Italian Avocado Salad Recipe
Description:
Discover the delightful flavors of this Italian Avocado Salad recipe, a dish that has stood the test of time, loved for its delicious taste and versatility. Not only is this salad a winner, but the dressing itself doubles as a fantastic dip for crunchy crudites, elevating your snack game to new heights. Keep in mind that the preparation time mentioned doesn’t include the chilling time required for the dressing to reach its optimal flavor.
Recipe Details:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Category: Low Protein
- Keywords: Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Quick & Easy (< 15 Mins), Refrigerator-friendly, Small Appliance Recipe
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 283.8
- Fat: 24.2g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Cholesterol: 3.4mg
- Sodium: 208.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 18.7g
- Fiber: 10.2g
- Sugar: 3.6g
- Protein: 3.8g
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1/4 cup | Fresh lime juice |
| 1/4 cup | Fresh basil leaves |
| 1-2 | Garlic cloves |
| 1/3 cup | Mayonnaise |
| 1/4 tsp | Salt |
| 1/8 tsp | Freshly ground black pepper |
| 1 cup | Fresh parsley leaves |
| 4 | Avocados |
| Lettuce leaves (for serving) | |
| 3 | Tomatoes |
| Watercress or parsley sprigs (for garnish) |
Instructions:
-
Prepare Dressing:
- In an electric blender, combine fresh lime juice and basil leaves. Allow them to infuse for about 5 minutes, enhancing the flavor profile.
- Add garlic cloves, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley leaves to the blender. Blend until you achieve a smooth consistency, making sure to scrape down the sides of the container as needed to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
-
Blend Avocado:
- Pit, peel, and cube one of the avocados. Add it to the blender with the dressing mixture.
- Blend until smooth, ensuring the avocado is well incorporated into the dressing.
-
Chill Dressing:
- Taste the dressing and adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Cover the dressing and chill it in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
-
Prepare Salad:
- Just before serving, line a serving platter or individual plates with fresh lettuce leaves.
- Pit, peel, and slice the remaining avocados. Slice the tomatoes as well.
-
Assemble Salad:
- Arrange the sliced avocados and tomatoes on top of the lettuce leaves, creating an attractive presentation.
- Drizzle the chilled avocado dressing generously over the salad, ensuring each portion is coated with its creamy goodness.
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the salad with watercress or parsley sprigs, adding a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors of this Italian Avocado Salad.
Additional Tips:
- Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite ingredients such as sliced cucumbers, red onions, or grilled chicken for added protein.
- The dressing can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just give it a good stir before using.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices in the dressing to suit your taste preferences. Fresh cilantro or dill would also work wonderfully in this recipe.
Enjoy your culinary adventure with this Italian Avocado Salad, a refreshing and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any occasion! 🥑🥗
