Yes, another avocado recipe! They are so delicious and nutritious, I couldn’t help but continue this week with more recipes.
We all love that creamy spinach and artichoke dip, but our waist doesn’t always agree. That is why avocados are a great way to create a healthier version. Avocados are packed with nutrients to provide a vast amount of nutrition, and with all of it’s healthy fats it contains, it keeps that delicious, creamy taste we all love in the typical unhealthy dip.
As I have said in previous posts like my , avocados are a perfect seasonal ingredient! Not only are they healthy for you, but the are refreshing and very versatile. You may think of using avocados only in guacamole, but that is certainly not the only possibility with this lovely fruit (yes, it’s a fruit!). Packed with healthy fats, this fruit not only keeps you satisfied longer, but serves as a great substitute for any typical, unhealthy fat in any recipe. If you look back at my last posts, you can see they are even great in desserts!
Missed the benefits of avocado in my last couple posts? Find them below the recipe here!
- 1 ripe Avocado
- 1/4 cup Low Fat Mayonaise (or more yogurt but will have a stronger yogurt flavor)
- 1/4 cup Greek Yogurt
- 4 oz. Spinach, cooked and cooled
- 1 Garlic Clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon Lime Juice
- 1/2 teaspoon each: Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Honey
- 1/4 teaspoon each: Sea Salt, Red Pepper seasoning
- Place all ingredients except spinach in a high speed blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth.
- Add in Spinach and blend for a few seconds.
- Chill covered in fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve with crackers or vegetables.
Avocado Benefits:
1) Filled with Monounsaturated Fats: types of fats that help control triglycerides in the bloodstream, lower blood cholesterol and control diabetes.
2) By adding avocado to certain foods, you can improve your absorption of nutrients
3) Provides all 18 essential amino acids necessary for the body to form a complete protein. Unlike the protein in steak, which is difficult for most people to digest, the body readily absorbs avocado protein because avocados also contain fiber.
4) Pack with Folate: a water-soluble B vitamin that promotes healthy cell and tissue development. According to the National Institute of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements, “This is especially important during periods of rapid cell division and growth such as infancy and pregnancy. Folate is also essential for metabolism of homocysteine and helps maintain normal levels of this amino acid.”
5) Contains Lutein: a carotenoid that protects against cataracts and certain types of cancer, and reduces the risk of muscular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in adults 65 years of age and older. Avocados contain 3 or more times as much lutein as found in other common vegetables and fruits.
6) Rich in Oleic acid and Potassium — Both of these nutrients also help in lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of high blood pressure.
7) Good source of fiber
Source: http://www.trueactivist.com/avocado-health-benefits-the-worlds-most-perfect-food/
“I received free samples of California Avocado mentioned in this post. By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by California Avocado and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.”