The Many Ways We Love to Use Avocados

Avocados are one of the most versatile fruits out there. Though technically a berry, avocados are commonly used as a vegetable in cooking. Their rich creamy texture and mild flavor make them an extremely popular ingredient in cuisines around the world.

So what are some of the top ways that people are using avocados today? Here is an overview of the most popular uses for avocados:

Guacamole

Guacamole is by far one of the most popular uses for avocados. This creamy green dip is made by mashing ripe avocados together with onions, tomatoes, lime juice, cilantro, and spices like garlic, salt, and pepper. Guacamole is commonly served as an appetizer with tortilla chips, used as a topping on tacos and burritos, or used as a sauce or spread on sandwiches and burgers It’s a tasty way to get a serving of healthy fats from the avocado.

Avocado Toast

Avocado toast has become a huge food trend in recent years. For avocado toast, you simply toast a slice of bread, then top it with mashed or sliced avocado and seasonings like sea salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice. Avocado toast makes a quick, healthy breakfast or snack. It’s also popular topped with extras like eggs, bacon, tomato, or smoked salmon.

Salads

The rich, creamy texture of avocados makes them an excellent addition to salads. Sliced or diced avocado can be added to any type of salad from green salads to grain bowls. Avocados are especially tasty in fruit salads paired with ingredients like oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, and vinaigrette dressing. Salads containing avocado provide healthy fats that help absorb fat-soluble vitamins from other vegetables and fruits.

Smoothies

Adding avocado to smoothies is an easy way to make them extra thick, creamy, and nutritious. Blending half an avocado with frozen fruit, milk or yogurt, and ice makes a satisfying high-protein meal or snack. Avocados contain fiber that helps you feel full. And the healthy fats provide sustained energy.

Sushi

Buttery, rich avocado is a perfect complement to sushi. Avocado is often used as an ingredient inside sushi rolls. It’s also commonly served alongside sushi as a garnish or side. The soft, creamy avocado balances the texture of the rice and fish perfectly. And it adds beneficial vitamins and minerals like potassium and vitamin K.

Sandwiches and Burgers

Sliced or mashed avocado can be used as a healthy topping for sandwiches and burgers. Adding avocado provides a boost of fresh flavor and texture as well as nutrients. Avocado is an excellent substitute for mayonnaise or other high-fat condiments on sandwiches. And it’s a tasty, low-carb option to add color and flavor to veggie or turkey burgers.

Soups and Stews

The mild flavor and luxurious texture of avocados make them a great addition to creamy soups and stews. Simply dicing or mashing some avocado into a hot soup just before serving infuses it with flavor and protein. Avocado pairs especially well with chilled soups like gazpacho. It also works nicely in Mexican stews and chilis.

Desserts

Believe it or not, avocado can be used to make decadent sweets too! Avocado lends moisture, texture, and even fat to baked goods like brownies, cookies, and cake. Avocado ice cream is also popular due to its ultra-creamy texture. And avocado is sometimes used to make dairy-free chocolate pudding. Who knew this savory fruit could be so sweet?

Dressings and Sauces

Puréed or mashed avocado can be used as the base for creamy salad dressings, sandwich spreads, pasta sauces, and dips. Swapping avocado for some of the oil or dairy in a recipe cuts calories without sacrificing richness. Blend avocado with herbs, garlic, lemon juice, and seasonings for a tasty homemade dressing or sauce.

Face Masks

Yes, avocados can also be used for beauty benefits! Applying mashed avocado to your skin nourishes it with vitamins and essential fatty acids. Avocado contains antioxidants like vitamin E and vitamin C which protect the skin from environmental damage. It also has anti-inflammatory properties to soothe irritated skin.

Baby Food

The soft, creamy texture and mild taste of avocado make it a great first food for babies. Avocado can be mashed and fed to infants starting at around 6 months of age. It provides nutrients like folate, potassium, and healthy fats to support brain and muscle development. And it’s gentler on the stomach than many other first foods.

Pet Food

Some pet owners even use avocado as a nutritious treat for dogs and cats. Avocado contains vitamins, minerals, and compounds that can help protect your pet’s health much like they do for humans. However, the plant parts of avocados contain persin which is toxic for many animals, so only the flesh should be fed to pets.

As you can see, there are so many diverse ways to enjoy avocados! They add nutrition, richness, and texture to dishes both savory and sweet. So embrace the versatility of the avocado and incorporate it into your cooking routine. Your taste buds and your body will thank you!