Avocado Dressing and Guacamole Bowls

Avocados are the June Harvest of the Month

Avocados are the Harvest of the Month in June.  In the Nutrition classroom, we used the avocados in a creamy salad dressing for 2^nd-4^th grades.  5^th graders made their own guacamole bowls with the avocados.  Avocados are rich in protein, in vitamins and a great source of monounsaturated fat (the healthy fat).  You can find locally grown avocados at any of the Santa Cruz farmer’s markets.  

Lettuce Salad with Avocado Dressing:

Makes salad for 4+ people

Ingredients:

*2 heads of lettuce washed and ripped

*1 tablespoon finely chopped chives

*2 tablespoons finely chopped basil

*3 small to medium avocados

*1 shallot

*1 lemon

*4 tablespoons red vine vinegar

*3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

*3/4 teaspoon salt

*4 tablespoons cream

*3/4 cup croutons (homemade or store bought)

Preparation:

*Chop herbs and avocado.

*Peel and finely dice the shallots.  Place the shallots in a small mixing bowl.

*Cut and juice the lemon into the mixing bowl.  Add the vinegar, the salt and the black pepper into bowl.

*Add the avocados and mash into the vinegar mixture. 

*Add the herbs, the olive oil and the cream.  Whisk the dressing slowly.  Taste the dressing and add more slat, lemon juice or oil as needed.

*In a large bowl, toss the lettuce, add the croutons and mix the dressing.  

*Serve salad and enjoy.

Student harvesting lettuce from the garden.

The bowl of mixed greens.  Students had a great time washing the lettuce with the garden hose.

The finished product.

Guacamole in a Bowl
 Makes 1 small serving of guacamole. Increase recipe for a bigger serving size.
Ingredients:

*1 large avocado
*1/2 lime
*1 tablespoon chopped garlic. Add more garlic to taste.
*2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
*Salt to taste
*5 large blue corn chips.

Preparation:

*Slice the avocado in half. Remove the avocado pit. Remove the fruit from the peel with a spoon. Place the avocado in a small bowl.
*Dice the cilantro and add to the bowl.
*Peel and dice the garlic clove. Add the garlic to the bowl.
*Squeeze lime into the bowl to taste.
*Add sprinkle of salt into the bowl to taste.
*Mash the ingredients together with a fork until creamy. Add more lime, garlic or salt if desired.
*Eat with blue corn chips.

Student removing avocado from peel.

Student chopping cilantro

Student adding diced garlic

Student squeezing lime.

Student sprinkling salt and mashing with a fork.

The finished guacamole in a bowl.