Basil Dressing

How many times have you reached for a bottle of dressing on the shelf of a grocery store instead of making your own? Why does it seem like making homemade salad dressing is far more complicated than any 3-course meal that could be prepared in your kitchen? I must admit that I am also a victim of initially grabbing a bottle of salad dressing that I find in the grocery store, but then I realize how much easier and healthier it is just to make my own at home and store it for future use.

This particular basil dressing is delicious on much more than salad. (So you can breathe a sigh of relief if you avoid leafy greens!) I like to drizzle it on chicken, shrimp, or an assortment of roasted veggies, and even dip some (gluten-free) bread into it while enjoying charcuterie. 

The possibilities are endless when it comes to finding the perfect dish to pair this with, and as you can see, it is so simple you will be able to make it at a moment's notice if you don't already have some stocked in your refrigerator. And, feel free to freeze it for up to 6 months in an airtight container, which is perfect when basil is no longer in season.

Serves 8

Ingredients for basil dressing

• 2 cups fresh basil
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 3/4 cups olive oil
• 1/2 avocado
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Direction for basil dressing

1. Put all ingredients in a blender or Nutribullet and blend until smooth.
2. Store in a mason jar in the refrigerator or freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months.