fine and smeared smooth
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground white pepper substitute black pepper
- 1 half lime, juiced or half a lemon
Instructions
Food processor directions
- For the dip, place all ingredients in a food processor and puree until smooth, about 1 minute. Adjust the creaminess with more yogurt or a little more citrus, either lemon, lime or both. Adjust seasoning to your preferred taste.
By hand directions
- If you don't have a food processor, make it by hand. Mash the avocados as smoothly as possible in a large bowl and use a whisk to make it creamy. Chop the basil leaves fine then add the rest of the ingredients and continue whisking until smooth as possible. Adjust seasoning to your preferred taste.Depending on how ripe your avocados are, it could be creamy or a little more chunky.
Notes
Nutrition
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Tricia says
I made this for a Labor Day pool party appetizer. It was a hit! Very quick and easy to prepare.
Sally Cameron says
Thanks for reporting back Tricia! Glad it was a hit!
Sally Cameron says
Hi Hoorieh, that's ok on the English. Wish I spoke Farsi!. How can I help you?
Kelly says
What a beautiful presentation! I'm making this for a Christmas Day healthy appetizer.