Guacamole Rice

Avocados are something I usually have on hand. They keep well if purchased when firm and they are simply wonderful just sliced and served up all on their own, just as is for a snack or as part of a meal as a nourishing and refreshing side. They also happen to be a fine addition to smoothies, salads, a key ingredient in many favorite dips, such as guacamole, and also feature delightfully in desserts. And this versatile fruit not only tastes good, it's good for a body too. The benefits of eating avocados are many, but to highlight just a few:

Avocado offer an abundance of minerals and vitamins and antioxidants, are an excellent source of potassium, providing more than even bananas, a great source of healthy fats, protein and fiber, have anti-inflammatory properties, aid liver functioning, and help with the absorption of other nutrients.

It's always a shame to waste food, especially something as precious and dear as avocado. The idea for this simple rice dish is especially suited to avocados that are especially ripe and nearing the end of their shelf life. I call it "guacamole rice" because basically I just mashed up some avocado with a few other ingredients that feature in guacamole, and once the rice was cooked, mixed everything together and served. It's a refreshing and creamy side that goes well with any number of mains, such as soups and stews.

Guacamole Rice

Recipe by Lisa Turner Cuisine: Mexican Published on December 3, 2016 Simple, creamy, refreshing and zesty rice side dish prepared with avocado, tomatoes and spices for a guacamole rice experience Print this recipe Ingredients: 1 cup dried brown rice 1 shallot, minced 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped 1 avocado, peeled and pitted 1 small tomato, finely chopped 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon paprika or chili powder juice from 1 lime or small lemon (2 tablespoons) 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, finely chopped sea salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste Instructions: Rinse the rice in a strainer and transfer to a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan. Pour in 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the water is absorbed — about 40 minutes. During the last few minutes of cooking time, quickly add the shallot and jalapeño to the pan, cover again, and continue to cook. When the water is absorbed, remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes. While the rice is cooking, mash the avocado and stir in the tomato, cumin, paprika or chili powder, lemon or lime juice, and cilantro or parsley. Add this mixture to the cooked rice and add salt and pepper. Fluff with a fork to mix and serve hot or cool, garnished with additional fresh chopped cilantro or parsley if desired. Makes 5 to 6 servings as a side

Other recipes featuring avocado from Lisa's Kitchen:
Avocado Greek Salad
Peanut and Cashew Pinto Chili with Corn and Avocado Salsa
Pinto Bean and Avocado Burritos
Raw Avocado Coconut Nanaimo Bars

Pumpkin Pie Pudding with Banana and Avocado

I usually make pumpkin pie at least once a year during the pumpkin season, but this year I found something that is almost as good and much easier to prepare too. Not that I mind making pie crust, but admittedly it does involve far more fuss than whizzing up some fresh pumpkin purée with banana, avocado, pumpkin pie spices and some maple syrup into a smooth vegan pudding. It's sweet, without being overpowering, and rich and creamy. Nothing to feel guilty about while enjoying a serving because everything here is good for you.

Pumpkin Pie Pudding with Banana and Avocado

Recipe by Lisa Turner Adapted from Blissful Basil Published on October 10, 2016 A rich and creamy no-cook vegan avocado pudding that tastes like pumpkin pie filling Print this recipe Ingredients: 2 medium just-ripe bananas, peeled 2 ripe avocados 3/4 cup plain unsweetened pumpkin purée 1/3 cup almond butter 3 to 4 tablespoons maple syrup, to taste 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamon 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg or mace 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon vanilla a few pinches of sea salt almond milk as needed Instructions: Combine all of the ingredients except the almond milk in a blender or food processor. Process until well combined, stirring often to distribute the mixture. The pudding should be fairly thick, but a bit of almond milk may be added if the mixture seems too thick. Transfer to a container and place in the refrigerator to chill and thicken. Serve in dessert glasses or small bowls and top with some yogurt and slivered almonds if desired. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, stirring before serving. Makes 2 large servings or 4 small servings

Other pumpkin treats to enjoy from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:
Essentially Raw Pumpkin Bites
Pumpkin Pie with Fresh Purée
Pumpkin Energy Bites
Pumpkin Cheesecake

Roasted Carrot and Azuki Bean Salad

We seem to be starting to climb out of winter here in southwestern Ontario, so it's time to put some color on the plate. Spiced roasted carrots, sweet red azuki beans and pieces of avocado on a bed of baby spinach do the trick here, and they're absolutely delightful on their own — particularly the carrots, which you'll end up snacking on even before you serve the salad. But what really separates this colorful salad from the rest is an astonishingly tasty lime, cilantro and mint dressing that you'll want to remember for serving with any robust flavored salad.

Roasted Carrot and Azuki Bean Salad

Recipe by Lisa Turner Adapted from Vegetarian Times Published on March 8, 2016 Colorful and fragrant winter salad of red beans and spiced roasted carrots served with a tangy lime, cilantro and mint dressing Print this recipe Salad: 1/2 cup dried azuki beans (1 1/2 cups cooked) 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 2 lbs (900 g) large carrots 4 tablespoons olive oil 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika 1/2 teaspoon cayenne 4 cups baby spinach leaves 1 avocado, sliced or chopped Dressing: 1/4 cup olive oil juice from 2 limes (4 tablespoons) 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 1 clove garlic, minced or crushed 1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped 1 teaspoon sea salt fresh ground black pepper Instructions: Rinse the azuki beans and soak for 6 hours or overnight in several inches of water. Drain and rinse, then transfer to a small saucepan and cover with fresh water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes or until tender. Drain, toss with the red wine vinegar, and set aside. Preheat an oven to 400° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the carrots diagonally to form 1/2-inch thick ovals. Toss with the olive oil, cumin, paprika and cayenne, and spread over the baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes, turn the carrots, and roast for another 20 to 25 minutes, or until the carrots are tender. Remove from heat, let cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a large bowl. Add the azuki beans and toss. Whisk together all the dressing ingredients, and taste for seasoning. Scatter baby spinach leaves over a plate, top with a few spoonfuls of salad, and scatter avocado pieces on top. Drizzle with dressing and serve. Best served warm or room temperature, but can be served chilled. Makes 4 servings

This is my contribution to No Croutons Required, a monthly event celebrating vegetarian soups and salads, alternately hosted by Jacquline of Tinned Tomatoes and myself. It's my turn to host this month so please do send in an entry.

I am also sharing this with Eat Your Greens, co-hosted by Shaheen and The Veg Hog.

Other recipes with Azuki beans to enjoy from Lisa's Kitchen:
Spicy Azuki Bean Risotto
Coconut Lime Rice with Adzuki Beans and Mango
Indian-Spiced Squash, Pear and Adzuki Bean Soup with Lightly Braised Mixed Mushrooms
Spicy Adzuki Beans with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Mushrooms

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Chickpea Avocado Bites with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

I adore little bites and these filling little appetizers could surely be a meal without any other adornments — at least for me! I don't eat eggs any longer, but the creaminess and taste of this concoction could easily remind one of a deviled egg filling. In this case, I served this on crusty bread. Tart and tangy with a hint of heat, you really could just eat this by the spoonful. It's that good.

Chickpea Avocado Bites with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Recipe by Lisa Turner Published on January 26, 2016 Creamy, tangy and tart chickpea and avocado "deviled eggs" Print this recipe Ingredients: 2/3 cup dried chickpeas (2 cups cooked) 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes 2 shallots, finely chopped 4 teaspoons rice vinegar or white wine vinegar 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 teaspoons sriracha or other hot sauce 1 avocado, chopped 1 1/2 tablespoons nutritional yeast 2 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste To serve: 1 baguette, cut into 1/2 inch slices fresh chopped chives paprika Instructions: Rinse the chickpeas and soak for 8 hours or overnight in several inches of water. Drain and rinse, then ransfer to a medium saucepan and cover with fresh water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until tender — 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Drain and transfer to a food processor. Meanwhile, soak the sun-dried tomatoes in 1 cup of hot water for 30 to 60 minutes. Drain, reserving the soaking water, and chop. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, shallots, vinegar, olive oil, avocado, nutritional yeast, mustard and salt to the food processor. Process until smooth, adding some of the reserved sun-dried tomato soaking water as necessary. You want a smooth and creamy consistency. To serve, spoon some of the chickpea avocado mixture onto each piece of bread. Garnish with fresh chopped chives and a sprinkle of paprika. Serve and enjoy. Makes 15 to 18 appetizers

Other appetizers to enjoy from Lisa's Kitchen:
Baked Mini Vegetable Chickpea Samosas
Coleslaw Bites with Jalapeño Dip
Baked Quinoa Falafel Bites
Chana Vada (Chana Dal Peanut Patties) with a Tamarind Chili Sauce

Black Bean and Sweet Potato Enchiladas with Avocado Cream Sauce

Much like popular Italian baked pasta dishes such as cannelloni or lasagna, this vegan Mexican baked tortilla dish is wonderfully rich despite the total absence of meat and dairy. There is only one drawback to this meal — it's so absurdly delicious and wholesome that it presents a challenge to the cook to come up with something that has as much flair and finesse for the next dinner. Thankfully there were leftovers.

Honestly, these must be the best enchiladas I have ever made and enjoyed. If you fancy meat or cheesy dishes, you won't miss either here even though these are completely vegan. And quite filling too. A spiced filling of black beans, sweet potato, brown rice, spinach and black olives are wrapped in corn tortillas and baked in a thick, rich and zesty homemade tomato sauce. Topped with a colorful creamy avocado and cilantro cream sauce with fresh lime juice that is drizzled on just before serving, this is a complete meal. Everything you need to nourish is included and these enchiladas are an ideal choice if you happen to be entertaining guests.

The enchilada sauce can be made the day before and the sweet potato roasted ahead of time as well so that everything comes together with ease when it's time to prepare dinner.

Black Bean and Sweet Potato Enchiladas with Avocado Cream Sauce

Recipe by Lisa Turner Adapted from The Oh She Glows Cookbook: Vegan Recipes To Glow From The Inside Out Cuisine: Mexican Published on October 6, 2015 Black beans, sweet potato, brown rice, spinach and black olives wrapped in corn tortillas and baked in a thick, rich and zesty homemade tomato sauce Print this recipe Enchilada sauce: 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 shallot, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 1 red chili, seeded and finely chopped (or a pinch of cayenne) 2 tablespoons chickpea flour (besan) or unbleached white flour 3 to 4 teaspoons chili powder 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/3 cup nutritional yeast 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped 2/3 cup tomato paste 1 1/2 cups vegetable stock 1/2 to 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste Enchiladas: 1 large sweet potato (about 2 1/2 cups), scrubbed 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 small red onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped 2 cups cooked black beans (2/3 cup dried or 1 19 oz can) 1/2 cup cooked brown rice 2 large handfuls of spinach, roughly chopped 1/3 cup black olives, pitted and roughly chopped juice from 1 lime (2 tablespoons) 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste 6 6-inch corn or flour tortillas Avocado cream sauce: 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, trimmed 1 medium avocado 3 tablespoons water, or as needed juice from 1 lime (2 tablespoons) 1/2 teaspoon sea salt Instructions: To make the enchilada sauce, heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. When hot, toss in the shallot, garlic and chili if using and sauté for a few minutes. Stir in the flour until the vegetables are coated. Now stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika and cayenne if using. Stir for another minute. Add the nutritional yeast and fresh tomato, whisk the mixture, and simmer a few minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, stock and salt. Simmer for another 5 minutes or until thickened. Add a bit more stock if the sauce is too thick. It should be creamy and thick, but not watery. Set aside until it's time to assemble the enchiladas. To boil the sweet potato, peel and cut into small pieces and boil in enough water to cover until fork tender — about 5 to 7 minutes. Or to roast the sweet potato, preheat an oven to 400°, pierce the potato a few times with a fork, and bake until fork tender — about 30 minutes. Let cool, remove the skin, and chop into small pieces. To make the enchilada filling, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and jalapeño and continue to saute for another few minutes. Stir in the chili powder and cumin. Now add the red pepper, sweet potato, black beans and rice and stir well to combine. Add the spinach, a small handful at a time, and cook over medium-high heat until the spinach is wilted. Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the olives, 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce, lime juice and salt. Preheat an oven to 350°. To assemble the enchiladas, grease a large 9 x 13 baking dish with olive oil. Spread about 1 cup of the enchilada sauce over the bottom of the dish. Scoop about 3/4 cup of the filling onto each tortilla, wrap, and place seam-side down into the dish. Top with any remaining filling and the rest of the sauce. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the sauce has thickened and is a deep red colour. While the enchiladas are baking, prepare the avocado cream sauce. In a small food processor or blender, mince the cilantro. Add the avocado, water, lime juice and salt. Process until well combined and creamy, adding more water as necessary. To serve, individually plate the enchiladas and drizzle each with avocado cream sauce. Makes 6 servings

This is my contribution to My Legume Love Affair, a monthly event started by Susan of The Well Seasoned Cook and now administered by me. I am also hosting this month. I'm also sharing this with Jacqueline's weekly Meat Free Mondays event.

Other Mexican-style dishes to enjoy from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:
Cornmeal-Crusted Kidney Bean and Black Bean Chili
Refried Beans with Pumpkin
Mexican-Style Mung Bean Tostadas
Pinto Bean and Avocado Burritos

Vegan Potato Salad Dressed with Avocado

It's been an unseasonably hot spring this year in London, Ontario. Seems winter went and summer just kicked right in. That means more salads have been appearing on the menu. Potato salad always seems to be a popular choice and is especially suited to potlucks and picnics — especially this one that is made without eggs or a dairy-based dressing.

I've never been especially fond of mayonnaise and lately I have tried to replicate the creaminess that is often present in potato salads and coleslaws with fresh avocado. I have been delighted with the results and plan to try something different with my favorite Caesar salad next time I make it. The dressing here adds a tangy element to the salad that is not to be missed if you enjoy dressing up potatoes. It's super easy to prepare too, and the dressing can be made up while the vegetables are roasting. Roasting the potatoes is a fantastic way to prevent the potatoes from getting mushy and brings out their natural goodness while preserving more of the nutrients. As for roasted asparagus, it takes so little time if the asparagus is fresh. In this instance, the oven was already heated up with the potatoes and so it only made sense to skip steaming or pan-frying the asparagus.

Vegan Potato Salad Dressed with Avocado

Recipe by Lisa Turner Adapted from The Oh She Glows Cookbook: Vegan Recipes To Glow From The Inside Out Published on June 8, 2015 Golden brown roasted potatoes and tender roasted asparagus tossed in a creamy, tangy and zesty avocado and dill dressing — perfect for hot summer days Print this recipe Salad: 2 lbs (900 g) white potatoes, cut into 1/2 cubes or triangles 1 bunch (1 lb or 450 g) asparagus 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper 2 green onions, trimmed and chopped Dressing: 1 avocado, pitted and peeled 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped juice from 1 lemon (3 tablespoons) 1 green onion, trimmed and chopped 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional) 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste Instructions: Preheat an oven to 425°. Toss the potatoes with half of the oil and transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, taking care to spread them evenly. Season with some salt and pepper. Roast for about 15 minutes, flip them, and roast for another 10 minutes until lightly browned and fork tender. Meanwhile, snap the woody ends off of the asparagus spears and chop the spears into 1-inch pieces. Push the potatoes to the side to make room for the asparagus. Drizzle the asparagus with the remaining oil and season with a bit more salt and pepper. Place the pan back in the oven and roast the vegetables for 10 minutes until the asparagus is tender. Transfer the vegetables to a large bowl and add the green onions. Let the salad cool to room temperature. To make the dressing, combine all of the ingredients in a small food processor until smooth. Add a little water if necessary. Toss the salad with the dressing and serve at room temperature or chilled. Makes 4 to 6 servings

I am sharing this with Jacqueline's Meat Free Monday event, and also No Croutons Required, a monthly event showcasing vegetarian soups and salad, alternately hosted by Jac and myself. Jacqueline is hosting the June 2015 edition.

More potato salads to enjoy this summer:
Indian-Style Potato and Pea Salad with Tamarind and Chat Masala
Mexican-Style Potato Salad With Avocado and Jalapeño
Creamy Herbed Potato and Green Pea Salad
Warm Baby Potato and Asparagus Salad

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Guacamole Omelette

I asked my husband to cook me a nice breakfast for my birthday a few weeks ago. He doesn't ordinarily have to cook at all as I take care of pretty much all the food around the house. I don't mind — in fact, I enjoy cooking and frequently find myself looking at recipes when there's no cooking to be done — but I thought that it would be nice to have someone cooking for me for a change.

While he doesn't have a grand imagination in the kitchen, he did come up with the idea of this guacamole omelette and cooked it for me too. So this is actually his dish, but I'm claiming it for my own because he did use my own homemade guacamole recipe. Spicy, tangy and creamy fresh guacamole snuggled up in eggs is absolutely delicious, and easy enough for my husband's talents in the kitchen. Best of all, making a batch of guacamole ahead of time left plenty over after the omelette to snack on.

Guacamole Omelette

Recipe by Lisa Turner Cuisine: Mexican Published on March 28, 2015 Spicy, tangy and creamy guacamole in a four-egg omelette for a simple breakfast for two Print this recipe Ingredients: 4 eggs pinch of dried red chili flakes or chili powder sea salt and black pepper to taste 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil 1 cup guacamole chopped green onion or cilantro for garnish (optional) Instructions: Break the eggs into a bowl, season with dried red chili flakes or chili powder and salt and pepper to taste, and beat lightly with a fork. Heat the butter or olive oil in a large 9 or 10 inch non-stick skillet over medium heat. When hot, pour in the eggs and stir gently with the back of a fork for 30 seconds. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until the eggs are almost set, loosening the edges occasionally with a spatula and tilting the pan to let the uncooked eggs reach the surface of the pan. Spoon the guacamole over half of the eggs and cook for another 30 to 60seconds until the eggs are set. Tap the handle of the pan sharply with your fist to loosen the omelette and then fold it over with a fork or spatula. Slide the omelette onto a plate and scatter chopped green onions or cilantro over top if desired. Serve right away. Makes 2 servings

More breakfast egg ideas you may enjoy:
Greek Omelette
Jalapeño Breakfast Burritos
Huevos Rancheros Con Frijoles
Chili Tortilla Scramble

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Audio Accompaniment: Marsen Jules - The Empire of Silence

Avocado and Tomato Salsa with Chipotle

One can never have enough ideas for salsas as far as I am concerned. Not only do they feature as a condiment or dip, they sometimes occupy a central role in the main dish. This salsa is perfected suited as an appetizer and accompaniment. As creamy chunks of avocado fill out this salsa, it was the star of a recent meal as a topping for hummus served with some flat breads. The chipotle adds a fairly intense and smoky heat that lingers all the while cooled and tempered by the chunks of refreshing avocado. It's snap to whip up too and requires no cooking time at all. I do recommend the fresh herbs here for additional flavor and freshness. Certainly some Kalamata olives would be a fine addition, and next time I make this a handful will be included in the mix.

Note: Chipotles are very hot, so be sparing with them if you are sensitive to heat. This recipe calls for one avocado, but last time I made it I used two. Adjust to suit your preferences.

Avocado and Tomato Salsa with Chipotle

Recipe by Lisa Turner Cuisine: Mexican Published on March 12, 2015 Simple, colorful and vibrant no-cook avocado and tomato salsa with herbs and smoky chipotles Print this recipe Ingredients: 1 to 2 dried chipotle chilies 1-inch piece ginger, grated or finely chopped 1 large shallot, finely chopped 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped juice from 1 lime (2 tablespoons) 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin dash of paprika 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar a few pinches of sea salt 1 pint (2 cups) cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered 1 avocado, pitted and chopped Instructions: Soak the chipotle chilies in hot water for 30 to 40 minutes until softened. Drain and finely chop. In a medium bowl, mix together the chilies, ginger, shallot, mint, cilantro, lime juice, cumin, paprika, olive oil, vinegar and salt. Toss in the tomatoes and then stir in the avocado. Makes about 3 cups

Other delightful salsas to enjoy:
Mexican Tomato and Jalapeño Salsa
Feta and Olive Salsa
Black-Eyed Pea Salsa
Avocado Pomegranate Salsa

On the top of the reading stack: The Complete Coconut Cookbook: 200 Gluten-free, Grain-free and Nut-free Vegan Recipes Using Coconut Flour, Oil, Sugar and More

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Avocado Blackberry Smoothie

The holidays are often a time of indulgence. Larger meals and more sweets. Once the festivities are over, many of us turn to healthier and cleansing solutions for meals. Smoothies are always a good choice to start the day, especially when creamy avocado and berries take the shining role, as they do here along with banana, almond milk and hemp seeds. In addition, not only is this smoothie packed with nourishment, but it takes hardly anytime at all to whiz up. If you like your smoothies sweeter, simply add more honey.

Avocado Blackberry Smoothie

Recipe by Lisa Turner Published on January 6, 2015 Quick, easy, refreshing and creamy smoothie with avocado and blackberries sweetened with banana and honey Print this recipe Ingredients: 1 ripe avocado, pitted, peeled and chopped 1 cup blackberries 1/2 ripe banana 3 tablespoons hemp seeds 1 cup almond milk 1/2 cup coconut water or additional almond milk 2 to 3 teaspoons raw honey, to taste Instructions: Combine all of the ingredients in a blender. Process until smooth, adding more almond milk or coconut water as necessary. Serve in glasses. Makes 2 servings

Other smoothie recipes to try:
Beet and Top Green Smoothie with Apple, Orange and Ginger
Frozen Mango Lime Lassi
Pomegranate & Blueberry Oat Smoothie

On the top of the reading stack: Delicious Mornings: Comforting Breakfasts Baked from Scratch

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Avocado Mango Salad with Cilantro and Roasted Cashews

This is certainly on the list of the most refreshing and vibrant salads I have ever enjoyed. Colorful chunks of sweet mango and creamy avocado are dressed up with a bold and tangy lime dressing that embraces the herbs and fruit for a extra boost to the palate without overpowering the balance of flavors throughout. I've added jalapeño here for a bit of a kick and stove-top toasted cashews for some nuttiness and texture. There's a lot going on here, but it all comes together texturally and textually for a stunning taste experience. Despite the complexity of flavors, putting this salad together takes very little time at all and should be considered an ideal summer meal accompaniment or light lunch.

In addition to serving as a side salad, consider the various roles this dish can play at the table and serve it up much like you would your favorite condiments, such as a chunky chutney.

Avocado Mango Salad with Cilantro and Roasted Cashews

Recipe by Lisa Turner Adapted from Vegan Eats World: 300 International Recipes for Savoring the Planet Published on July 21, 2014 Beautiful summer salad of chunks of creamy avocado and sweet mango tossed in a zesty lime dressing and tossed with fresh mint and toasted cashews Print this recipe Dressing: juice from 1 lime (2 tablespoons) 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 teaspoons white balsamic vinegar or 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar 1 teaspoon champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar 1 teaspoon coconut sugar 1/2 teaspoon sea salt fresh cracked black pepper to taste sprinkle of dried red pepper flakes (optional) Salad: 1/3 cup raw cashews, halved or chopped 1 ripe avocado, pitted, peeled and cut into cubes 1 ripe red mango, pitted, peeled and cut into cubes 1 small red onion, cut into thin slices 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh mint, finely chopped 1 jalapeño, cut into rings and seeded unsweetened dried grated coconut for garnish Instructions: Toast the cashews in a dry unoiled skillet over medium-low heat, tossing or stirring frequently, for 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside. To make the dressing, whisk together all of the ingredients in a small bowl. In a medium bowl, pour the dressing over the avocado and gently toss. Add the mango to the bowl, along with the red onion, cilantro, mint, jalapeño and half of the cashews. Gently toss to coat. Serve at room temperature or cold, garnished with the remaining cashews and some grated coconut. Makes about 3 to 4 cups or 2 to 3 servings

Other salads you are sure to enjoy from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:
Avocado Greek Salad
Red Kidney Bean Summer Salad
Potato and Green Bean Chaat Salad
Chickpea and Lentil Salad with Zucchini and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

On the top of the reading stack: Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie

Audio Accompaniment: Marsen Jules