Many of my students with Parkinson’s disease and their families are avid gardeners. I love this because organically-grown fresh vegetables and fruits are best for people with PD, and especially since pesticides are considered links to cell damage.
I was recently gifted some beautiful tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. I chopped them up and added some of my favorite healthy fats to it (avocado and grapeseed oil). I love cilantro, but not everyone does. Feel free to substitute the cilantro with dill or another herb that you enjoy.
How to Make Summer Cucumber, Tomato, and Avocado Salad:
INGREDIENTS:
- 3 big garden tomatoes
- 3 big garden cucumbers
- 1/2 medium red onion, sliced
- 2 avocados, diced
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (or grapeseed oil)
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (from 1 medium lemon)
- 1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped
- ¾ tsp sea salt (or table salt)
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
DIRECTIONS:
- Place chopped tomatoes, sliced cucumber, sliced red onion, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro into a large salad bowl.
- Drizzle with oil and lemon juice. Toss gently to combine. Just before serving toss with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper
Enjoy!!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
- I served this salad with a side of shrimp that I sautéed in ghee and garlic. YUM!
- If you aren’t keen on cilantro, fresh dill is a good substitute
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Tomatoes are the major dietary source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to many health benefits. They are also a great source of vitamin C, potassium, folate and vitamin K.
Avocado is virtually the only fruit that contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fat – good fat!
Cucumbers contain fiber, vitamin K, vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, manganese and vitamin A.
Cilantro has deep-green leaves that possess good amounts of antioxidants.
Red Onions have fiber and folic acid (a B vitamin that helps the body make healthy new cells).