All About That Avo: Amazing Avocado Recipes

Avocados took the 2010s by storm. It seems everywhere we go, we're bombarded with avocado-laden products, whether they're sliced onto toast, blended into guacamole, or topping our salads.

There's no shortage of recipes that suddenly became avocado recipes. I've even seen avocado in gelato, chocolate mousse, hummus, and milkshakes! Its creamy consistency and mild flavor make this green fruit a versatile addition to savory and sweet dishes alike.

So while you're waiting on those avocados on the counter to ripen, check out these avocado recipes you can use to plan your next appetizer, meal, or side dish!

While they're plenty tasty, avocados also have some health benefits which make them a valuable addition to any diet. Avocados are packed with essential nutrients like vitamins C,  K, E, and B-6. It's also a great source of riboflavin, potassium, niacin, magnesium, folate, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Avocados contain lutein, which can provide antioxidant protection to help minimize eye damage. The monounsaturated fats in avocados also support the absorption of other beneficial fat-soluble antioxidants, such as beta-carotene. So adding avocados to your diet may help to reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration common with age.

Avocado is also a great source of fiber, which has been known to help lower blood pressure and fight off certain diseases like coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. The Vitamin E in avocados helps your immune system function, and the monounsaturated fats also help keep you feeling full!

One avocado a day can help improve bad cholesterol levels, a study published in 2015 in the Journal of the American Heart Association found. Experts recommend incorporating 1/2 - 1 whole avocado into your diet daily, balanced with other colorful veggies and proteins.

While you can also buy this in bottles, I promise you'll love the freshly-made version of Green Goddess dressing is 100 times better. In a food processor, put a peeled and pitted avocado, 1/2 cup of plain greek yogurt, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1 tbsp minced garlic, 5 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup vinegar, and salt and pepper. Blend until smooth, and serve on top of your favorite salad! It's so much more than just salads, though! It can work on tacos, sandwiches, wraps, anything that needs a little extra creamy avocado goodness.

Do you like it when your guacamole gets mixed with your sour cream in your burrito? Us too. That's why we like this sauce. All you need is 2 large, ripe avocados, 1 cup of sour cream or greek yogurt, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 3-4 tablespoons of lime juice, and salt and pepper. Blend it up and use it as dip for your favorite veggies, or top your tacos!

The great debate is whether guacamole should be chunky or smooth. This recipe is one of the best I've ever tried, and it's fresh ingredients make it perfect to pair with burritos, quesadillas, and well...I actually like guac with most things. Start by mashing 3 ripe avocados, then combine with 1/2 a diced onion, 2 diced Roma tomatoes, 3 tbsp fresh, chopped cilantro, 1 diced jalapeño pepper, 2 minced garlic cloves, the juice of 1 lime, and 1/2 tsp sea salt. Serve with some tortilla chips or vegetables, and you'll find yourself asking how you just ate an entire bowl of guac.

Go ahead and preheat your oven to 425°. On a baking sheet, toss 1/2 pound of tomatillos, 3 smashed and peeled garlic cloves, 1 chopped jalapeño, and the white part of a chopped leek with some vegetable oil and spread in a single layer. Roast the vegetables for about 12 minutes. Transfer to a blender and let cool. Add 2 Hass avocados, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp cumin, and 1/2 cup of water and puree until smooth. Add the 1/4 cup chopped onion, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and 1 tbsp lime juice and briefly pulse. Transfer the salsa to a bowl and season with salt. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips!

There's nothing that says summer like this fresh, yummy, nutrient-filled side. It's great with barbecue, too!

Ceviche is loaded with shrimp, avocado, tomatoes, cucumber and cilantro; all marinated in fresh lime juice. Use cooked or raw shrimp for this delectable Mexican shrimp cocktail.

Okay, hear us out. This can be more than just avocados on bread. Try additional toppings like cream cheese and everything bagel seasoning, goat cheese and bacon, or a poached or fried egg. While the avocado can shine on its own, enhance its mild flavor with some extras!

This velvety, rich, soup is broth-based instead of cream-based, so it doesn't feel too heavy. In a blender, combine 3 avocados (cut into chunks), 3 cups of chicken broth, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. Serve chilled for a light and creamy appetizer or add some toppings to make it a main dish!

Whether you're looking to get some much-needed vitamins and minerals in your diet or on a weight loss journey to wellness, avocados may be the perfect addition to a balanced diet. Do you have any avocado recipes that you love? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to share your favorite avocado creations with the ones you love on FamilyApp!