10 Ways You Never Knew You Could Eat Avocado
Avocados are one of the most popular and nutrient-dense foods today. While most people enjoy avocado in guacamole or spread on toast, the green superfood can be used in a diverse range of sweet and savory recipes. Avocado’s rich, creamy texture and subtle flavor make it endlessly adaptable. Here are 10 unique and mouthwatering ways to eat avocado that you may have never considered before.
Avocado Pasta Sauce
Pasta sauce is easy to whip up with avocado for a creamy, nutritious alternative to traditional heavy cream or cheese-based sauces. Simply blend together ripe avocado, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, basil, salt and pepper. Heat and toss the avocado sauce with your favorite cooked pasta. Top with grated parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes for a delicious green pasta dish.
Avocado Hummus
Hummus is a protein-packed snack perfect for dipping vegetables or pita bread. Boost the nutrition even more by adding avocado. Blend chickpeas, olive oil, lemon juice, tahini, garlic, salt and avocado until smooth. The avocado gives hummus a richer, creamier texture. Garnish your avocado hummus with paprika before serving.
Avocado Egg Salad
Egg salad is a quick protein-rich snack, and the addition of avocado makes it even more nutritious and flavorful. Hard boil eggs and mash them with a fork. Then gently mix in diced avocado, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, pepper and your choice of seasoning. Use the egg salad as a sandwich filling or eat it with crackers for a satisfying snack.
Avocado Toast
Avocado toast has become a wildly popular breakfast, snack or light meal for good reason. The combo of whole grain toast, smashed avocado, and optional seasonings satisfies nearly any craving. Customize your avocado toast with ingredients like lemon juice, red pepper flakes, hemp seeds, feta cheese, or sprouts. Avocado toast provides a filling and nutritious alternative to buttered toast.
Avocado Pudding
Finally, you can make a fast, tasty pudding by simply blending avocado with cocoa powder and milk or yogurt. Add a touch of maple syrup or honey for sweetness along with vanilla. Blend until fully smooth and creamy. Chill the avocado chocolate pudding in the fridge for 1-2 hours before eating. Top with fresh fruit, toasted coconut or granola for extra texture and flavor.
Avocado Smoothies
Smoothies make for simple, nourishing breakfasts and snacks. Blending avocado into your smoothie adds creaminess plus a boost of antioxidants and healthy fats to keep you full. Combine frozen fruit like bananas and berries, avocado, milk or yogurt, and optional protein powder, greens, chia seeds or honey in a blender for a delicious avocado smoothie.
Avocado Popsicles
Avocado can even be transformed into a refreshing sweet treat like popsicles. Simply blend the flesh of ripe avocados with banana, milk or juice, and honey or maple syrup for a creamy treat. You can mix in chocolate or fruit like mango for different flavors. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze at least 4 hours before enjoying a cool, nutritious avocado popsicle on a hot day.
Baked Avocado Fries
For a healthier spin on French fries, try baked avocado fries. Slice avocados into thick wedges, toss in olive oil, salt and pepper, then bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes until lightly browned. For variations, coat avocados in breadcrumbs, parmesan, or seasoning before baking. Serve the crispy baked avocado fries alongside burgers or dips.
Avocado Chocolate Mousse
Believe it or not, avocado can be turned into a rich, decadent chocolate mousse for dessert. Blend the flesh of ripe avocados with melted dark chocolate, cocoa powder, honey or maple syrup, vanilla and milk or cream. Chill the mousse for at least 2 hours before serving. Top with berries, shaved chocolate or whipped cream for a sophisticated sweet treat.
Avocado Ice Cream
Super creamy avocado ice cream is another awesome dairy-free dessert option. Blend ripe avocado with banana, coconut milk, honey, vanilla and a pinch of salt until smooth. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer’s directions. Avocado ice cream imparts a rich, smooth texture you’d never expect from the fruit.
Conclusion
From breakfast to dessert and everything in between, avocado can be used creatively in both sweet and savory recipes. With its rich texture and mild taste, the nutritional powerhouse adds creaminess and healthy fats to smoothies, ice cream, pasta sauce, salad dressings and more. Avocado transforms ordinary snacks and meals into extra satisfying fare. Next time you pick up an avocado, think beyond your usual toast or guacamole and try whipping up one of these unexpected yet delicious avocado recipes instead.