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    Avocado: The Secret Ingredient to Get Slim in 2012 (Recipe)

    © Shutterstock© ShutterstockBy genConnect | Amie Valpone

    Once thought to be riddled with fats, avocado is making a new, healthy name for itself. High in folate, oleic acid and vitamin E, this fruit has been shown to lower cholesterol, help stroke and breast cancer prevention and maintain overall health.

    Related: The Best Foods for Your Heart

    Avocado Rocket Salad with Basil Lime Dressing

    Gluten-Free and Vegan

    Serves 2

    • 2 large fennel bulbs, slice stalks and bulbs into thin strips
    • 3 cups fresh rocket salad
    • 1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced
    • 1 small white onion, chopped
    • Juice from 1 organic lime
    • 2 Tbsp. Blood Orange Olive Oil
    • 1/4 tsp. lime zest
    • 6 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
    • Pinch of sea salt and freshly ground white pepper
    • 2 Tbsp. ground chia seeds
    • 1/3 cup cashews, ground

    Directions

    1. Prepare a large ice bath.
    2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fennel and cook for 3 minutes. Drain fennel; immediately plunge into ice bath. Set aside for 3 minutes. Drain.
    3. Transfer fennel to a large serving bowl; pat dry. Add avocado and onion.
    4. Drizzle salad with lime juice, lime zest, oil, basil, sea salt and pepper. Gently toss to coat.
    5. Transfer to serving dishes. Top with ground chia seeds and cashews. Serve at room temperature.
    6. Enjoy!
    More Recipes for 2012:
    About the Author:
    Amie Valpone, HHC, AADP, is a Manhattan based Culinary Marketing Consultant, recipe developer and food writer specializing in Gluten Free, Soy-Free and Dairy Free Culinary Nutrition. Amie is also the Publisher and Marketing Director of the online gluten-free magazine, Easy Eats.

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