When I was a child in Southern California, we had an avocado tree in our back yard. My mother would cut them up and put them into salads and eat them on sandwiches. At the neighborhood Mexican restaurants, I ate them as guacamole. I loved every bite, but didn’t realize just how amazingly versatile avocadoes could be. Just recently, I made a wonderful Chocolate Pudding opens in a new tab with avocadoes. Times change!
Avocados are fruits and they pair well with other fruits such as citrus and tropical fruits. Here are some super flavorful fruit salad recipes:
Avocado and Grapefruit Salad
Avocado and Spinach Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette opens in a new tab
Spring Salad with Strawberries and Creamy Orange-Avocado Dressing. opens in a new tab
Avocados are outta-this-world delicious when added to chicken, shrimp or tuna salad, as well as a slew of greens, grains and protein salads. Here are some of my favorites:
East-Meets-Southwest Chicken Tostada Salad opens in a new tab
Mango, Avocado and Black Bean Salad with Lime Dressing opens in a new tab
Fresh Mozzarella Salad with Avocado, Roasted Corn and Grape Tomatoes opens in a new tab
But remember: Avocados aren’t just for salads!
Chop or slice and add to scrambled eggs or omelets, like this Shrimp and Avocado Omelet opens in a new tab.
Garnish chili, soups and stews with chopped avocado.
Add to or garnish hard-shell or soft tacos, burritos, tostadas, enchiladas and tamales. Try these Refried Bean and Avocado Soft Tacos opens in a new tab.
Add to sandwiches or stuff into pita bread with plenty of veggies. Add hummus or turkey slices for variety. This Ciabatta B.L.A.T. (Bacon, Lettuce, Avocado, and Tomato) opens in a new tab will soon become a favorite!
Snack on half an avocado stuffed with Simply Delicious Homemade Hummus opens in a new tab or Eggplant Garbanzo Bean Dip opens in a new tab or your favorite tabouli recipe.
Add to a favorite relish or salsa recipe, or try our Mojo Chicken with Avocado and Mango Salsa opens in a new tab.
Chop and add to hot cooked pasta. Be sure to add olives, tomatoes, parsley, extra virgin olive oil, and a dash of parmesan or Romano cheese.
Avocados are best eaten raw, although you can stir them into cooked foods just before serving – like topping a chili or tortilla soup. I like to buy avocados that are under-ripe or just barely ripe. If they are over-ripe, soft and mushy, they may be bruised on the inside. A perfectly ripe avocado will give a little when pressed. Store unripe avocados at room temperature for a few days; if not using right away once ripe, transfer to the refrigerator.
Do you have a favorite avocado recipe? I’d love to know.
