Guacamole, but jazzy.

When I was in Texas during the summer one year, there was a Mexican restaurant we went to that had pineapple guacamole and I never forgot it.

And that is saying a lot because I am actually not a huge guacamole fan (I know, who isn’t a guac fan?!), but it’s just one of those things I could live without.

Except when it comes to adding a tropical flavor profile + GREENS to the recipe, and then it’s a hell yes for me.

When I make recipes, I always ask myself if I can add leafy greens to the recipe while still keeping it delicious. The answer is usually yes. I would actually say that adding more nutrient dense foods to a recipe makes it taste even better, at least to me anyway.

What to dip with if you want to keep healthier?!

I personally don’t like to load up on salty chips. I like to have a few, but then I like to eat something more hydrating. (I don’t know..too much salt makes me feel like bloated corpse – I just can’t do too much salt it without feeling gross after). Soo I like to opt for more nutritious dippers.

Carrot, Jicama, or Cucumber sticks for raw veggies. (jicama is my go-to if available)

If I do go for a chip, I like to do an organic bean chip so it at least has lots of fiber. Also Trader Joes has a new organic grain-free chip that is pretty good & doesn’t break apart when you dip.

This recipe has a few ingredients that I like to be sure I eat on a daily basis: leafy greens, fresh herbs, and onion. More on WHY below.

KALE

Raw leafy greens are packed with nutrients. Leafy greens protect blood vessels, and are associated with reduced risk of diabetes. They also are full of carotenoids which are known to promote healthy vision. Most exciting of all they contain glucosinolates, and when leafy green’s cell walls are broken by blending / chopping / chewing, a chemical reaction converts glucosinolates to isothiocyanates compounds with a variety of potent anti-cancer effects! Yes, anti-cancer! {source via the incredible Fuhrman MD}

Fresh Herbs

Herbs are flavor-packed leafy greens that add an increased nutritional & flavor profile to your foods. Supporting immune defenses through the regular intake of herbs may lead to decreased health risks. In a recent study, substantial evidence suggests that consumption of a healthful diet, inclusive of herbs and spices, can strengthen the body’s abilities to defend, respond, and recover from diseases such as highly contagious viruses. {source}

Raw Onion

Onions also contain tons of potent antioxidants, one being quercetin, which slows tumor development, suppresses growth and proliferation and induces cell death in colon cancer cells. Red onions contain at least 25 different anthocyanins, and these compounds help support the immune system and fight unstable molecules also known as free radicals. {source}

If this kind of recipe is your vibe, you’ll also like..

Mango Salsa

Tomato Avocado Salad w/Cilantro Lime Dressing

Tropical Antioxidant Smoothie

Let me know what you think of this recipe. Enjoy it this summer! Xo, Ashley.