The Great Avocado

I detested avocados until I was about 15. Why I didn't like them is beyond me since I had never tasted them. I guess it was the fact that they were green and slimy on the inside. It wasn't until my grandmother encouraged me to try some while visiting her one holiday season in California. I was hooked. Now I eat them in my sandwiches, salads, with chips, and even pasta!  I even snuck avocados in LM's meals to help him gain weigh when he was younger and not gaining weight like we would like. He says he doesn't like them. Little does he know! But my favorite dish is a summer favorite. Tomato, Basil Salad with a vinaigrette dressing.  And those tomatoes have to be homegrown Not the store bought ones. 

Vinaigrette dressing

• 3 Tbs olive oil 
• 4 tsp wine vinegar or cider vinegar (4 teaspoons) or lemon juice 
• 1/4 tsp sugar 
• 1/4 tsp whole grain Dijon mustard or French mustard 
• 
  
  • salt
• pepper

Salad

• 2 ripe avocados
• 1 cucumber (thinly sliced)
• 4 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 6oz. mozzarella cheese (thinly sliced)
• 4-5 large leaves of fresh basil (chopped) 
• parsley (to garnish)

Not only do Avocados taste great they do contain healthy fats! According to the USDA-ARS, phytonutrients such as those found in Avocados may be beneficial to your health in a number of ways. 

                                                      • Serve as antioxidants
                                                      • Enhance your immune response
                                                      • Help metabolize vitamin A

The Avocado League has a contest going on called the "Big Hit". Please visit the site and vote for your favorite recipe!

I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association. Mom Central also sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.