Italian Avocado Salad

I don't know where I found this recipe, but I have had it a long time, and it is delicious. I like the dressing as a dip for crudites even better than the salad. Prep time does not include chilling time.

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1⁄4 cup fresh basil leaf
• 1 -2  clove garlic, quartered
• 1⁄3 cup mayonnaise
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1  cup  lightly packed fresh parsley leaves
• 4  medium  ripe avocados, divided
•  lettuce leaf, for lining plates
• 3  tomatoes, cut in wedges
•  watercress or  parsley sprig (to garnish)

Directions

1. In an electric blender, mix lime juice and basil, and allow to set for 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic, mayonnaise, salt, pepper and parsley, and blend until smooth, scraping sides of container as needed.
3. Pit, peel and cube 1 avocado.
4. Add to blender, and blend until smooth.
5. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, cover dressing, and chill for 1-2 hours.
6. Just before serving, line serving platter or individual plates with lettuce.
7. Pit, peel and slice remaining avocados.
8. Arrange with tomatoes on lettuce leaves.
9. Top with avocado dressing mixture, and garnish with watercress or parsley.
10. Dressing also makes a great dip for vegetables.