From Burgers to Smoothies: 6 Incredible Avocado Recipes to Make Right Now
If there's one food that's taken the wellness world by storm in recent years, it's the mighty avocado. This versatile fruit is packed with nutrients and healthy fats, making it a favorite among health-conscious foodies everywhere. At Wellness Bum, we're big fans of avocados and always experimented with new and exciting ways to use them in our cooking.
If you’re looking for light, delicious, and easy-to-make recipes with avocado that isn’t avocado toast, you’ll be drooling over these recipes! We'll share six of our favorite avocado-based recipes perfect for spring and summer. From a salmon-spinach avocado bun burger to a chilled avocado-coconut milk soup, these dishes are as delicious as they are nutritious.
Plus, we'll be sharing some tips for cooking with avocados, so you can get the most out of this superfood. Whether you're an avocado aficionado or a newcomer to the world of avocado cuisine, we're confident that you'll find something to love in this article.
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Health Benefits of Avocados
It's no secret that avocados are a nutritional powerhouse. Here are just a few of the health benefits you can expect from incorporating more avocados into your diet:
High nutrient content Avocados are packed with vitamins and minerals, including potassium, vitamin K, vitamin E, vitamin C, and B vitamins. They also contain a wide range of antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage.
Rich in healthy fats Avocados are high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are considered healthy fats. These fats can help improve your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease.
Good for heart health Speaking of heart disease, avocados have been shown to have a positive impact on heart health. Studies have found that people who eat avocados regularly have lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and higher levels of HDL (good) cholesterol.
May aid in weight management Despite their relatively high calorie count, avocados may actually be beneficial for weight management. Studies have found that people who eat avocados regularly tend to have a lower body mass index (BMI) and smaller waist circumference.
Other potential health benefits In addition to the benefits listed above, avocados may have other potential health benefits. For example, they may help improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of certain types of cancer.
With all these benefits, it's easy to see why avocados are such a popular superfood. In the next section, we'll dive into the six best avocado recipes that you need to try.
The 6 Best Avocado Recipes You Need to Try
Avocado is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from savory to sweet. These six avocado recipes are some of the best out there, and they're all easy and simple to make, all under 30-minutes.
Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, these avocado-based meals are perfect for anyone looking for new and exciting food ideas. Not only are they delicious, but they're also packed with healthy fats and nutrients, making them a great addition to any well-rounded diet.
And the best part? These avocado dishes can be customized to suit your taste preferences and dietary restrictions. Whether you're plant-based, gluten-free, or dairy-free, there's an avocado recipe for everyone. So without further ado, let's dive in and discover some of the best avocado recipes out there.
Salmon-Spinach Avocado Bun Burger
Burgers are a classic comfort food that many people love but can often be heavy and high in calories. This Salmon-Spinach Avocado Bun Burger recipe is a great way to switch up your typical burger game while still keeping it healthy. Instead of a traditional bun, this recipe uses a ripe avocado half as the bun, adding an extra boost of healthy fats and nutrients.
The burger patty is made with fresh salmon, a great protein source and omega-3 fatty acids. The salmon is mixed with fresh spinach and diced avocado, which adds a delicious and nutritious twist to the traditional burger. The avocado adds creaminess to the patty, while the spinach adds a pop of color and an extra boost of vitamins and minerals.
Garbanzo Bean Mock Tuna Stuffed Avocado (Plant-Based)
Whether you’re plant-based or looking for a fresh new lunch idea, this Garbanzo Bean Mock Tuna Stuffed Avocado recipe is an excellent choice for plant-based eaters or those seeking a healthier alternative to tuna salad. This recipe replaces traditional tuna with garbanzo beans packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. The garbanzo bean mixture is flavored with diced red onion, celery, fresh parsley, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice, creating a delicious texture. Serving it in a ripe avocado adds extra nutrition, as avocados are high in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and vitamins and minerals. This recipe is a great way to switch up your lunch game while keeping it healthy and flavorful.
Pepita Avocado-Lime Sauce
The Pepita Avocado-Lime Sauce is an ode to Cafe Gratitude and is a versatile and healthy addition to any meal, made with avocados, pepitas, cilantro, lime juice, and garlic. It's perfect for drizzling over roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or salads, adding a creamy and nutty flavor to any dish. Avocados provide healthy fats and fiber, while pepitas are a great source of protein and minerals. With fresh cilantro and lime juice, this sauce is both delicious and nutritious, making it an excellent alternative to traditional dressings and sauces high in unhealthy fats and sugars. Try this simple sauce next time you want to add some flavor and nutrition to your meal.
Chilled Avocado-Coconut Milk Soup
This Chilled Avocado Coconut Milk Soup is perfect for a warm Spring or Summer day. The combination of creamy avocado and coconut milk creates a smooth and velvety texture that's both refreshing and satisfying. Plus, avocados are packed with healthy fats and nutrients, including vitamins C, K, and E, as well as potassium and fiber. This soup is easy to make and can be whipped up in no time, making it a great option for a quick and healthy meal. Serve it as a light lunch or a refreshing appetizer at your next summer gathering, and enjoy the benefits of this delicious and nutritious soup.
Spinach Lime Matcha Smoothie
Starting your day with a nutritious smoothie is a great way to give your body a boost of energy and essential nutrients. This Spinach Lime Matcha smoothie is an excellent option for anyone looking for a healthy and delicious breakfast or snack. The spinach and matcha powder are both packed with antioxidants and vitamins, which can help boost your immune system and protect your cells from damage. Additionally, the avocado adds a creamy texture and healthy fats, which can help keep you feeling satisfied and full throughout the morning.
Salmon With Cilantro Cauli-Rice & Avocado Salsa
Looking for a light but flavorful weeknight meal? This Salmon with Cilantro Cauli-Rice and Avocado Salsa recipe is an excellent choice for a healthy and flavorful dinner. The cilantro cauli-rice is a low-carb alternative to traditional rice, making it perfect for anyone looking to cut down on their carb intake. The avocado salsa adds some creaminess and healthy fats, enhancing the dish's flavor and providing a range of nutritional benefits. And with the addition of the salmon fillet, this dish is packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, essential for maintaining good health. This recipe is a great way to enjoy a delicious and satisfying dinner without sacrificing nutrition.
All of these recipes are easy to make and delicious, making them perfect for anyone looking to incorporate more avocados into their diet. Plus, they all take under 30 minutes to prepare, making them a great option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Tips for Cooking with Avocados
If you're new to cooking with avocados or just looking to up your avocado game, here are some tips to help you get the most out of this versatile superfood:
How to choose ripe avocados
Choosing the right avocado can make or break your recipe. Look for avocados that are slightly soft to the touch but not mushy. If an avocado is too hard, it's not ripe yet; if it's too soft, it's overripe. You can also check the stem of the avocado to determine its ripeness. The avocado is ripe and ready to eat if the stem comes off easily and is green underneath.
How to store avocados
If you need to store avocados for a few days, keep them at room temperature until they're ripe, then transfer them to the refrigerator. This will slow the ripening process and keep them fresh for a few extra days. If you have a cut avocado that you won't eat immediately, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How to prevent browning
Avocados can quickly turn brown after they're cut, which can be unappetizing. To prevent this, you can sprinkle the cut avocado with lemon or lime juice, which will help to slow down the browning process. Another trick is to store the cut avocado with the pit still in it, which can also help to slow down browning in an air-tight container or jar.
Other avocado cooking tips
When it comes to cooking with avocados, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few more tips to help you get the most out of this versatile ingredient:
Use ripe avocados for maximum flavor and creaminess
Mash avocados and use them as a spread instead of butter or mayo
Use avocado as a base for sauces and dips
Add sliced avocado to sandwiches, wraps, and salads
Grill avocado halves for a smoky flavor
Add diced avocado to soups and stews for a creamy texture
With these tips, you'll be well on your way to becoming an avocado expert in no time!
Avocados are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal. From burgers to smoothies, there are countless ways to incorporate this superfood into your cooking. These six avocado recipes are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to avocado-based meals, and we encourage you to experiment and try new things in the kitchen.
We hope this article has inspired you to get creative with avocados and try some new recipes this spring and summer. Whether you're looking for easy avocado toast recipes, refreshing salads, or hearty main dishes, there's no shortage of avocado-based meals to try. And with the health benefits that come with consuming avocados, you can feel good about incorporating them into your diet.
So grab some ripe avocados and get cooking! Your taste buds and your body will thank you.
