Gone are the days that avocados are consumed as is or is used mainly as an ingredient for guacamole. Today, you can see this healthy fruit being used in soups, salads and even sandwiches. Avocados contain plenty of healthy fats, fiber, vitamins B6, E and K as well as minerals such as copper and potassium. They're good for cardiovascular support, blood sugar regulation, prevention of inflammation and may other health benefits.
Here are 3 delicious avocado recipes that are worth a try:
Tasty Herbed Avocado Dip
What you need:
1 large avocado, peeled and pitted
1 lemon, juiced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chopped seeded cucumber
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
In a blender or food processor, mix together avocado, garlic, cucumber, lemon juice and sour cream. Pulse until ingredients are well blended then transfer mixture into a bowl. Season with cilantro, mint, red pepper, salt and black pepper. Stir until mixture is creamy. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve - can be used as a dipping sauce or a sandwich dressing.
Chicken Soup with Avocado and Lime
What you need:
1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
1 tomato, seeded and diced
1 white onion, thinly sliced
8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
4 jalapeno peppers, sliced
4 cups chicken broth
4 6-inch corn tortillas, julienned and baked
1 cup thin strips of boneless chicken breast halves
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat then cook onion, garlic, jalapeno until tender, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add tomato, chicken broth, chicken strips, lime juice, salt and pepper and simmer for about 5 minutes. When chicken is cooked, stir in avocado and cilantro and heat through. Transfer to soup bowls and top with tortilla strips before serving.
Avocado-Strawberry Green Salad
What you need:
1 avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced
10 strawberries, sliced
2 cups torn salad greens
1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
4 teaspoons honey
Combine avocado, strawberry, salad greens and pecans in a bowl. To make the dressing, whisk together olive oil, sugar, lemon juice, cider vinegar and honey in a separate bowl and drizzle the mixture over salad. Toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Whether you're a fan of avocados or not, you'll definitely enjoy these delicious avocado recipes!
Adrian T. Cheng is a food blogger who promotes healthy eating. He has written numerous posts and articles about natural herbs and spices, shared countless of delicious and healthy recipes and reviewed kitchen accessories that are affordable yet of quality. You can view Adrian's posts about going green and other nutrition tips and tricks [http://www.kuisiware.com/] on his page.