Dr. Oz's Top 5 Guacamole and Spinach Recipes This Week

Guacamole and spinach, two ingredients that seem worlds apart in texture and flavor, can actually complement each other in delicious and nutritious ways. This week, Dr. Oz shares his top 5 recipes featuring these versatile ingredients to help you spice up your meals while staying healthy. Whether you're looking to add more greens to your diet or just want to enjoy some creamy, avocado-rich dishes, these recipes have got you covered.

1. Guacamole-Stuffed Mushrooms with Spinach

Start your culinary journey with an appetizer that marries the earthiness of mushrooms with the creamy, spicy kick of guacamole, alongside the freshness of spinach.

• Ingredients:
  • 8 large white mushrooms
  • 1 cup of finely chopped spinach
  • 2 ripe avocados
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
  • Lime juice
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 tbsp of olive oil
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove stems from mushrooms and finely chop. Arrange caps on a baking sheet.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the chopped mushroom stems, spinach, and onion until soft. Cool slightly.
  3. Mash the avocados in a bowl, mix in the cooked ingredients, jalapeño, lime juice, salt, and pepper to create the guacamole.
  4. Fill each mushroom cap with guacamole, and bake for 15 minutes or until mushrooms are tender.

💡 Note: These mushrooms can be prepared ahead of time; just add the guacamole right before baking to keep it fresh.

2. Spinach-Avocado Pesto Pasta

Transform your typical pasta night with this nutritious, creamy spinach-avocado pesto.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 cups of fresh spinach
  • 2 avocados
  • 1 clove garlic
  • ¹⁄₂ cup walnuts
  • ¹⁄₂ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Lemon juice
  • ¹⁄₄ cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 lb pasta (spaghetti or linguine works best)
• Instructions:
  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
  2. Meanwhile, blend spinach, avocados, garlic, walnuts, Parmesan, and lemon juice until smooth, gradually adding olive oil until desired consistency is reached. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Mix the pesto with the drained pasta, reserving some pasta water to thin the sauce if necessary.
  4. Serve warm or at room temperature.

🌱 Note: Spinach can be wilted in a pan before blending for a deeper flavor, or you can use it fresh for a lighter taste.

3. Spicy Spinach and Guacamole Salad

This vibrant salad combines the zest of guacamole with the nourishment of spinach for a refreshing meal.

• Ingredients:
  • 6 cups baby spinach
  • 1 avocado, cubed
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • Cilantro
  • Lime juice
  • Cumin and chili powder
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  1. Toss spinach, avocado, tomato, red onion, and cilantro in a large salad bowl.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
  3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad, mix well, and serve immediately.

🥑 Note: Guacamole salad is best enjoyed immediately, as avocado can brown when exposed to air.

4. Avocado Spinach Smoothie

Start your day or energize your afternoon with this green powerhouse smoothie.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 1 banana
  • ¹⁄₂ cup coconut milk or almond milk
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds or flaxseed (optional)
  • Honey or maple syrup for sweetness (optional)
  • Ice cubes
• Instructions:
  1. Blend all ingredients until smooth. Adjust thickness with more milk if needed.
  2. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

🍃 Note: To make it even more filling, add a scoop of protein powder or Greek yogurt for an extra nutritional boost.

5. Spinach and Guacamole Stuffed Chicken Breasts

A more sophisticated dish, this recipe infuses chicken with a surprise of spinach and guacamole for a succulent main course.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup of fresh spinach
  • Guacamole (from earlier recipes)
  • Garlic powder, salt, and pepper
  • Olive oil
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butterfly the chicken breasts.
  2. Mix spinach with guacamole, add seasonings to taste.
  3. Stuff each chicken breast with the mixture, close with toothpicks.
  4. Season the outside of the chicken with additional spices, drizzle with olive oil.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked.

By exploring these creative recipes, you'll discover how guacamole and spinach can be used in a multitude of dishes, providing both taste and nutrition. Each recipe highlights a different aspect of these ingredients, making it easy for you to incorporate them into your diet in unique ways. Whether you prefer savory or sweet, light or hearty, these dishes offer something for every palate. Trying these out not only enhances your culinary skills but also introduces a fun way to eat healthier.

Can I substitute frozen spinach for fresh in these recipes?

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Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before using to avoid excess moisture in your dishes.

How long will homemade guacamole stay fresh?

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Guacamole will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 1-2 days. To preserve its color, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole to reduce air exposure.

What can I serve with the Spinach-Avocado Pesto Pasta?

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This pasta pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even as a side dish to grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.

Is it possible to make these recipes vegan?

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Yes, you can easily make these recipes vegan by substituting Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative, and using plant-based milks like almond or coconut milk.