10+ Avocado Recipes to Brighten Up Your Meals

10+ Avocado Recipes to Brighten Up Your Meals

Avocados are everywhere these days, and honestly, it’s no surprise. They’re creamy, mild, and somehow fit into just about any meal you dream up.

You can keep things simple or go wild with different recipes. They bring that buttery texture and mellow flavor that plays so well with other ingredients.

A wooden cutting board with ripe avocados, a knife, and various ingredients for making avocado recipes

Avocado recipes are easy to make and work for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snacks. Whether you’re new to avocados or just bored of the same old thing, you’ll find something here to shake up your routine.

Ingredients

  • Avocados
  • Bread
  • Salt
  • Lemon or lime juice

Cooking Instructions

  1. Slice or scoop out the avocado.
  2. Grab some fresh bread or whatever base you like.
  3. Sprinkle on some salt and a squeeze of citrus.
  4. Mix and match based on what you’re making.

1) Classic Guacamole with Lime and Onion

A wooden bowl filled with freshly made guacamole, with chunks of avocado, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime, surrounded by tortilla chips

Making guacamole doesn’t have to be complicated. Grab ripe avocados—they should give just a bit when you squeeze them.

Mash them up and toss in some finely diced white onion for crunch. Squeeze fresh lime juice over everything to make it pop and to help keep that nice green color.

Salt it to taste and mix gently. Toss in chopped tomatoes or cilantro if you’re feeling it.

Eat your guacamole with chips, or pile it on tacos. Up to you.

Ingredients

  • 3 medium ripe avocados
  • 1/2 white onion, finely diced
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional: 1 medium tomato, diced; fresh cilantro

Cooking Instructions

  1. Halve the avocados, remove pits, and scoop the flesh into a bowl.
  2. Mash with a fork until you get the texture you like.
  3. Add onion and lime juice.
  4. Stir everything together and salt to taste.
  5. Mix in tomato and cilantro if you want.
  6. Serve right away or cover tightly with plastic wrap.

2) Avocado Toast with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil

A plate of avocado toast topped with halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves on a wooden cutting board

Avocado toast gets a bright upgrade with cherry tomatoes and basil. Toast your favorite bread until it’s crisp.

Spread on some smashed avocado for that creamy base. Toss diced cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Chop up some basil and sprinkle it over the top. The combo is simple but, honestly, it’s hard to beat.

Drizzle on balsamic glaze or lemon juice if you like a little extra zing. This makes a quick breakfast, snack, or light meal.

Ingredients

  • 4 slices of bread
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • Optional: balsamic glaze or lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

  1. Toast bread until golden.
  2. Smash avocado in a bowl.
  3. Spread avocado on toast.
  4. Mix tomatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper, and basil.
  5. Spoon tomato mix over avocado.
  6. Add balsamic glaze or lemon juice if you want.
  7. Eat right away.

3) Avocado and Shrimp Ceviche

A bowl of shrimp ceviche with diced avocado, cilantro, and lime, garnished with a slice of lime and a sprig of cilantro

Avocado and shrimp ceviche is super fresh and really easy. Start by marinating cooked or raw shrimp in lime juice.

The citrus juice changes the shrimp’s texture, basically “cooking” it if you use raw. Mix in diced avocado, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.

You get a cool, light meal—great for hot days. Scoop it up with tortilla chips or stuff it inside avocado halves.

No stove or oven needed, which is always a win.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound cooked or raw shrimp
  • Juice of 4 limes
  • 1 large avocado, diced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. If you’re using raw shrimp, marinate it in lime juice for 15-20 minutes.
  2. Mix shrimp with tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and avocado.
  3. Add salt and pepper.
  4. Chill for about 10 minutes.
  5. Serve with chips or in avocado halves.

For more ideas, check this Avocado Shrimp Ceviche recipe.

4) Creamy Avocado Smoothie with Banana

A ripe avocado and banana sit on a kitchen counter, surrounded by a blender, measuring cup, and a jug of milk

This smoothie is fast and honestly, pretty filling. Avocado gives it that thick, creamy texture, and banana brings in natural sweetness.

All you need is a blender and a few ingredients. If you want it sweeter, add a little honey or use your favorite milk.

Top with nuts or mint leaves for a little crunch or freshness. It’s perfect when you want something healthy but don’t want to fuss.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium banana, sliced
  • ½ avocado, pitted and sliced
  • 2 teaspoons honey (optional)
  • ⅔ cup unsweetened vanilla coconut milk or any milk you like
  • 5-6 ice cubes

Cooking Instructions

  1. Add banana, avocado, honey, milk, and ice to a blender.
  2. Blend on high until smooth.
  3. Pour into a glass and garnish if you want.
  4. Drink right away for the best texture.

You can find more ideas and tips for making this smoothie on the Creamy Avocado Banana Smoothie page.

5) Avocado-Stuffed Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A golden-brown grilled cheese sandwich oozing with melted cheese and creamy avocado filling, surrounded by fresh avocado halves and slices

This sandwich is all about gooey cheese and creamy avocado. Layer slices of avocado between cheddar and gruyere or provolone.

Grab some sourdough (or whatever bread you love) and butter the outsides. That’s how you get that golden, crispy crust.

Cook the sandwich over medium heat. Grill until the cheese melts and the bread’s just the right shade of brown.

Ingredients

  • 8 slices sourdough bread
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese
  • 4 slices gruyere or provolone cheese
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • Butter for spreading

Cooking Instructions

  1. Butter one side of each bread slice.
  2. Place 4 slices buttered side down in a pan.
  3. Add cheddar, avocado, then gruyere or provolone.
  4. Top with the other bread slices, buttered side up.
  5. Cook on medium heat, 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and melty.

For more tips, see this grilled cheese avocado sandwich recipe.

6) Avocado Fries with Spicy Dip

Golden avocado fries arranged with a side of spicy dip on a wooden serving board

Avocado fries are a fun twist on regular fries. Panko breadcrumbs give them a crispy outside, while the inside stays creamy.

Bake them for a lighter crunch. For the dip, mix mayo with sriracha or your favorite hot sauce—just enough to wake up your taste buds.

These fries make a great snack or appetizer. They’re a little unexpected, but people love them.

Ingredients

  • 2 ripe avocados
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1-2 tsp sriracha sauce

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Slice avocados into thick wedges.
  3. Whisk eggs in a bowl.
  4. Mix panko, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt in another bowl.
  5. Dip avocado wedges in egg, then coat with panko mix.
  6. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until crispy and golden.
  8. Stir together mayo and sriracha for the dip. Serve warm.

Check this Avocado Fries Recipe for more details.

7) Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Feta

A colorful quinoa salad with diced avocado and crumbled feta, garnished with fresh herbs and drizzled with vinaigrette

This quinoa salad feels light but fills you up. Creamy avocado, tangy feta, and quinoa make a great base.

Toss in spinach, cucumber, and tomatoes for extra crunch and color. A lemony vinaigrette brings it all together.

It works as a side or a quick lunch, and you can throw it together in about 20 minutes.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked and cooled quinoa
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • ½ cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cook quinoa and let it cool.
  2. Combine quinoa, avocado, feta, spinach, cucumber, tomatoes, and onion in a big bowl.
  3. Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper together.
  4. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently.
  5. Serve right away or chill for a bit.

For more ideas, you can check this Quinoa Avocado Salad recipe.

8) Avocado Coconut Ice Cream

A scoop of avocado coconut ice cream surrounded by fresh avocado and coconut slices on a wooden serving board

Making avocado coconut ice cream at home is easier than you might think. You just need a handful of ingredients.

Blend ripe avocados with coconut milk for a creamy, tropical treat. Add lemon or lime juice to keep the color bright and the flavor fresh.

Sweeten it with sugar, maple syrup, or even condensed milk—whatever you have on hand. If you’ve got an ice cream maker, use it, but you can also freeze and stir by hand for a decent texture.

Ingredients

  • 2 ripe avocados
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
  • ½ cup sugar or sweetener of choice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon or lime juice

Cooking Instructions

  1. Peel and pit the avocados.

  2. Blend avocados, coconut milk, sugar, and lemon juice until smooth.

  3. Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker.

  4. Churn until it looks creamy.

  5. If you want it firmer, freeze for 2-3 hours at 0°F (-18°C).

  6. Scoop and enjoy!

9) Avocado and Black Bean Tacos

A colorful plate of avocado and black bean tacos, with vibrant green avocado slices and hearty black beans spilling out of the tortillas

Avocado and black bean tacos are a super easy meal you can throw together pretty much anytime. Creamy avocado mixes with seasoned black beans for a fresh, filling taco.

Try adding salsa, a squeeze of lime juice, and some cumin or chili powder if you want a little kick. Pile the filling into warm tortillas and toss on some cilantro or a dollop of avocado crema.

Ingredients

  • 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 ½ tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ medium avocado
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • Tortillas (corn or flour)
  • Fresh cilantro (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

  2. In a bowl, mix black beans, salsa, chili powder, and cumin.

  3. Heat the mixture on the stove for about 5 minutes.

  4. In a separate bowl, mash the avocado with lime juice.

  5. Warm up the tortillas in the oven for 5 minutes.

  6. Fill the tortillas with the bean mixture and top with mashed avocado.

  7. Add cilantro if you’re into that.

If you want to try something different, check out this avocado cilantro lime crema.

10) Avocado Soup with Cilantro and Lime

A bowl of creamy avocado soup garnished with fresh cilantro and a slice of lime on a wooden table

This avocado soup is creamy and light, honestly perfect for when you want something simple. Fresh lime juice gives it a nice zing, and cilantro adds a bright herbal note.

You can serve it cold, or warm it up a bit if that’s more your style. Either way, it comes together fast and doesn’t need a ton of ingredients.

Ingredients

  • 3 ripe avocados
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Peel the avocados and remove the pits.

  2. Toss the avocados, broth, sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, and garlic into a blender. Blend everything until it’s smooth and creamy.

  3. Add salt and pepper to taste.

  4. Stick the soup in the fridge for about 30 minutes, or if you’re feeling cozy, warm it up gently—just don’t let it get hotter than 140°F (60°C).

  5. Sprinkle on some extra cilantro if that’s your thing.

Give this soup a shot when you want something quick and light. Curious about more ways to make creamy avocado soups? Check out this avocado soup recipe.

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