Cold Cucumber Avocado Dill Soup

Ingredients
1 English cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced
1 ripe avocado, peeled, seeded and chopped
1 cup plain yogurt
1 cup water
2 tbsp fresh chopped dill
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp dry mustard
pinch cayenne pepper
1 tbsp chopped fresh chives

Directions
Remove a quarter cup of the cucumber for garnish.  puree remaining cucumber, avocado, yogurt, water, dill, lemon juice, salt, mustard and cayenne pepper until smooth.  To serve garnish with the reserved cucumber and chives.  Refrigerate for one hour or up to 12 hours.

Makes 4 servings

Source:  Astro Original Balkan Style Plain Yogurt

Sweet Potato Salad with Apple and Avocado

I made this as a side dish -- it really is a meal by itself. Very filling, very delicious, and the crunch of the apple and pumpkin seeds adds a little something extra. I should have taken extra care not to overcook the sweet potatoes.... they need to be less soft and mushy.


Ingredient List

Serves 6

1 lb. sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
1 cup frozen corn
¼ cup unsalted hulled pumpkin seeds or pepitas
1 medium red apple, diced (1 cup)
½ small onion, finely chopped (½ cup)
¼ cup chopped cilantro
¼ cup lime juice
2 Tbs. olive oil
½ avocado, finely diced


Directions

1. Place sweet potatoes in large saucepan, and cover with water. Bring to a boil, and cook 3 minutes. Add corn, and cook 1 to 2 minutes more, or until potatoes are tender. Drain in colander and rinse under cold water to cool. Drain well.

2. Toast pumpkin seeds in dry skillet over medium-high heat 3 to 4 minutes, or until seeds begin to pop. Transfer to plate, and cool.

3. Combine apple, onion, cilantro, and lime juice in large bowl. Stir in sweet potatoes, corn, and oil, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Stir in avocado and toasted pumpkin seeds just before serving.

Nutritional Information

Per 3/4-cup serving: Calories: 179, Protein: 3g, Total fat: 9g, Saturated fat: 1g, Carbs: 23g, Cholesterol: mg, Sodium: 117mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugars: 8g

Source: Vegetarian Times