Recipe: Guacamole Goes Mediterranean

Traditional guacamole gets a Mediterranean makeover in this mouth-watering dip. Adding flavorful feta cheese, rice vinegar, oregano and parsley will satisfy the cravings of both avocado lovers and feta addicts!

Ingredients

• 1 cup chopped avocado (1–2 avocados)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar (flavored with basil and oregano)
• 1 1/4 cup crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese

Directions

1. In a bowl, gently stir together avocado, onion and garlic.
2. Mix in parsley and oregano.
3. Gently stir in olive oil, vinegar and feta. Refrigerate or serve immediately.

Ingredient health benefits

• Avocados: Sometimes, good things come in small, bumpy packages. Adding avocados to any dish is a rich, creamy way to get some important nutrients in your body. They’re loaded with unsaturated fats and potassium, which support your heart and protect it from disease, as well as vitamins K, C, E, B6 and B9 (folate). These vitamins support many essential aspects of your well-being, from your eyes and immune cells to strong bones and soft skin. And speaking of head-to-toe health, avocadoes are also high in insoluble and soluble fiber, which your digestive tract will greatly appreciate!
• Onions: It’s easy not to look past the potent, eyewatering qualities of this common ingredient, but your efforts won’t be in vain! Onions are packed with important nutrients like vitamin C, fiber and flavonoids, which promote immunity, lower inflammation and keep your heart healthy. The fiber in onions also works with prebiotics to bolster your “good” gut bacteria and “smooth your moves.” And a flavonoid called quercetin may suppress the growth of “bad” bacteria that can make you sick.
• Garlic: Another aromatic allium, garlic is so nutritious that some consider it a superfood! It can boost your immune system when eaten regularly with lots of fruits and vegetables, and it may help regulate your blood pressure. There are also plenty of antioxidants that help decrease unwanted inflammation and keep your cells in peak condition, and certain natural compounds might protect you from harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli.
• Parsley: Even herbs can have some benefits of their own! Parsley is a natural diuretic, so it helps your body get rid of extra fluid when nature calls, and there are flavonoids to help preserve your heart and brain health.
• Olive oil: It’s well known that olive oil is a prime choice when it comes to cooking oils, but have you ever wondered why? Well, it’s chock full of heart-healthy fats that help lower your “bad” (LDL) cholesterol and raise your “good” (HDL) cholesterol, as well as fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins D and K. Olive oil is also rich in polyphenols, a type of antioxidant. And while all olive oil is nutritious and delicious, consider going for the extra virgin variety (EVOO) if you can, as it has the highest concentration of these benefits.
• Cheese: What’s not to love about a food that also loves you? Cheese is a meat-free source of omega-3s, essential fats that fuel every cell in your body and may decrease your risk of certain cancers and eye diseases. Whey, casein and calcium support strong bones and muscles so they can support your needs. And vitamin A and vitamin B12 are responsible for keeping your eyes, brain and blood cells in top shape, while the minerals selenium and zinc help strengthen your immunity.

Nutrition information (per serving)

Makes 5 servings
Serving = 1/4 cup

Calories: 123 (72% calories from fat)
Fat: 11 g
Saturated fat: 2 g
Cholesterol: 3 mg
Sodium: 105 mg
Carbohydrates: 7 g
Dietary fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 1 g
Protein: 3 g
Dietary exchanges: 1/2 starch, 2 fat

— Recipe from Speaking of Women’s Health.