For those seeking to be more health-conscious, the idea of eating nutritiously seems simple. However, understanding what’s truly “good for you” can sometimes be confusing. For starters, according to the survey, nearly half of Americans didn’t realize foods with good fats, like avocados, can help with weight management. However, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats found in avocados can lower the risk of becoming overweight, according to research published in “Nutrients.”

“Most people are aware of the Mediterranean Diet, but nearly half (40%) of survey respondents didn’t realize that this eating pattern does not limit fat coming from plant sources like avocados,” said nutrition expert and registered dietitian Barbara Ruhs. “These types of unsaturated good fats are also recommended by the American Heart Association for heart health. Eating avocados in place of foods containing saturated fat is an easy and delicious way to approach healthy eating.” Make good fats a part of your next trip to the grocery store with this avocado-inspired Harvest Bowl Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette certified by the American Heart Association.

Makes: 8 Servings

Balsamic Vinaigrette:

  • 1/2 avocado, diced
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 2 tablespoons shallots, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 3 tablespoons water

Salad:

  • 2 avocados, diced
  • 2 sweet potatoes, roasted and diced
  • 2 cups quinoa, cooked
  • 2 cups arugula
  • 2 cups kale
  • 1 cup Brussels sprouts petals, roasted
  • 2 Honeycrisp apples, diced
  • 2 tablespoons roasted pecans, unsalted
  • 2 tablespoons roasted pepitas, unsalted
  • 2 tablespoons dried cranberries 

Directions:

To make balsamic vinaigrette: In food processor, process avocado, avocado oil, shallots, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, honey and water to smooth consistency. Set aside.

To make salad: In large bowl, combine avocados, sweet potatoes, quinoa, arugula, kale, Brussels sprouts petals, apples, pecans, pepitas and dried cranberries. Pour balsamic vinaigrette over salad mixture.

Toss salad to coat. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Nutritional information per serving: 390 calories; 16 g total fat; 0 g saturated fat; 0 g cholesterol; 370 mg sodium; 55 g total carbohydrates; 11 g dietary fiber; 12 g sugar; 15 g protein.