This creamy avocado basil dressing is vegan, paleo and gluten free. It's perfect mixed in your favorite salad, or even swapped out for guacamole in tacos or on your favorite protein.

If you asked me what was one of my favorite pantry staples, I'd have to say apple cider vinegar.

I barely remember my life before apple cider vinegar.

I drink it several times a day and that's not even counting how much I cook with it.

It's always the star ingredient in my salad dressings, and today's creamy avocado basil dressing recipe is no exception. 

You know what you want in your apple cider vinegar?

Organic apples and water.

That's what I'm talking about.

That's what an ingredient list should look like.

So why do I drink the stuff everyday?

It's a good source of probiotics and acetic acid which can balance your good and bad bacteria, ie., it helps get rid of the bad and grow the good.

Guess what that helps with?

Clear skin, improved digestion, and overall good immune health.

Of course not all apple cider vinegar is created equally.

You want to look for the stuff that has cloudy sentiment on the bottom.

That means the "mother" is intact from a double fermentation process and that all the healthy compounds are included.

I often use Vermont Village or Bragg’s. They make a raw, unpasteurized organic apple cider vinegar that has live and intact cultures.

It's what you want in your apple cider vinegar.

You can clean with apple cider vinegar, brighten your teeth, use it as a natural deodorant and generally keep your body running in tip top shape.

It's the duct tape of condiments!

I've got an easy, but tasty creamy avocado basil dressing that features apple cider vinegar.

If you have basil growing like crazy, or simply can't turn away from the fresh smell in the grocery store, grab some and blend it up with a few other ingredients for a great salad dressing.

Of course there's no eggs, mayo, cream, or dairy in this vegan salad dressing. 

I've thrown this avocado basil dressing on tacos, in place of guacamole for a fun Mexican-themed meal.

I've also layered it on chicken, steak, and fish and love the punch it brings.

You pretty much can't go wrong with this creamy vegan, paleo and gluten free salad dressing.

Creamy Avocado Basil Dressing {Vegan, Paleo, Whole30, Gluten Free}

Makes about 1 cup

Ingredients

• 1 packed cup of fresh basil, stems removed

• 1/2 avocado, peeled with pit removed

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 

• 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• Juice from 1/2 lemon

• Water to thin if necessary

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Place the basil, avocado, apple cider vinegar, garlic, lemon, and half the olive oil in a blender and pulse. Scrape down the sides and slowly add the remaining oil. If you want a thinner dressing, add a tablespoon or two of water until it reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper.

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