Grinchy Avocado-Feta Dip

Ok, so this week's recipe isn't "Christmasey" per se, but it's definitely a great bring-along for holiday parties, and an easy, delicious way to fit in your dose of healthy fats. Too often we get stuck in a rut of the same flavors, the same appetizers, etc. Much better to jazz up your holiday eating with a little something different + healthy. Traditions are great in their way, but try out this week's recipe, and you may find your holiday rituals can change.

The recipe uses the creamy nutritional powerhouse, Avocado and blends it with naturally lower-in-fat feta cheese for a Grinch colored holiday dip, perfect for vegetables or pita chips. 

Just for a reminder, avocados are higher in potassium than bananas, are stuffed with monounsaturated fatty acids, fiber and antioxidants and can lower cholesterol. One serving of feta cheese provides a good portion of your daily amount of B12 and calcium. Basically, as you are stuffing your face, you are getting some benefits from it. (Which sounds pretty good to us!)

Avocado Feta Dip

Gather:

1/2 diced sweet onion

1/2 diced + seeded jalapeño

1 tbsp olive oil

2 medium/large avocados

1 cup cilantro

3/4 cup feta cheese crumbles

1/4 cup lemon juice

3 additional tbsp olive oil

salt, to taste

Method:

1. Sauté onion and jalapeño in olive oil until evenly browned

2. Purée with avocados, feta, cilantro, lemon juice and additional olive oil until it reaches desired smoothness. Add salt to taste and serve with pita or fresh vegetables.

Enjoy, and remember: Holiday eating doesn't have to be business as usual. Make it work for your diet + your goals.