# Fruit-Encased Salads The Smitten Kitchen Avocado Cups are Made of Green Produce By Jordy E | Published 2014-04-28 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smitten-kitchen-avocado-cups References: [smittenkitchen](http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2014/04/avocado-cup-salads-two-ways) & [smittenkitchen](http://www.smittenkitchen.com) The Smitten Kitchen Avocado Cup Salads used vegetables to encase mixtures of cucumber, beans and peppers. The recipe site did so in celebration of the author's departure from carb-infused posts, a decision that has re-introduced protein and fresh produce onto the cooking site. Two different salads are used to make these delectable snacks. Both a [black bean mixture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eggless-salad) and a ginger-radish blend are stuffed into the ripe avocados, giving way to overflowing dishes that are perfect for [summertime](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/habit-burger-grill-salads). One of the most intriguing aspects of this meal is the casing. In place of plates, bowls or even cups, the Smitten Kitchen has instead opted for [sliced avocados](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chicken-avocado-salad). This showcases how vegetables can be used as practical serving pieces. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.4/10 - Popularity: 34% | Activity: 29% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Vegetable-encased Meals:** Using vegetables as the casing for meals opens up innovative ways to present and serve food. - **Protein and Produce Fusion:** The combination of protein and fresh produce creates a new wave of healthy and flavorful dishes. - **Alternative Serving Methods:** Exploring alternative serving methods, such as using sliced avocados, can bring novelty and creativity to food presentation. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Food and Beverage:** The food and beverage industry can explore new product offerings that utilize vegetable casings to cater to health-conscious consumers. - **Culinary Tools and Utensils:** The culinary tools and utensils industry can develop innovative slicing and shaping tools to create precise and attractive vegetable casings. - **Health and Wellness:** The health and wellness industry can promote the benefits of incorporating protein and fresh produce into meals through vegetable-encased dishes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Chocolate Avocado Cupcakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chocolate-dulce-de-leche-cupcake.md) - [Convenience-Focused Salad Jars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/garden-harvest-salad.md) - [Sustainable Avocado Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/avocado-alternative.md) - [Breadless Avocado Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/avowich.md) - [Tempura-Inspired Fried Avocado Wedges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/avocado-wedges.md) - [Sustainable Salad Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sustainable-salad-kits.md) - [Egg-Infused Avocado Spreads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/avocado-egg.md) - [Tart Cucumber Avocado Smoothies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cucumber-avocado-smoothie.md) - [High-Protein Vegan Salads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/green-goddess-salad-tiktok.md)