Mediterranean Stuffed Avocados

$- 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered - 1 cucumber, diced - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup cooked quinoa - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Extras like bell peppers or capers for added flavor - Alternative cheese options such as goat cheese or mozzarella - Other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or even corn to include Using fresh, ripe avocados is key. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure. The cherry tomatoes bring sweetness, while cucumbers add crunch. Red onion gives a mild bite that balances the flavors. Quinoa adds protein and a nutty taste. Feta cheese provides creaminess, and Kalamata olives add a briny touch. Fresh parsley brightens each bite. Feel free to customize the dish. You can add bell peppers for a sweet crunch. Goat cheese can replace feta for a tangy twist. Zucchini or corn can bring more texture and taste. Adjust the ingredients based on your likes and what you have on hand. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, rinse your quinoa under cold water. This step helps remove any bitterness. Next, cook the quinoa according to the package instructions. Usually, this means bringing water to a boil, adding quinoa, and simmering. Once it’s done, fluff it with a fork and let it cool. Cooling is key to keeping your salad fresh. In a medium bowl, combine the following ingredients: - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered - 1 cucumber, diced - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup cooked quinoa - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped Next, drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over this mix. You need about 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Gently fold everything together with a rubber spatula. This keeps your veggies intact while blending flavors. Take your ripe avocados and cut them in half. Carefully scoop out a bit of avocado flesh to make room for the filling. This step ensures a generous portion of that vibrant mixture. Now, fill each avocado half with your Mediterranean mixture. Pack it well so it overflows a little. For presentation, serve the stuffed avocados on a rustic wooden board or a colorful platter. Sprinkle extra parsley on top for a fresh look. Adding lemon slices on the side gives a nice touch and can enhance flavor at serving time. Enjoy this fresh dish right away, or chill it for about 15 minutes to let those flavors meld. To pick the best avocados, look for these signs: - Color: A dark green or almost black skin is ideal. - Feel: The avocado should yield slightly when you press it gently. - Shape: Choose avocados that feel heavy for their size. If your avocados are not ripe, try this: - Place them in a brown paper bag. - Add an apple or banana to speed up the ripening process. - Keep the bag at room temperature for one to three days. Add extra flavor to your stuffed avocados with these herbs and spices: - Fresh basil - Oregano - Dill - A pinch of red pepper flakes To adjust salt and acidity, follow these tips: - Taste the filling after mixing. - Add salt gradually and taste as you go. - If it’s too salty, add a squeeze of lemon juice for balance. Pair your Mediterranean stuffed avocados with: - Crusty bread or pita chips - A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette - Roasted vegetables for a warm touch For garnishing options, consider: - A sprinkle of extra parsley on top - Lemon slices on the side for a zesty kick - A drizzle of balsamic glaze for added sweetness Pro Tips Choose Ripe Avocados: Look for avocados that yield slightly to pressure when gently squeezed. This ensures they are perfectly creamy and ready for stuffing. Mix and Match Ingredients: Feel free to customize the filling by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or switch out the feta for goat cheese for a different flavor profile. Serve Fresh: For the best taste and texture, serve the stuffed avocados immediately after preparation. If preparing in advance, keep the avocado halves from browning by squeezing extra lemon juice over the flesh. Chill for Flavor: Allowing the stuffed avocados to chill for about 15 minutes in the refrigerator lets the flavors meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste. {{image_4}} You can add more protein to your stuffed avocados. Try chickpeas or black beans for a hearty bite. They mix well with the other flavors. If you're vegan, substitute feta cheese with a vegan cheese option. Nutritional yeast also offers a cheesy taste. Get creative with your fillings! You can use roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for a new flavor. In summer, add fresh corn or zucchini for a bright twist. Seasonal veggies keep the dish fresh and fun. Transform your stuffed avocados into a salad. Chop the avocado and mix it with the filling. You can also serve it as a dip. Use pita chips or fresh veggies to scoop up the mix. It makes for a fun and interactive meal! To keep your stuffed avocados fresh, use an airtight container. This helps prevent air from getting in. Store them in the fridge. They will last for up to two days. If you want to save some time, prepare the filling and store it separately. You can then fill the avocados just before serving. This keeps the avocados from turning brown and mushy. You can freeze unstuffed avocados. To do this, first, cut them in half and remove the pit. Then, wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped avocados in a freezer bag. They can last in the freezer for about three months. When you thaw them, the texture may change. Expect a softer feel. They may not work well for stuffing. Instead, you can use thawed avocados in smoothies or soups. The taste will still be good, even if the texture is different. Yes, you can prepare these stuffed avocados ahead of time. To do this, follow the recipe steps up to filling the avocado halves. Store the filling in a separate container. This keeps it fresh. You can chill the filling in the fridge. When ready to serve, scoop out the flesh and fill the avocados. This method helps maintain the avocado's texture. You can easily boost the nutrition of your stuffed avocados with a few healthy add-ins. Here are some ideas: - Chickpeas: Add cooked chickpeas for extra fiber and protein. - Spinach: Mix in fresh spinach for added vitamins and minerals. - Bell Peppers: Diced bell peppers give a nice crunch and sweetness. - Artichoke Hearts: These add a unique flavor and more nutrients. - Hummus: A spoonful of hummus can add creaminess and depth. Feel free to get creative with your add-ins! Preventing browning in avocados is easy with a few tips: - Lemon Juice: Use fresh lemon juice on the cut surfaces to slow browning. - Seal Containers: Store avocado halves in airtight containers. - Onion: Placing onion in the same container can help keep avocados fresh. - Plastic Wrap: Wrap the avocado tightly in plastic wrap before storage. These methods keep your avocados looking fresh and tasty for longer! Mediterranean stuffed avocados blend fresh ingredients for a tasty meal. You learned how to select ripe avocados, prepare quinoa, and mix fillings. Customization options let you adjust flavors and add veggies. Feel free to store leftovers or freeze them for later. Explore variations for yourself or friends. Enjoy these healthy, easy meals that pack flavor in every bite. Dive into your kitchen and create a dish that delights.$

Mediterranean Stuffed Avocados

Delicious avocados filled with a fresh Mediterranean-inspired mixture.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 2

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 whole ripe avocados, halved and pitted
1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
1 whole cucumber, diced
0.5 whole red onion, finely chopped
0.5 cup cooked quinoa
0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
0.25 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Begin by preparing the quinoa: rinse it under cold water and then cook it according to the package instructions. Once cooked, fluff it with a fork and allow it to cool completely.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the quartered cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, cooked quinoa, crumbled feta cheese, sliced Kalamata olives, and finely chopped fresh parsley.
Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice over the vegetable and quinoa mixture. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the ingredients together until everything is evenly mixed.
With a spoon, carefully scoop out a small portion of flesh from each avocado half to create a slightly larger cavity for the filling if desired.
Using a spoon or spatula, generously fill each avocado half with the Mediterranean mixture, ensuring that each half is packed to the brim with flavor and color.
Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or allow the stuffed avocados to chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together beautifully before serving.

Notes

For an appealing finish, serve on a rustic wooden board or a vibrant platter, and sprinkle some additional parsley on top.

Keyword avocado, healthy, Mediterranean, quinoa, stuffed