Avocados can be enjoyed year round and in so many different ways. Since this superfood originates in the subtropical climate of South and Central America, most people may think of eating this fruit with Mexican food.
You can eat raw avocado in ice cream, hummus, or even in cocktails, along with many other unique ideas.
What are the Best Ways to Eat an Avocado?
The subtle buttery, and sometimes nutty, flavor of a raw avocado makes it a blank canvas to be enjoyed with so many different flavors. Simply eating one with salt and lemon brings out the freshness, while some enjoy sprinkling hot sauce for a nice kick of flavor.
The ways to eat raw avocados are endless and with the many health benefits, why wouldn’t you want to find a way to enjoy this tasty fruit?
1. With Baked Egg Boats
Eating an avocado with breakfast is a great way to start the day. Not only is it high in potassium, protein, and fiber, but it is also incredibly filling. For those that like eggs, here is a simple start to your morning:
- Simply cut the avocado in half, leaving the skin on
- Remove the pit and throw away
- Place the avocados skin side down in a baking dish
- Crack one egg inside each half, sprinkle all over with salt and pepper
- Bake until the egg is just set
For extra indulgence, grate some fresh Parmesan cheese on top once it comes out of the oven.
2. With Salads
Adding a diced avocado makes a great addition to any salad. It goes well with nuts, dried or fresh fruit, and most any dressing. A fantastic combination is avocado and honey mustard dressing – yum!
3. Guacamole
When most people think of eating a raw avocado, they think about guacamole. This classic Mexican condiment is based around the green fruit.
A basic guacamole, mixes together: avocado, onion, cilantro, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. You can mash it up for a chunkier guacamole dip, or even purée it for a silky spread.
If you are needing a wow dip for a Christmas party, try mashing an avocado with: salt, pepper, pomegranate seeds, and a squeeze of lime juice. Not only will this make your taste buds happy, it looks festive too!
4. Salsa
Another great dip idea is to add a raw avocado to your salsa, making a quick and tasty appetizer. For a great flavor and texture combination, try dicing an avocado and mixing it into your favorite black bean dip.
5. Smoothies
This one may be a little different for some people, but adding frozen chunks of avocado to your smoothie not only is delicious, it also adds so many health benefits to your drink.
A good avocado smoothie combination is banana, avocado, unsweetened coconut milk, and honey. If you have time, dice up your avocado and banana an hour before you blend your smoothie and freeze it in a ziploc bag. This will help it stay green and help keep the smoothie cold.
6. Ice Cream
Avocado ice cream? Yes, please! Avocado can be churned into ice cream for a seriously tasty and healthy treat. Unlike traditional ice cream, you don’t have to add eggs or sugar, making this substantially healthier.
Using a ripe avocado, combine with milk (or coconut milk), honey or agave, and a splash of vanilla. You can also add cocoa powder or different flavorings to your ice cream – mint sounds delicious! If you have an ice cream maker at home, give this quick recipe a try.
7. Milkshake
For a healthy version of this childhood favorite, try an avocado milkshake! Simply blend together: milk, sweetened condensed milk, ice, and avocado. Play with the add-ins by mixing in chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles and top with a dollop of whipped cream.
8. Tacos
Avocados on top of tacos may sound pretty standard, but what about avocados as the main filling for tacos? Vegetarians, and meat lovers alike, can enjoy avocado tacos.
Thick slices of avocado that are lightly breaded with panko bread crumbs and then either baked or flash fried for an incredible bite of creamy avocado. Top the avocado with a spicy slaw and cotija cheese for a delicious taco.
9. Chicken Salad
If you are wanting to cut down on the bad fat in mayonnaise, but still want chicken salad, don’t worry. Try replacing half (or all) of the mayo with puréed avocado. Mixing this with your chicken, slivered almonds, salt, pepper, and lemon juice is a delicious and healthy version of this classic lunch.
10. Avocado Toast
Avocado toast has been trending in the food world for a few years now and for good reason. This makes a delicious breakfast, brunch, or even dinner that can be tailored to your preferences.
The base is the same: toast, sliced or mashed raw avocado, salt, pepper. What you do with the rest, is up to you. Here are some tasty ideas:
- Top your avocado with thinly sliced smoked salmon and shaved red onion for a twist on the classic lox and bagels
- Add a fried egg drizzled in hot sauce for an exciting and well rounded brunch
- Crumble feta cheese drizzled with hot honey and toasted pumpkin seeds for sweet treat
- Spoon on seasoned ground meat and top with salsa for a healthier version of a taco
These are just some of the great things you can do with avocado toast
11. Salad Dressing
If you are making homemade dressing, why not add some raw avocado to the mix. Using a food processor to purée the avocado will give it a silky consistency that is great added to ranch dressing.
12. Fruit Salad
Since avocado is a fruit, why not add it to your fruit salad. A tropical summer fruit salad makes for a refreshing treat.
Fruits that pair well with avocado include: mango, watermelon, papaya, pineapple, coconut, and kiwi just to name a few. Use your favorite combination and drizzle with some agave or honey and a squeeze of lime juice.
13. Popsicle
Another tasty frozen treat is a popsicle. Adding avocado to your homemade treat is a healthy twist that is simply a must try.
Blend together avocado, coconut milk, honey, and lime juice. If your mixture is too thick, add some water to thin it out, then divide into popsicle molds and freeze until set. For even more indulgence, dip the frozen treats in melted dark chocolate and refreeze.
14. Egg Salad
The vintage egg salad gets a revamp with the addition of diced avocado. The natural buttery flavor of the avocado pairs well with boiled eggs. Simply dice up some raw avocado and stir it in with your favorite egg salad recipe.
15. Sushi
Why not make your own sushi? Starting with an easy roll, such as an avocado roll, is a great place to start.
Simply place your cooked sushi rice on a sheet of nori (seaweed) and line with strips of avocado. Roll up, slice, and dip in a spicy wasabi dip for a delicate and delicious bite.
Another way to enjoy avocado and sushi is by thinly slicing it and placing it on top of your favorite sushi roll.
16. Tomato Salad
Tomatoes and avocado make for a classic combination and a tasty salad. Here’s a great version to try:
- Cut big chunks of a tomato and avocado and place in a bowl
- Thinly slice or shave a red onion and add to the mix
- Stir all together with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice
This can be eaten as is or mixed with salad greens. Making this in the summer time will ensure the tomatoes are in their peak.
17. Caprese Salad
The caprese salad is commonly eaten as an appetizer but also makes a healthy and light lunch.
Traditionally, the ingredients are: slices of fresh mozzarella and tomato layered on a plate. Then, you drizzle balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and fresh basil all over. Adding sliced avocado in the mix makes for a beautiful addition.
18. Pasta Sauce
By blending together raw avocado, garlic, basil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice – you have a fast, simple, and healthy pasta sauce. Serve this sauce as a warm pasta dish or even as a cold pasta salad.
19. Cocktails
Drinking avocado in your cocktail may seem a little out of the box, but don’t knock it till you try it! The nutty flavor from avocado actually pairs well with several different liquors. Try making a spicy avocado margarita or even an avocado mojito.
If you’re still unsure, dice some up and add as a garnish to a Bloody Mary- you won’t be disappointed!
20. Breakfast Hash
There are many different types of breakfast hash out there. For a healthier version, try cooking diced sweet potato and turkey sausage together and top with a fried egg and sliced avocado.
This makes for a filling brunch, packed with lots of nutrients.
21. Bagel
Bagels make for a quick grab and go breakfast but can be so heavy when stuffed with gobs of cream cheese. For a lighter option, spread some mashed avocado on a toasted bagel and you have a lighter breakfast.
Making bagel sandwiches for breakfast or lunch gets a healthy boost when you add sliced avocado.
22. Mousse
Ok, we already tried avocado ice cream so why not a velvety mousse? This chocolate avocado mousse is a great option for those that can’t eat dairy.
Blend together: avocado, almond milk, cocoa powder, honey, melted coconut oil, vanilla, and salt. Once smooth, keep in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
23. Stuffed
You can get creative with stuffing an avocado. Think of a halved avocado as a vessel to your favorite food. Remove the pit, then fill the space with chicken salad, fruit salad, or taco meat. This is a great choice for those wanting to watch the carb intake.
24. Bacon wrapped
Wrapping pretty much anything in bacon makes for a great snack. After cutting an avocado in half, remove the pit and skin. Cut 3 wedges per half and wrap each with a slice of bacon. Bake until the bacon is crispy and enjoy!
25. Avocado Bread
Think banana bread, but made with avocado instead! Simply swap out the bananas in your favorite recipe for avocados and enjoy this unique bread.
26. Hummus
Hummus is already a healthy snack that is traditionally made with chickpeas, tahini paste, lemon juice, and olive oil. Blending avocado into this nutty spread is a natural compliment that adds to the health benefits and flavor.
Avocado hummus makes for a great dip for pita chips, pretzels, and carrot snacks. It also serves as a good spread for wraps.
What Will Eating An Avocado a Day Do?
Avocados are considered a superfood, and for good reason. The natural health benefits of an avacodo are almost endless. They are:
- High in potassium
- Lowers cholesterol
- High in fiber
- Vitamins B,C, and E
- Aides in digestion
- Improves skin
- Helps hair growth
- Can help lower belly fat in women
Eating an avocado a day, may keep the doctor away!
Related Questions
Avocados offer so much to our diets and recipes, let’s explore some more about this delicious food.
Is avocado a fruit or a nut?
Avocado is a type of fruit and some consider it to be a single seeded berry.
Is avocado better cooked or raw?
Avocado is good just about any way you serve it, but it is best served in its raw state to maintain all of the nutrients.
When should you not eat an avocado?
Don’t eat an avocado if it is overly ripened and brown. This means it has spoiled and can make you sick.
Summing It Up
Avocados have a subtle nutty flavor and creamy texture that makes it versatile in so many recipes. Whether you eat it as a dip or spread, in a dessert, or just by itself, eating this delicious fruit has many health benefits.