Avocados: Good For More Than Just Guacamole
| 2 min read
Avocados tend to get overlooked unless you’re making guacamole or topping a salad. But the smooth texture and mild flavor of these fruits (yes, fruits!) make them a nutritious addition – or substitution – to many recipes. They are a great source of fiber, potassium, vitamins K and C and folate. And while they are high in fat, it’s the good kind that helps reduce LDL cholesterol.
Not sure how to include avocados in dishes beyond just chips and dip? Here are some ideas to get you inspired, no matter what meal you’re fixing.
- Breakfast: Avocado Green Smoothie – This drink is a tasty balance of pineapple and spinach while the avocado makes the smoothie even smoother.
- Lunch: Basil Avocado Chicken Salad – Go paleo for a meal thanks to the avocado substituting for saturated-fat-filled mayo. Once the chicken is cooked and cooled (do that ahead to save time), this salad comes together in seconds.
- Dinner Salad: Spicy Watermelon and Avocado Salad – Watermelon often gets pigeon-holed as dessert, but it pairs perfectly with avocado in this refreshing salad.
- Entrée: Avocado Spaghetti – With just a handful of ingredients and 15 minutes, you can get dinner on the table with this pasta. The creaminess of the avocado makes the sauce taste as rich as if it were made with heavy cream and butter.
- Dessert: Chocolate Avocado Cake – Try this unusual vegan recipe that uses avocados in both the cake and frosting (giving it a gorgeous green color), but keep the ingredients to yourself until your friends and family beg to know what the secret ingredient is!
This blog post is part of #HealthyMe, a personalized web experience based on your health and wellness goals. To sign up today, visit https://www.ahealthiermichigan.org/healthyme.
Editor’s Note: This post originally appeared on A Healthier Michigan in May 2014.
Photo credit: Jaanus Silla
