Today we celebrate National Avocado Day. What, you didn’t know?! Yes, yes the avocado has its own day of appreciation, and rightfully so. This fruit/vegetable/fat is absolutely amazing and wonderfully versatile.
Best known as the substance from which we derive guacamole, avocado makes a great dip. I love to make a meal out of guacamole and chips! However, there is so much more we can do with this delicious and delightful fruit. Top a sandwich or a taco, throw it in smoothies, and if you’re a millennial, spread it on toast. (Just kidding . . . I’m not a millennial, but I love avocado spread on a bagel!)
I’m ashamed to admit it, but I remember a time in my life when I was not an avocado fan. Truly, I was ignorant. I only knew avocado to be the stuff guacamole was made of, and I thought it looked weird. However, as a young adult, I saw the light and learned the error of my ways. Now, I am all in for the glorious green fruit of our food dreams.
In honor of the avocado, I’m sharing a three-course meal that features our favorite [healthy] fat.
A Three-Course Avocado Meal
First Course :: Avocado and Tomato Salad
I like to toss together some diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and cheese (crumbled feta or fresh mozzarella are my preferred cheeses for this.) Then drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic salt. This simple salad is a favorite for lunch, either by itself or mixed into some quinoa when I have leftovers in the fridge. It is always so satisfying!
Second Course :: Avocado Pasta
If you haven’t tried avocado pasta, you need to! I have used this recipe from Two Peas and Their Pod. It is basically guacamole on pasta. Yum! Add some grilled chicken or sauteed shrimp for flavor and protein.
Third Course :: Avocado Chocolate Mousse
Avocado for dessert? Yes, ma’am! If you need to indulge and not feel guilty (or get some health foods into your kids’ bellies), try avocado chocolate mousse. It’s really smooth!
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There you have it: a perfect meal featuring the avocado. Go make a salad — or a face mask?? — and celebrate the avocado today!
And if you are ever asked in an interview, “If you had to describe yourself as a fruit, which fruit would you choose?”, you can’t go wrong with the avocado!
