Disclosure: 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.
I am reminded that the summer is winding down. Last week my daughter celebrated her last week of living in the crib with her boring parents. Friday she moved into a dorm at UNCW. My son, a wrestler at the University of Missouri, stays at school year round, but he too is preparing for the start of classes on Aug 19. Yet, the weather is still hot, the days are still long and I’ m still up for a backyard BBQ!!! You? Let me help you plan on making the most of summer remains.
Did I mention it’ s California avocado season? Yep, now through September and there’ s no better accompaniment to summer salads, sandwiches, wraps and grilled foods than fresh avocado. Not only do they improve the flavor of summer foods, they are nutritious! Avocados are a source of healthy monounsaturated fat (MUFA) and studies show these fats improve blood cholesterol levels which can reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease. Research also shows that MUFA can benefit insulin levels and blood glucose control, important if you have type 2 diabetes. Aside from healthy fats, one fifth of an avocado contains 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.
I know I just posted an avocado recipe on Saturday (Chili Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad), but when I like love something, I go hard. So today I’ m sharing yet another awesome recipe that has been inspired by the summer avocado season, a cool appetizer. This gazpacho with fresh avocado is a refreshing start to a meal on a hot summer night that will delight your guests and keep them eager with anticipation about the spread you’ve prepared. It’s simple and requires no cooking. It’s deliciously crunchy; low in cholesterol; a good source of fiber; and a very good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. (See nutrition profile below). Entertaining should be fun. Keeping it delicious and nutritious is important for everyone; keeping it simple is important for you! Don’t let the summer pass you by without fully enjoying the outdoors and summer’s bounty. Please see the links at the bottom of this post for more delicious and nutritious ways to love avocados this summer!
Nutritional Profile Chilled Gazpacho with Avocado (one serving): 144 calories, 6 grams fat, 1 gram saturated fat, 3.4 grams monounsaturated fat, 0.7 grams polyunsaturated fat, 0 grams cholesterol, 349 mg sodium, 660 mg potassium, total carbohydrate 24 grams, dietary fiber 5 grams, total sugar 15 grams, protein 3 grams, vitamin A 42% DV, vitamin C 41 % DV, calcium 4 % DV, iron 12 % DV, vitamin D ~, folate 47.6 mg, omega 3 fatty acids 43.1 mg
Chilled Gazpacho with Avocado
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 12 ounces tomato puree
- 1/2 cup skinless, seedless cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced green onion
- 1/4 cup diced carrot
- 2 drops hot sauce, or to taste
- 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Juice from 2 limes (about 4 Tablespoons)
- 3 Tablespoons sugar
- 2 Tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 whole avocado, divided, chop one half and slice second half
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
In a bowl combine tomato puree, cucumbers, onion, hot sauce, balsamic vinegar, carrot, lime juice, sugar, cilantro and salt and pepper. Chili overnight in refrigerator. Stir in diced avocado just before serving and top with additional avocado slices.
Oooh , I haven’t made gazpacho yet this summer but adding avocado to it sounds amazing! So you are close to being an empty nester – how does that feel? I’m on the other end of the spectrum with my only kid starting kindergarden 🙂