Recipe: Pesto BLT Stuffed Avocados

Did you know that taking the time to break for a delicious, wholesome snack is a great way to take care of your body and show yourself a little self-love? Caring for yourself doesn’t always have to be fancy – it can include taking a brisk walk around the neighborhood or simply taking a little time to enjoy a satisfying snack.

Snacking on foods that provide satisfying nutrients like fiber and unsaturated fats can support your day-to-day health and well-being. And fresh avocados fill this opportunity perfectly. This creamy, delicious fruit contributes 6 grams of unsaturated fats and 3 grams of fiber per serving (one-third of a medium avocado).

Because I am a huge fan of avocados and foods that leaving me feeling satisfied, one of my favorite snacks includes these tasty Pesto BLT Stuffed Avocados. We usually keep several fresh avocados on hand because they are extremely versatile and a great addition to any meal or snack.

Choosing foods that leave you feeling satisfied can help with managing hunger cues throughout the day to keep your body adequately fueled. The satisfaction factor is so important because, after all, we should be enjoying foods. Choosing a mix of foods that are tasty, satisfying and nutrient-dense can make it easier to stick to an eating pattern that can support your overall health.

 A little bit more about avocados

• Fat and some fibers help to slow digestion, which provides a feeling of fullness. Avocados are unique because they are a good source of fiber and virtually the only fruit with unsaturated fats.
• Avocados contribute nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, including 11% of the Daily Value (DV) for dietary fiber, 10% of the DV for folate, 6% of the DV for vitamin E, 6% of the DV for potassium and 4% of the DV for vitamin C.
• One-third of a medium avocado is a good source of pantothenic acid (15% of the Daily Value). Pantothenic acid is essential to the body because it helps the body convert food to energy.
• If you find yourself with a lot of ripe avocados, you can freeze them. Dice, quarter or slice peeled avocado and then, place them in an airtight resealable freezer bag. Frozen avocado is the perfect addition to smoothies. Click here for a step-by-step guide to freezing avocados.
• You can also store ripe avocados in the refrigerator for up to a week. They will continue to ripen but at a slower pace.

How to make pesto BLT stuffed avocados 

Start by pitting and cutting 4 ripe, fresh avocados in half and set aside. In a medium bowl, combine the turkey bacon, lettuce, tomato and pesto. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Place spoonfuls of the BLT mixture into each avocado, dividing evenly. Serve immediately.

With creamy avocado, refreshing vegetables, savory pesto and turkey bacon, these stuffed avocados provide a mix of flavors and textures that are sure to please. Plus, the good fats and fiber in avocado help provide delicious nourishment and satisfaction in between meals.

Pesto BLT Stuffed Avocados

Click here for a printable recipe.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 4 ripe fresh avocados, halved and pitted
• ½ cup cooked turkey bacon chopped
• 1 cup Romaine lettuce chopped
• 1 large tomato diced
• 2 basil pesto pre-made or store-bought
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, ground

Instructions

• In a medium bowl, combine the turkey bacon, lettuce, tomato and pesto.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Place spoonfuls of the BLT mixture into each avocado, dividing evenly.
• Serve immediately.

Andrea Mathis is a registered dietitian and owner of Beautiful Eats & Things. For more great recipes, visit beautifuleatsandthings.com.