More Than Guacamole
An avocado is a superfood that becomes a super sneaky ingredient you can add to more recipes than you can imagine. From savory dishes to decadent sweet treats, avocados can replace or add to all of your favorite eats. May you feast your eyes on this delicious list of recipes where avocado is the surprise star ingredient.
1. Avo Fries
Upgrade your side of fries to a greener alternative. Avocado fries are nutritious and delicious without the greasy deep-frying and unhealthy oil. You can make these green french fries with an air fryer, frying pan, or oven. You’ll enjoy their crispy exterior from either a breadcrumb coating or naked as they come!
2. Chocolate Mousse
Yup, that’s right–– you can make the most decadent chocolate mousse with avocado as the main ingredient. Turn this irresistible dessert into a secret health food and eat it up guilt-free. The texture from the avocado mocks the creaminess of a traditional mousse. Use raw cocoa to boost the antioxidants in this rich treat.
3. Avocado Soup
When treated like gazpacho, an avocado soup is just as scrumptious chilled. Avocado gives this soup a fresh flavor with a savory richness. You’ll get all the creaminess you need from the avocado without adding any cream. A gazpacho or soup like this can be made entirely plant-based too.
4. Green Goddess Dressing
A green goddess dressing is truly a taste of heaven. The flavor and nutrition from this salad dressing will make you feel like a goddess indeed. Use lemon to brighten it up with a citrus zing while the avocado makes it extra silky. Use it as a dressing for salads and grain bowls or as a dip for all kinds of finger foods.
5. Chocolate Truffles
It’s easy to recreate rich desserts with avocado because of its thick and creamy texture. Avocado is delightfully mild in flavor so it never overpowers a recipe, making it the perfect ingredient to add to desserts. Avocado chocolate truffles will melt in your mouth with every velvety bite.
6. Avocado Chips
Are you a sucker for potato chips? Well, if you want to indulge in your favorite salty snack, try this version instead! The beauty of avocados is that they’re a superfood that can pretend to be junk food. With just a few ingredients, you can start snacking on crispy avo chips in no time.
7. Avocado Pops
Bet you didn’t know you can make popsicles with avocados! These decadent greensicles are basically like ice cream on a stick with a dose of healthy fat. Substitute refined sugar with agave or maple syrup for a healthier alternative to a summer staple.
8. Avocado Hummus
Avocado hummus is the best of both worlds, combining two popular dips in one for a delicious creation. It’s like a supercharged protein-packed guacamole. Dunk raw veggies into it or slather it on top of crackers or a crusty baguette.
9. Green Protein Shake
Want a thick diner-style milkshake without all the empty calories and bellyache? Try a green shake that gets its smooth and creamy texture from avocado and bananas. It’s packed with nutrition and vitamins, you could even have it for breakfast. Add any protein powder or nut butter to amp up the protein and flavor.
10. Avocado Pancakes
Trick the kids into eating a pancake breakfast with a secret healthy ingredient. Avocados add the soft and fluffy texture of a pancake you’ll drool over. Keep it traditional with blueberries, bananas, or chocolate chips, and drizzle maple syrup on top–– you won’t even know avos are in there.
11. Taco Avocados
Avocados are already the perfect match for tacos and nachos but in this recipe, they’re not just the topping, they’re the star of the meal. Instead of stuffing a taco shell, stuff your avocados with a taco filling and top them with salsa and shredded cheese. They make fancy-looking appetizers for any fiesta.
12. Chocolate Avocado Zucchini Bread
It’s no surprise by now that chocolate and avocado are made for each other. The natural sweetness of the avocado combined with the bitterness of chocolate is a match made in heaven. This bread is like dessert yet it involves vegetables–– how is that possible? Replace butter with avocado and see for yourself.
13. Avocado Pickles
Pickle lovers will freak out over this! You probably never thought of pickling avocados but you should think again. Avocado pickles are a tasty snack or topping for burgers, dogs, tacos, and anything your heart desires. The combination of tangy and creamy is a flavorful textural experience you’ll want to try.
14. Avocado Alfredo
Make a popular Italian pasta with a surprise ingredient that’ll add more nutrition to the classic meal. Avocado will lighten up the empty calories without taking away any creaminess. Next time you make an alfredo sauce, try an avocado version instead.
15. Avocado Key Lime Cheesecake
Avocados and lime go together like peanut butter and jelly so it just makes sense that your favorite key lime dessert can be made with avocados. You don’t have to skip the cream cheese entirely but you can make this classic cake vegan if you want to. Avocado key lime cheesecake is a nutrition-packed decadent dessert everyone will love.
16. Avocado Fudge
Fudge is a great way to use up super ripe avocados. You can also store these bad boys in the freezer so you always have a tasty treat ready to munch on. Avocados already have a fudgy texture so when you combine them with other ingredients you have a fudge that is rich and sweet like it’s meant to be.
17. Avocado Mac & Cheese
You’re probably thinking that we couldn’t possibly make another kids’ favorite meal with a healthy twist. But we’re here to tell you that you can! Add vitamins and minerals to a mac & cheese recipe without sacrificing any flavor or creaminess. Cheese and avocado are a tasty combo even the grown-ups will enjoy.
18. Avocado Grilled Cheese
We know, here we go again with the cheesy kid meals but we couldn’t skip this one. Add avocado to your next grilled cheese and you’ll thank us. Avo turns your regular grilled cheese into a gourmet sandwich with a pleasantly gooey and creamy bite.
19. Avocado Ranch
Ranch dip is arguably America’s favorite dressing. You’ll see it listed on most restaurant menus for salads, sandwiches, and wings. You can recreate this all-American dream dip with creamy avocados. Enjoy the traditional dressing with an extra healthy twist.
20. Holy Guacamole!
Ok, we started this article saying avocados can do more than guacamole but we have to end it with a bang. Guacamole is just too good not to mention in a list of avocado recipes and “holy guacamole” takes you to the next level. A super holy guac is when you whip up a classic recipe and add your favorite ingredients to it. Our recommendations include feta, pickled onions, roasted sweet potato, and toasted pumpkin seeds.