By Heidi Sutton
It’s no secret that adding greens to your menu — morning, noon and night — can go a long way toward healthier eating habits.
While most people think of lettuce, kale, spinach, cucumbers and Brussels sprouts, don’t forget avocados are a superfruit you can use to add good fats and great taste to recipes throughout the day.
Avocados provide a good source of naturally unsaturated fats, and are also a good source of fiber
If you’re looking for an easy yet tasty way to add more avocados to your family’s menu, these recipes for Avocado, Brussels Sprout, Kale and Date Salad and Fresh Guacomole Salad provide a delicious introduction to the superfruit, courtesy of Family Features.
Avocado, Brussels Sprout & Kale Salad
YIELD: Makes 8 servings
INGREDIENTS:
Dressing
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
4 dates pitted, softened
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/4 cup olive oil
Salad:
2 avocados, sliced
6 cups Brussels sprouts shaved or shredded
3 cups lacinto dinosaur kale, shredded
1 cup red onion sliced
1/2 cup pistachios or pumpkin seeds, shelled
reduced-fat sharp Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated, for topping (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
To make dressing: In food processor, blend lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, pitted dates, mustard and add olive oil to combine.
To make salad: Combine avocados, shaved Brussels sprouts, kale, red onion and pistachios. Drizzle salad dressing over greens and top with shaved Parmesan cheese.
Fresh Guacamole Salad
YIELD: Makes 8 servings
INGREDIENTS:
Dressing
1 cup fresh cilantro
1 garlic clove, minced
3 tablespoons lime juice
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper, optional
Salad
2 avocados, diced
1.5 lb. kinless chicken breast, cooked, shredded
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup red onion, sliced
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded, thinly sliced
8 cups mixed baby greens
DIRECTIONS:
To make dressing: Place all dressing ingredients into a food processor and blend until smooth.
To prepare salad: In a large bowl, combine chicken, avocado, tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, and baby greens. Top with 4 tablespoons of the dressing and toss lightly until combined.
Serve immediately with a wedge of lime.
