Dried herb option – Use 1 teaspoon dried dill + 1 teaspoon dried parsley + 1 teaspoon dried chives in place of fresh herbs.

Dairy-free option – Swap sour cream/yogurt with dairy-free yogurt or hummus. Use dairy-free cheese if needed. Hummus adds extra protein and a savory tang that pairs well with pickle flavors.

Ingredient Tips–  For a richer dressing, use ¼ cup mayonnaise + ¼ cup avocado in place of the ½ avocado. A mix of red onion and green onion works well for balanced flavor. For best texture, avoid watery vegetables like tomatoes, zucchini, mushrooms, or cooked vegetables, as they can thin the dressing and make the salad soggy. If using, add just before serving. 

Meal Prep / Make Ahead: Store dressing separately in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Chop greens and sturdy vegetables ahead of time. Keep chips or croutons separate. Once fully dressed, the salad is best eaten immediately. For an even creamier, more flavorful option, if using sturdy greens like iceberg, romaine, chopped salad mix, or kale, toss the salad with just ¼ cup dressing (no chips) and refrigerate overnight. The next day, add a few more tablespoons of dressing to freshen it up and top with chips or croutons just before serving. This method does not work well with delicate greens like spinach or arugula.