Creamy, ripe avocados are a fan-favorite way to top a salad and does anyone want to live in a world without guacamole? But not everyone gives this super-versatile fruit its due.
There are so many other dishes you can use avocados for – at breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner, even dessert! Here are a bunch of new ways to work avocados and all their benefits into your diet from Love One Today®.
Smoothies: Avocados add a silky texture to smoothies and their mellow flavor works beautifully with virtually any combination of fruits and veggies. They’re a great way to add creaminess (and a nutrient bonus) to dairy-free smoothies.
Try this amazing Hass Avocado Honeydew Smoothie during the summer when melons are in season. This Chocolate Banana Avocado Smoothie is a favorite during cooler months.
Soups: Top chili and other spicy soups with cubed or sliced avocado and a sprinkle of cilantro to balance the heat. Avocados are also terrific in chilled soups, such as this Avocado and Cucumber Soup or this Cream of Avocado Soup.
Sauces and Dressings: Avocados are also great for a flavorful and nutritious alternative—or complement—to mayonnaise or sour cream in salad dressings, dips, or sandwich spreads. Simply mash ripe Hass avocados and blend with an equal amount of mayonnaise, for example, for an easy change in both flavor and nutrition. Once you’ve tried BLTs made with avocado-spiked mayo, you’ll never be the same. Same goes for this mayonnaise-free Avocado Egg Salad.
And if you want more avocado, try this Avocado Ranch Dressing, which was a finalist in the 2013 Hass Avocado RD Recipe Contest.
Baked Goods: Avocados can be substituted for part or all of the butter or oil in banana or zucchini bread, muffins and cookies. Avocados also make an excellent base for creamy frostings.
Subbing in avocado for other fats may affect the texture (often for the better!). For predictable results, here are a few winners that have been road-tested:
Ice Cream! The butterfat in cream is what makes ice cream smooth and creamy. Avocado does the same thing—but with less saturated fat (and no animal products)! Garnish with fresh mint leaves to accentuate the lovely pale green color. Try this super simple Avocado Ice Cream Recipe. Or, for a special occasion, try these impressive (but simple) Key Lime Sorbet Cupcakes for gluten-free, vegan, avocado goodness. This recipe was also a finalist in the 2013 Hass Avocado RD Recipe Contest.
Good guacamole has no true substitute, but now that you know what all else you can use avocados for, it’s time to try something new!
