6 New Ways to Use Avocados

Creamy, slighty nutty, and a gorgeous green color, avocados are a very versatile food (not to mention delicious), even though they are most often associated with the party favorite guacamole. But avocados are so much more than just guacamole. They can be grilled, fried, puréed, or used as a garnish or meal of their own. Whether eaten alone with salt and lime juice as a snack, or with some mint and honey as a dessert, avocados are a good source of unsaturated fat (a healthy fat), Vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, and other nutrients. 

If you find yourself with a rock hard avocado, you can do one of two things: You can wait two to four days for it to ripen, or you can put it in a brown paper bag with a banana to speed up the ripening process. Once cut into, avocados oxidize quickly (turn brown), so it's best to use them immediately and cut them open right before eating. If you have leftover avocado, try wrapping them tightly in plastic or rubbing the cut sides with lemon or lime juice (the acid stops the oxidations process). P.S. It's just a myth that the avocado seed prevents browning. If you've ever left one in your guacamole, you'll know what I'm talking about. 

So, if you're looking for an added boost of creaminess plus healthful nutrients, try using avocados in salads, smoothies, sandwiches, or omelettes, or layering slices on tacos or grilled fish. But if you're looking for a new way to use this healthy ingredient, then try one of our delicious ways below. And please do let us know if you have an avocado go-to of your own!

Spicy Crab and Avocado Salad

You've undoubtedly seen the grapefruit-avocado combo before. You get the creaminess of the avocado and the tart sweetness of the grapefruit — pretty fantastic...

 — Arthur Bovino

Avocados Stuffed with Chicken Salad

Queen avocado, or plata reina, as this poular dish is called in South America, is royally rich but perfectly simple... 

— Valaery Murray

Avocado and Prosciutto Crostini

We've all been there — you need an appetizer that will make a great impression but doesn't require you to slave away in the kitchen...

— Molly Aronica

Avocado Pizza with Caramelized Onions

Instead of tomato sauce, creamy chunks of avocado and gooey melted mozzarella make the base for this easy, California-inspired pizza...

— Yasmin Fahr

Avocado Toast

This is one of the simplest and most flavorful recipes I know. Mashing avocado to taste with salt, pepper, and lemon...

— Nicole Campoy-Leffler

Kale, Avocado, and Ricotta Pie 

This is a very simple dish, as good for dinner as it is for brunch.

— Alexis Anderson

Easy Punch Recipes for Memorial Day

5 Summer Cocktails to Make from the Culinary Content Network

The Best Beers for the Beach