5 Surprising, Healthy Ways to Eat Avocados

Dressing

In a blender, add:

• 1 avocado
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves,
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice,
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
• salt
• pepper
• 1 tbsp water

Blend well until combined. Use this dressing to top roasted vegetables, salads, fish, poultry, or your favorite whole grain.

Salsa

In a small bowl, combine:

• 1 cup diced strawberries
• 1 cup diced pineapple
• 1 medium chopped avocado
• ½ cup diced red bell pepper
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 medium chopped jalapeño
• ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• juice of 1 lime
• pinch of sea salt

Mix well and pair with whole-grain or bean-based chips.

Fries

Peel and slice two avocados and cover with a squeeze of lime. Sprinkle with garlic and herb seasoning, then dunk slices into a high-fiber flour like coconut or oat. Next, dip each slice into egg, then whole-wheat breadcrumbs (or chickpea crumbs). Place slices on a greased baking tray and bake at 400°F for 15 minutes. Pair with chipotle-mayo dip or a mix of plain Greek yogurt and hot sauce.

Truffles

Blend 1 ripe avocado until mashed consistency is achieved. Set aside. Melt 1 cup dark chocolate chips and mix in with avocado. Add 1 tsp pure vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt. Place mixture in fridge for 20 to 30 minutes. Once batter is set, scoop out and roll into 1-inch balls. Pour unsweetened cocoa powder in one bowl and powdered peanut butter in a second bowl. Alternate rolling truffles through desired powder topping. Store in fridge until ready to serve. Makes 20 truffles.

Tuna Salad

For a healthier meal, use avocado instead of mayo in your tuna salad. Start with ½ ripe avocado and mash in a medium bowl. Mix with 1 can drained tuna fish, 2 large chopped celery stalks, ½ bell pepper diced, 1 tbsp plain Greek yogurt, ¼ cup sunflower seeds, a squeeze of lemon juice, salt, and pepper.