10 Ways to Cook With Avocado

avocado image via shutterstock

Avocado season is quickly approaching, and there are more ways to cook with superfood than just making guacamole. Use lemon or lime juice to keep the avocado from turning brown when preparing, and when storing, trying pressing plastic wrap directly onto the food, and then top with an airtight lid. The acid from the citrus and the double layer of protection will help slow the browning process.

1. Black Bean, Feta and Avocado Quinoa with Avocado Tahini Dip
via Cooking Quinoa

This wrap has a double hit of avocado: an avocado tahini spread plus chunky diced avocado in the wrap. Make extra dip and use with carrots, celery, or whole wheat crackers. If you’re looking to add protein, add shredded chicken.

2. Portobello Mushroom and Avocado Winter Rolls with Thai Peanut Sauce
via With Food + Love

These winter rolls are a great appetizer or afternoon snack. The red curry peanut sauce is optional, and if you like the filling and want to make a full meal, add grilled chicken or pork and mix together with the rice noodles, mushrooms, a spoonful of sauce, and top with avocado.

3. Avocado Toast with Chili, Cocoa Nibs, Lime and Olive Oil
via Eat Chic

This recipe is great for brunch. Simply serve with an egg white and spinach omelette or a bowl of fruit and you’re good to go. You can also omit the cocoa nibs (but why would you want to?) and top with chia seeds.

4. St. Paddy’s Day Mint Chocolate Shake
via Eat What’s Good

March is the month to celebrate all things green and this shake should make the list. It’s great for breakfast or as a pre-workout energy boost. Try using fresh mint leaves instead of the peppermint extract. The herby quality will help to cut the richness of the avocado.

5. Creamy Avocado Hummus
via The Little Ferraro Kitchen

This dip is good for a party because it’s creamy without the addition of dairy, so it can sit out for a couple of hours. Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend that you can buy in most stores that carry spices. Use it to give this hearty hummus an earthy quality that goes well with all veggies or pita chips.

6. Chicken Stuffed Avocados
via Yummy Addiction

By using olive oil instead of butter, a rotisserie chicken, and substituting Greek yogurt (or nothing) for the heavy cream, you can make this dish healthier and simpler. To make ahead of time, have the chicken mixture prepared and then slice the avocado when you’re ready to eat.

7. Pistachio Guacamole
via Self magazine

Give guacamole a new spin with the addiction of pistachios. Try topping a bed of greens with a scoop of guacamole, green grapes, and steamed or roasted asparagus. If you aren’t a fan of radishes, try using red onion instead of white onion and omitting the radish slices.

8. Avocado “Pesto”
via Bon Appetit

Here’s a creamy and versatile sauce that can be paired with grilled chicken or pork. Instead of vegetable oil and lime juice, you can use olive oil and lemon juice. Use what’s on hand to make it simple. Top whole wheat pasta with this “pesto” for an unexpected, healthier pasta dinner.

9. Hot and Crunchy Avocado Fries
via Self magazine

Having a burger night? Craving something crunchy? Here’s your new favorite version of healthy fries. The ground flax seeds are optional, and you can also sub chia seeds for the flax if you prefer.

10. Avocado and Crab Soup
via Bon Appetit

This is the recipe that can work for a weekday dinner, or it can be dressed up for a dinner party. Substitute the creme fraiche for Greek yogurt or low fat sour cream. Lump crab can be bought out of the shell, but you will need to pick through it to be sure that no shells end up in your soup.