Category Archives: Dressings, Dips and Spreads

Pico de Gallo Recipe From my Favorite “Good Fat” Food – Avocados

Amanda O'Brien

Amanda O'Brien

Guiding Stars Contributor

Amanda is originally from Peaks Island, Maine and currently works at Hall Web Services managing their inbound marketing team. She is a self proclaimed workaholic who tries to maintain a busy lifestyle. She is an amateur yogi and runner. Amanda contributes regularly to the Guiding Stars Blog.

Twitter Icon

Other posts by Amanda O'Brien

I was a late bloomer on liking avocados. It really only happened in the last few years. They are so delicious, you can do so much with them, they are available all year and they are good for you!

Avocados are nutrient dense fruits (yes, Avocados are a fruit). They are a rich source of vitamin E and loaded with nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. Avocados are also attributed to helping maintain a healthy cholesterol level, help in good eye health, may lower the risk of breast cancer and more. I am not a doctor, but Avocados are frequently featured in blogs and magazines for their disease repelling super powers. Avocados also have “good fat” which helps your body process protein and helps your body stay healthy.

A one-ounce serving of fresh avocados has 0mg of cholesterol and 0mg of sodium and is only 50 calories. A serving of avocado has the same calories as a serving of other fruits like cantaloupe and pineapple.

Besides all the health benefits, avocados added to meals creates a delicious complexity. The creamy taste of avocado makes it a great substitute for cheese on a sandwich!

Below is one of my favorite recipes to make and have around the house, an avocado Pico de Gallo. This Pico is great to have over a steak, in a wrap with some diced chicken, with some low-fat cheese for a quesadilla and so much more. I use all fresh ingredients and store in an air-tight container and it lasts for 4-5 days. I hope you like it as much as we do at my house... Read more »

Pico de Gallo Recipe From my Favorite “Good Fat” Food – Avocados

Roasted Vegetable Spread

Recipes

Recipes

1 star is good, 2 stars is better, 3 stars is best

Delicious recipes with a healthy touch. Look for new star-worthy recipes each week.

Facebook Icon Twitter Icon LinkedIn Icon

Other posts by Recipes

Roasting the vegetables brings out the natural flavors in this delicious 3 star spread, especially in the eggplant and peppers. Number of Servings: 6 Serving Size: 1/4 cup

Ingredients

1 ea medium eggplant cut in half 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 ea large green pepper, cored, seeded, and cut in half 1 ea red pepper, cored, seeded, and cut in half 2 Tbsp lemon juice 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 Tbsp tomato paste 1 Tbsp Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F. Place the eggplant cut side down, on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Brush with half the olive oil. Add the peppers to the pan and continue to roast for an additional 25 minutes, brushing with the rest of the oil. 2. Cool the vegetables and peel the eggplant. Drain the vegetables by placing them on a paper towel. Dry well. Place the vegetables in a food processor and blend. Then add the remaining ingredients and blend will. Refrigerate before serving... Read more »

Roasted Vegetable Spread

Chunky Guacamole (2 Stars)

Recipes

Recipes

Other posts by Recipes

Great for parties and tailgating, this low-fat guacamole is easy to make. Tomatoes and onions add extra flavor. Serves: Makes 2 cups (eight 4-tablespoon servings) Ingredients 2 medium plum tomatoes, seeded and finely chopped 1/4 of a small red onion, finely chopped 1 or 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons lime juice 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon black pepper 2 ripe ... Read more »

Chunky Guacamole (2 Stars)

Dijon Vinaigrette (1 star)

Recipes

Recipes

Other posts by Recipes

Prep: 5 min. Makes 1 1/2 cups Serving size: about 1 Tablespoon Ingredients 1 cup olive oil 1/2 cup cider vinegar 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon dried dillweed 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon Splenda 1/4 teaspoon pepper Directions Whisk together all ingredients in a small bowl. Cover and chill until ready to serve. Read more »

Black Bean Salsa (3 stars)

Recipes

Recipes

1 star is good, 2 stars is better, 3 stars is best

Delicious recipes with a healthy touch. Look for new star-worthy recipes each week.

Facebook Icon Twitter Icon LinkedIn Icon

Other posts by Recipes

This salsa is great with fish. Number of Servings: 18 Serving Size: 1/4 cup Ingredients 1 can 15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed ½ cup red onion, chopped 1 jalapeno pepper, minced 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 Tbsp lime juice 1 tsp garlic cloves, minced 2 cups tomatoes, chopped 1 cup red pepper, chopped 1/2 cup cilantro, minced 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, minced Directions Combine all ingredients and refrigerate ... Read more »