Our 20 Best Avocado Recipes, From Tacos to Ice Cream
From tacos to ice cream, this beloved ingredient makes its way into some of our favorite recipes.
When you have a ripe avocado, time is of the essence—one day the avocados are hard as a rock, and the next day it's time to use them or lose them. It’s easy to mix them with lime juice and onion into tasty guacamole or mash them up for your morning avocado toast, but avocados are good for much more beyond the ordinary.
They may not be what comes to mind when you think about staple ingredients, but in our kitchens, avocados are one of our favorite ways to incorporate healthy fats, fiber, and so many other vitamins and minerals into our daily routine. And while they’re delicious as a taco or sandwich filling, they’re also versatile enough to add something special to sweet treats like muffins and ice cream. Give one of these recipes a try and discover how delicious avocados can be.
Related: Here's the Right Way to Cut an Avocado
Cayenne-Rubbed Chicken With Avocado Salsa
Avocado is just the thing to tame the heat in this simple chicken dish. A simple cayenne spice mixture is rubbed over boneless skinless chicken breasts before being pan-seared. The cooling avocado pairs with sweet red onion and a generous squeeze of lime juice to make a salsa to spoon over the chicken.
Avocado, Salsa, and Cilantro Omelet
Inspired by Huevos Rancheros, this omelet is the perfect savory addition to your breakfast or brunch table. Thin slices of buttery avocado stand in for the cheese, and each omelet is finished with some fresh red salsa and cilantro leaves.
Mashed-Avocado and Egg Toast
Avocado toast is the ultimate nutritious breakfast or snack. It gets even better when you add egg salad to the mix. This tasty mash-up is packed with protein and healthy fats to get you through busy mornings and afternoon slumps.
Avocado Deviled Eggs
A combination of egg yolks, avocado, and mayonnaise makes the creamiest deviled egg filling you’ve ever tasted. Pipe them into perfect swirls, or keep it simple by scooping them into the egg whites with two spoons. They’re perfect for spring brunch or as a healthy snack any time of year.
Grapefruit, Salmon, and Avocado Salad
Avocado and grapefruit are a classic combination made even more perfect with additional healthy fats. Bite-sized pieces of pale pink salmon contrast the bright flesh of the citrus segments, and salad greens and scallions add a different hue of green. Keep the dressing simple–all the salad needs is a quick drizzle of lime juice and olive oil.
Seared Halibut Tacos With Grapefruit-Avocado Salsa
The salsa is really the star of the show here. Vibrant red grapefruit and buttery avocado add something bright and fresh to these tacos. Blistered corn tortillas are filled with shredded cabbage and gently seared halibut fillets, but grilled shrimp or chicken would be equally as delicious.
Avocado-Banana Smoothie
This sippable smoothie is super creamy and has just the right amount of sweetness. A combination of avocado, banana, and Greek yogurt give the smoothie its luscious texture, while fresh orange juice and honey sweeten the concoction. You won’t necessarily taste the avocado, but you’ll be able to feel its health benefits.
Avocado Ranch Dip
This homemade spin on ranch dip blends avocado into the traditional buttermilk recipe. Pair it with your favorite raw vegetables, or thin it out with a little water to make a salad dressing.
Double-Chocolate Muffins
Instead of butter, avocado is our fat of choice for these decadent chocolate muffins. Each bite is full of chocolate flavor, thanks to the addition of both cocoa powder and bittersweet chocolate chips. Maple syrup and brown sugar add just enough sweetness without overpowering the chocolate, but the best part is the crunchy sanding sugar that’s sprinkled on top of each muffin.
Minty Margarita Guacamole
Grab a few ripe avocados and mix up this elevated twist on a classic. Lime juice and jalapeño will always be a must-have when it comes to guacamole, but this recipe incorporates orange zest and juice, which give it an even brighter flavor. Fresh mint is stirred in instead of cilantro, giving the dip its poolside margarita vibes.
Corn-and-Avocado Salad With Goddess Dressing
Taking a nod from a traditional Cobb salad, this recipe is what every salad should be. Sweet summer corn, spicy radishes, romaine lettuce, and bits of salty crumbled bacon are all tossed with a creamy green goddess dressing. Be sure to stir in the avocado at the last minute to prevent it from turning brown.
Avocado Sushi
Everything you love about your favorite sushi rolls–minus the fish. These vegetarian sushi rolls pair buttery slices of avocado with other crunchy vegetables like fresh cucumbers and carrots. Roll them all together in toasted nori sheets with vinegar and ginger-seasoned rice.
Chilled Avocado-Cucumber Soup With Crostini
Just when you thought gazpacho couldn’t get any more refreshing–enter: avocado. Avocado is blended into a chilled cucumber soup that is flavored with other vibrant green ingredients, like cilantro and jalapeños. Serve each bowl with gently blanched asparagus, or build a few crostini with hard-boiled eggs and thinly sliced ham.
Steak-and-Avocado Sandwich
This hearty sandwich is our take on a pepito, a popular street food in parts of Mexico and Venezuela. Meaty medium-rare slices of Worcestershire-marinated flank steak are nestled into seeded rolls with black beans, avocado, crema, and as much hot sauce as you can handle.
Carrot, Avocado, and Feta With Spring Greens
When spring is in full swing, there’s nothing better than enjoying a salad with fresh seasonal produce. Sliced avocado and delicate greens practically melts on a warm bed of honey and Baharat-roasted carrots and red onions. Our secret ingredient is sumac–its slightly tart flavor adds a final punch of acidity to the dish.
Avocado-and-Boursin Sandwiches
These vegetarian sandwiches are easy to assemble and oh-so-satisfying. Garlic and herb-infused cheese spread and ripe avocado create a creamy base for crunchy carrots and cabbage. Everything is sandwiched between fragrant slices of lightly toasted pumpernickel bread.
Tomato, Corn, and Avocado Salad
This salad is pretty filling on its own, but it also makes a great side dish for any summer grilling you have planned. Plump fresh corn kernels and juicy cherry tomatoes mingle with sliced scallions and perfectly ripe avocado. All it needs is a drizzle of lime juice and oil.
Vegetarian Chili With Avocado Cream
This chili can be made ahead and stored for a few days in the refrigerator, making it perfect for entertaining or just a cozy night in with the family. The chili is made with lentils, beans, and sweet potatoes instead of meat, and it’s flavored with smoky ancho and chipotle chiles, cumin seeds, and lots of garlic. Instead of the usual chili toppings, we like to add a dollop or two of zesty avocado sour cream.
Vegan Avocado Ice Cream
Think outside the box–avocado isn’t just for savory recipes. It adds a velvety texture and unmatched creaminess to this dairy-free ice cream. The five-ingredient custard is blended together before it takes a quick spin in an ice cream maker. Keep this on hand in the freezer for when you’re craving a little something sweet.
Avocado With Bell Pepper and Tomatoes
Instead of incorporating avocado into your salad, consider using it as the salad bowl. Scoop out a good portion of the avocado meat, toss it with the dressing and other colorful vegetables, then pile everything back into the avocado shells. All you need is a spoon or fork and you’re ready to dig in.
Read the original article on Martha Stewart.
