INGREDIENTS
1 can of chickpeas

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
1 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
2 pounds of tomatoes chopped
2 English cucumber chopped
4 avocados chopped
1 medium red onion sliced
4 tablespoons of basil (optional)

1 container of Feta cheese (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

• In a large serving bowl, Add the chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, red onions and basil then add all the other ingredients and gently mix to combine evenly. Serve immediately.

NOTES

Make Ahead: You can mix the wet ingredients  up to 7 days in advance and you can prepare most of the salad up to 1 day in advance. Just add the avocados and the wet ingredients  when you’re ready to toss it.

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for no more than 2 days since the avocado will brown by then.

NUTRITIONAL INFO - (All ingredients contribute to balancing hormones)

Tomatoes and Avocados are considered dopamine “superfood” because they help increase dopamine. 

Tomatoes

-  Great source of vitamin C, potassium, folate, vitamin K and lycopene. They are an excellent source of fiber.

-  They have benefits that reduce inflammation and oxidative stress which causes inflammation. So they may reduce your risk for heart disease, and cancer.

• Tomatoes are generally well tolerated but may cause allergic reactions in people allergic to grass pollen.

Cucumbers

• Eating cucumber may help lower blood sugar, prevent constipation, and support weight loss. To maximize cucumber’s health benefits, eat the peel, too.
• Great source of fiber, contain antioxidants, including flavonoids and tannins, which prevent the accumulation of harmful free radicals and may reduce the risk of chronic disease.

Avocados 

• Avocados are a source of vitamins C, E, K, and B6, as well as riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium and potassium. They also provide lutein, beta carotene, and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Avocados contain high levels of healthy, beneficial fats, which can help a person feel fuller between meals.
• May help reduce heart disease, essential for the digestive system and gut health
• Avocados are anti-inflammatory. They may reduce your risk for heart disease, and cancer.  

Chickpeas

• A rich source of vitamins, minerals & fiber. In fact 1 cup of chickpeas contains 14.5 grams of protein.
• May add in weightloss as they keep you full longer and help with digestion.
• They have a low glycemic index which may support blood sugar regulation.

Ingredients

• 2 medium honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, and chopped in bite-size pieces (sweet apples are best, leave the  peel on for more texture and fiber)
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (plus more to taste)
• 2-3 Tbsp water
• 1 tsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (for preserving / keeping fresh longer / tartness)
• 1-2 tsp maple syrup (or other sweetener of choice  optional)

Instructions

• In a medium sauce pan add chopped apples, cinnamon, a dash of water aprox 2-3 TBLS and lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. Stir.
   
• Cover and cook over medium heat until it simmers, then reduce heat to low / medium-low and continue cooking until the apples are very tender and slightly caramelized — about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally.
   
• Use the back of a wooden spoon or potato masher to mash into a loose sauce. You could also blend with an immersion blender or in a food processor or high speed blender for smoother texture (optional) – a helpful step if you left the skins on. Add a dash of maple syrup or sugar of choice to sweeten (optional – depends on sweetness of your apples).
   
• Enjoy fresh, or store cooled leftovers in the refrigerator up to 4-5 days, or in the freezer up to 1 month. Enjoy cold or reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until hot (add more water as needed if dry).

Nutritional Info

• Apples are an excellent source of dopamine, the feel happy hormone.
• Apples assist with weight management. Each medium apple contains approximately 4.5 grams of fiber. This fiber can slow digestion so you feel fuller after eating. This can keep you from overeating.
• Apples promote gut health. Apples contain pectin, a type of fiber that acts as a prebiotic that feeds the good bacteria in your gut. Your gut microbiota plays an essential role in your overall health and well-being. 
• Apples protect your heart. Eating one medium apple a day may help lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation all of which support a healthy heart. Eat the peel when you can as the fiber and polyphenols found in the peel benefit heart health. 
• Apples can strengthen your lungs. Research has shown that regularly eating apples may help promote lung function. 
• Apples support your immune system. Apple skins contain quercetin, a type of plant pigment flavonoid that helps boost your immune system and reduce inflammation
• Apples can help manage diabetes. Eating apples on a regular basis has the potential to reduce insulin resistance, which should lead to lower blood sugar levels. 
• Apples promote bone health. Due to a unique bone-building phytonutrient called phloridzin, apples can help improve bone density and reduce bone breakdown for women after menopause.

(Information from MichiganApples.com)