Snack Hack: On-the-Go Avocado Bowl

James Beard Award-winning chef and REI Co-op member Maria Hines shares a snack hack for an avocado bowl that's easy to prepare when you're on the move outside.

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A bird's-eye shot of the ingredients that go into the avocado bowl.

As a sports nutrition coach and chef, I'm constantly on the quest for whole foods when I'm moving my body outdoors. Nourishing, anti-inflammatory foods promote joint health, allowing you to move with fewer aches and creaks. And eating real food like fresh fruits, veggies, nuts, grains and seeds can help keep your blood sugar levels consistent, so you're less likely to sugar crash or "bonk" in the middle of your favorite activity.

This delicious on-the-go avocado bowl is made from seven ingredients and takes only 5 minutes to prepare. It's full of nutrients to help enhance your performance when you're hiking, climbing, bouldering or camping. The avocado is full of healthy fats and fiber and (fun fact) has more potassium than a banana. Tomatoes are a prime source of antioxidants. Lime, with its vitamin C, helps boost the immune system. Almonds offer protein, magnesium and manganese. Sheep's milk pecorino is loaded with calcium and protein. Sea salt has minerals that help balance electrolyte levels. And basil is a wonderful anti-inflammatory that helps combats stress.

The beauty of the bowl is that you can mix, match and experiment with flavors and ingredients. Try different nuts, seeds, berries and citrus to make it your own. If you're practicing vegan, for example, replace the pecorino cheese with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. If you're eating keto, paleo or omnivore, add salami or smoked salmon to bump up the protein content.

Pile the ingredients high, then enjoy—it's that simple. (Photo Credit: Maria Hines)

On-the-Go Avocado Bowl

Yield: 1 serving

Prep time: 5 minutes

Recipe type: Can be made vegetarian, gluten-free, keto or paleo

Kitchen tools

  • Knife (any kind will do)
  • Spoon
  • Plate

Ingredients

  • 1 avocado, diced into 1/4-inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup halved cherry or pear tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon shaved almonds
  • 1 tablespoon grated pecorino cheese
  • 1 tablespoon thinly sliced basil
  • Juice from half a lime
  • Pinch Himalayan salt or any sea salt

Directions

Step 1

Pile all ingredients into the avocado shell. Yep, it's seriously that easy! If you're worried about things getting messy, you can also combine the ingredients on your favorite camping plate.


To see more recipes from Maria Hines, check out Cook Out With Maria Hines on our YouTube channel.