Let me guess: You’ve got a ripe avocado sitting on your counter, and you’re wondering what to do with it.
Should you make your usual toast? Slice it for a salad? Or maybe you’re craving something a little more creative?
I’ve been there too, and let me tell you, avocados have so much untapped potential.
Over the years, I’ve turned this humble fruit into everything from a creamy dessert to a show-stopping salad boat.
And the best part? All these recipes use raw avocados, preserving their natural, buttery flavor and unbeatable texture.
1. Classic Avocado Toast with a Twist
Avocado toast is a classic, but adding a few extras turns it into something unforgettable.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Toast Your Bread: Pop your sourdough into the toaster or under the broiler until it’s golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Mash the Avocado: Scoop the avocado into a bowl and mash it with a fork. I like to leave it a bit chunky—more texture equals more fun!
- Spread the Love: Spread the mashed avocado generously over the toasted bread. Don’t skimp—you want every bite to be creamy!
- Add the Extras: Drizzle olive oil over the top, sprinkle with chili flakes, and add a pinch of sea salt. For a fresh finish, top with herbs like parsley or basil.
- Enjoy the Perfection: Sit down with your toast, take a bite, and savor the blend of creamy avocado, crunchy bread, and a touch of heat.
2. Raw Avocado Salad Boats
This recipe is like a little edible treasure chest. The first time I tried it, I was amazed by how the avocado shell makes the perfect bowl!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Halve the Avocados: Slice the avocados in half lengthwise and carefully remove the pits. Use a spoon to scoop out a bit of the flesh, creating a hollow. Dice the scooped avocado and set it aside.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine the diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss everything gently—you don’t want to mash the avocado too much.
- Assemble the Boats: Spoon the salad mixture into the hollowed-out avocado shells. It’s like a mini salad bowl, and it looks so cute!
- Dig In: Grab a fork and enjoy straight from the shell.
View this post on Instagram
3. Creamy Avocado Smoothie
The first time I tried avocado in a smoothie, I was skeptical. Now, I’m hooked!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Gather Your Ingredients: Make sure your banana is frozen—it’s the key to a thick, frosty smoothie. Slice it beforehand to make blending easier.
- Add Everything to the Blender: Scoop the avocado into your blender, and add the banana, almond milk, honey, and spinach if using. The spinach doesn’t affect the flavor, but it gives a nutritional boost.
- Blend Until Smooth: Blend on high until the mixture is creamy and completely smooth. Stop to scrape down the sides if needed.
- Taste and Adjust: If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk. Want it sweeter? Add a little extra honey.
- Serve and Savor: Pour into a glass and enjoy. It’s like a dessert, but you know it’s good for you!
4. Spicy Avocado Salsa
I make this salsa every time I need a crowd-pleaser. It’s tangy, spicy, and goes with everything from chips to grilled chicken.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dice and Mince: Start by dicing the avocados into bite-sized chunks and finely mincing the jalapeño. If you don’t want it too spicy, remove the seeds and membranes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, gently combine the diced avocado, jalapeño, red onion, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Use a spoon to fold everything together without mashing the avocado.
- Taste and Adjust: Give it a quick taste. Need more lime? Add a squeeze. Too mild? Toss in another pinch of salt or jalapeño.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of flavor. Serve immediately with tortilla chips, tacos, or just a spoon!
Recipe ➡️ https://t.co/rpnGUCnPXs
This spicy avocado salsa verde recipe with garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and fresh tomatillos is a 5-minute Mexican appetizer you’ll love! pic.twitter.com/749uNVGKjH— Krista (@joyhealthyeats) September 4, 2024
5. Zesty Avocado and Cucumber Salad
I love this salad on hot days—it’s light, refreshing, and ready in minutes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the Veggies: Cube the avocado and slice the cucumber into thin rounds. The thinner the cucumber slices, the better the texture!
- Mix it Together: In a large bowl, toss the avocado, cucumber, and fresh mint leaves.
- Add the Dressing: Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine.
- Chill and Serve: Pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld. Then, serve it as a side dish or eat it straight out of the bowl—it’s that good!
@kalejunkie Viral Spicy Cucumber Salad, run…do not walk! #viralrecipes #cucumbersalad #foodtrends #healthyrecipes ♬ original sound – Nicole K. Modic
6. Avocado Caprese Salad
This is my avocado twist on a classic Caprese salad. It’s creamy, fresh, and looks as beautiful as it tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice Everything: Slice the avocados, tomatoes, and mozzarella into even pieces. Try to keep them roughly the same size for a balanced presentation.
- Layer the Salad: On a serving platter, alternate slices of avocado, tomato, and mozzarella in a row or circular pattern. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the layers.
- Drizzle and Season: Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze over the salad. Sprinkle with salt and freshly cracked pepper for added flavor.
- Serve Fresh: Serve immediately as a starter or a light meal.
7. Avocado Spring Rolls
These spring rolls are a fun, hands-on meal that’s as much about the experience as the flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Slice the avocado, shred the carrots, and cut the cucumber into matchsticks. Cook and cool the rice noodles according to package instructions.
- Soften the Rice Paper: Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for about 10 seconds, until soft and pliable.
- Assemble the Rolls: Lay the softened wrapper on a clean surface. Place a small amount of avocado, carrots, cucumber, and rice noodles in the center. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll tightly like a burrito.
- Repeat and Serve: Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling. Serve immediately with sweet chili sauce or peanut sauce for dipping. They’re as tasty as they are fun to eat!
View this post on Instagram
8. Raw Avocado Pesto Zoodles
Who needs pasta when you have zucchini noodles? This avocado pesto is creamy, fresh, and so easy to make.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make the Pesto: In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, basil, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prep the Zoodles: Spiralize the zucchini into thin noodles. If you don’t have a spiralizer, a julienne peeler works too.
- Toss Together: In a large bowl, toss the zoodles with the avocado pesto until evenly coated.
- Serve Immediately: Plate the zoodles and garnish with extra basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
@chefsanantonio Avocado pesto zoodles #pesto #healthyitalian #healthyitalianfood #healthtok #pestozoodles #vegetarian #vegan #zoodles #lowcarb #avocadopesto #healthy #healthyliving #healthycooking #nutritionfacts #nutritiontip #nutritiontips #nutrition #cookthis #cooking #recipe #italianrecipe #zucchini #easydinner #healthydinnet #noodles #cookingtips #mealplan #lifestyle #healthyhabits #healthylifestyle #foodtiktok #cookingvideo ♬ Italian Folk Dance – Benet Walsh/John Hymas
9. Simple Avocado Ceviche
This is a no-cook recipe that’s packed with bright, zesty flavors. It’s perfect for summer days when you want something refreshing.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop Everything: Dice the avocados, onion, and tomatoes into small, even pieces. If using jalapeño, dice it finely.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the avocado, onion, tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and jalapeño (if desired). Gently toss everything together to coat.
- Chill and Serve: Let the ceviche chill in the fridge for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve with tortilla chips or over a bed of lettuce for a light, flavorful dish.
Keto Shrimp “Ceviche” – Simple Avocado Shrimp Salad – FFLL
Bright and refreshing, Keto Shrimp Ceviche with creamy avocado is a satisfying lunch or a flavor packed appetizer. It’s quick and easy; no cooking req… https://t.co/JQMJSA5G1J #FFLL pic.twitter.com/7gtcLzYvEB— MeganFFLL (@MeganFFLL) October 28, 2024
10. Avocado Chocolate Mousse
Who says avocados are only for savory dishes? This chocolate mousse is rich, creamy, and completely dairy-free.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend the Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine the avocados, cocoa powder, honey, almond milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the mousse and add more honey if you want it sweeter or more cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate flavor.
- Chill and Serve: Spoon the mousse into small bowls or ramekins and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Serve with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
- Enjoy Every Bite: You’ll be amazed at how luscious and decadent this dessert is—it’s a crowd-pleaser for sure!