π₯ Avocado Salad with Black Olive Dressing π«
What is it?
Avocado Salad with Black Olive Dressing is a delightful and refreshing dish that combines the creamy richness of ripe avocados with the briny, savory flavors of a black olive dressing. This salad is a perfect blend of textures and tastes, making it a popular choice for those seeking a healthy and satisfying meal.
History:
The origins of this specific salad recipe are a bit unclear, but it’s part of the broader tradition of salads that use avocados. Avocado salads have been enjoyed for decades, and the addition of a black olive dressing likely emerged as a creative twist on classic avocado salads.
Components:
- Ripe avocados π₯
- Black olives (pitted) π«
- Fresh lettuce or mixed greens π₯
- Cherry tomatoes π
- Red onion (optional, for some extra zing) π§
- Feta cheese (optional, for a creamy and tangy element) π§
- Fresh herbs (such as cilantro or parsley) πΏ
Steps to Prepare:
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Prepare the Black Olive Dressing:
- In a food processor or blender, combine black olives, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and your choice of herbs (e.g., oregano or basil).
- Blend until you achieve a smooth, flavorful dressing. You can add a touch of honey or agave nectar for sweetness if desired.
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Prepare the Salad:
- Slice ripe avocados into thin wedges or cubes.
- Wash and tear the lettuce or mixed greens into bite-sized pieces.
- Cut cherry tomatoes in halves or quarters.
- Thinly slice red onions (if using).
- Crumble feta cheese (if using).
- Toss the avocados, greens, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and feta cheese in a large salad bowl.
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Assemble:
- Drizzle the black olive dressing over the salad. Use as much or as little as you prefer.
- Gently toss the salad to ensure that the dressing is evenly distributed.
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Serve:
- Divide the salad into individual plates or bowls.
- Garnish with additional black olives, fresh herbs, and a crack of black pepper.
Time Needed:
The time required to prepare Avocado Salad with Black Olive Dressing depends on your cooking experience and whether you have all the ingredients ready. On average, it should take about 15-20 minutes to prepare this delicious salad. It’s a quick and healthy option for a light lunch or a refreshing appetizer.
Enjoy this fresh and flavorful salad with the rich creaminess of avocados complemented by the tangy and salty notes of the black olive dressing. π₯π«π₯π π§πΏπ½οΈ
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and health information for an Avocado Salad with Black Olive Dressing:
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, approximate values):
- Calories: 250-300 calories
- Total Fat: 20-25g
- Saturated Fat: 3-5g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 14-18g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2-3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 300-400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15-20g
- Dietary Fiber: 7-9g
- Sugars: 2-3g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Vitamin A: 15-20% DV (Daily Value)
- Vitamin C: 20-25% DV
- Calcium: 4-6% DV
- Iron: 6-8% DV
Health Information:
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Heart-Healthy Fats: Avocado is a fantastic source of monounsaturated fats, which can help improve heart health by reducing bad cholesterol levels.
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Rich in Fiber: This salad is high in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and contributes to a feeling of fullness.
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Vitamins and Minerals: It provides essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C for immune support, vitamin A for vision, and potassium for regulating blood pressure.
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Low in Saturated Fat and Cholesterol: The salad is naturally low in saturated fat and cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy choice.
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Antioxidants: Ingredients like avocados and black olives contain antioxidants that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
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Weight Management: The high fiber content can contribute to weight management by promoting satiety and reducing overeating.
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Skin Health: The healthy fats and vitamins in this salad can contribute to healthy, radiant skin.
It’s worth noting that the exact nutrition values can vary depending on the specific ingredients used, the portion size, and the dressing. For precise nutrition information, consider calculating it based on your chosen brands and quantities of ingredients. Overall, an Avocado Salad with Black Olive Dressing can be a nutritious and wholesome addition to your diet, particularly if you’re looking for a satisfying, low-carb option. π₯π«π₯π₯