Are you wondering what to do with leftover avocado? So, you have that fruit sitting out on your counter at room temperature just waiting to be used. Suddenly it is ripe, and you’re wondering about easy ways to use it in dishes.
The best part, the versatility of avocados knows no bounds; if tasked, we could probably incorporate them into every recipe imaginable. Consider slipping avocado slices into a BLT for a delightful twist. We guarantee no complaints, our whole family loves it.
Everyone seems to agree avocados reign supreme among fruits (yes, they’re fruits, not vegetables!). Packed with healthy fats, boasting a luscious creaminess, they elevate any dish to extraordinary heights. Yet, their fickleness can be frustrating.
Starting with bright plans for unripe avocados, only to find them ripened and unused. Their shelf life is short even if you are storing your avocados correctly. Follow our lead and explore recipes beyond guacamole and avocado toast. Discover a myriad of avocado recipes spanning breakfast, lunch, and dinner, ensuring not a single perfect avocado goes to waste again.
Avocado has the power to elevate your favorite dishes to the next level. It also serves as a fantastic tool for making your favorites low-carb by substituting avocado boats for sandwich bread. Simply halve your avocado, remove a bit of the flesh, and fill the cavities with anything from buffalo chicken to crab, to eggs and bacon. Their inherent portability makes them ideal for taking to work for breakfast or lunch.
Avocado and Sweet Dishes
If you’ve only been enjoying avocados in savory dishes, you’re in for a treat. It may sound unconventional, but trust us, avocados lend themselves to the most indulgent desserts as well. Combine avocado with chocolate in recipes like chocolate pudding, chocolate truffles, or chocolate zucchini bread, and you’ll understand what we’re talking about.
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Recipe Ideas What to do with Leftover Avocado
The next time you have leftover avocados transform them into delightful dishes beyond the usual guacamole and toast. Here are some creative and delicious ways to use those extra avocados.
Leftover avocado can be repurposed in various ways to minimize waste and enjoy its creamy goodness. Here are a few of our favorite ideas.
Guacamole Recipes. Mash that overripe avocado with some fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, onions, and a squeeze of lime juice for a classic guacamole. It’s one of the easiest ways to use up an avocado past its prime. Serve it with tortilla chips for a perfect snack or as a topping for tacos and nachos.
Creamy Avocado Smoothie. Combine it with fruits like bananas, berries, or mangoes, along with some yogurt or milk for a refreshing and nutritious drink. Another option, blend together a whole avocado, some cocoa powder, a banana, and milk in a food processor until smooth. This easy and nutritious smoothie is perfect for a quick breakfast or post-workout snack.
Avocado Fries. Slice your overripe avocado into wedges, dip them in beaten egg, coat with breadcrumbs, and bake until golden brown. These avocado fries are a great alternative to traditional potato fries and make for a tasty appetizer or side dish.
Make a Simple Salad. Toss leftover slices or avocado chunks into salads to add creaminess and flavor. They pair well with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a variety of other vegetables.
Sandwiches and Wraps. Use leftover avocado slices as a tasty addition to sandwiches, wraps, or burgers. They provide a creamy texture and healthy fats that complement other ingredients.
Avocado Toast. Spread mashed avocado on toast and top it with your favorite ingredients like eggs, tomatoes, bacon, or cheese for a quick and satisfying breakfast or snack.
Creative Avocado Recipes
By getting creative, you can make the most of your leftover avocado half and enjoy its versatility in various dishes. Here are some cheap, quick and easy avocado recipes.
Avocado on Egg Bread
Cut an avocado in half, remove the pit, and spread the flesh on the bread. Then boil an egg (boiled, fried or poached) and place it on top of the avocado on the bread. Sprinkle with salt, pepper or any other spices to taste.
Avocado-tomato salad
Cut the avocado and cherry tomatoes into small cubes. Add finely chopped red onion and fresh herbs (parsley, basil or cilantro). Drizzle with a little lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and enjoy fresh avocado-tomato salad.
Shrimp Avocado
Cook the shrimp (fried or boiled), cut the avocado in half and place the shrimp on top. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro. Add some salt and pepper to taste. Serve on a bed of greens.
Tuna Avocado
Just a few easy steps for a delicious lunch or snack. Mix canned tuna (drain excess liquid) with 1 avocado puree. Add some lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste. This is a great topping for sandwiches or well-toasted bread.
Avocado Salsa
Dice up a cut avocado and mix it with diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro. Drizzle with lime juice and serve with tortilla chips for a refreshing appetizer.
Pasta with Avocado
Toss cooked pasta with mashed avocado, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil for a creamy and flavorful sauce. This dish comes together quickly with simple ingredients and is sure to become one of your favorite ways to enjoy avocado.
Homemade Fresh Guacamole
Puree 2 ripe avocados with a fork. Add a finely chopped tomato, half a red onion, the juice of one lime, some finely chopped garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients well and serve the guacamole with tortillas, chips or as a dipping sauce.
Avocado Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a classic party food, but adding avocado to the mix takes them to the next level. To make avocado-deviled eggs, scoop out the yolks and mix them with avocado, mayonnaise, and spices. The mixture is then piped back into the egg whites for a delicious and creamy appetizer.
Mac and Cheese with Avocado
Mac and cheese is a comfort food favorite, and adding avocado turns this into a main dish. To make avocado mac and cheese, you blend cooked pasta, mashed avocado, milk, and cheese until it reaches a smooth consistency. The mixture is then baked in the oven until warm and bubbly.
Avocado Toast with Smoked Salmon
Avocado toast has become a breakfast staple, but adding smoked salmon takes it up a notch. To make this dish, you first toast a slice of bread and spread mashed avocado. Then, add slices of smoked salmon and top them off with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This savory and satisfying dish is perfect for brunch or a light lunch.
No time to make a recipe now? The easiest way to reduce food waste is to learn how to store food properly.
How to Store Leftover Avocados
To store leftover avocados, start by ensuring they’re at room temperature. If the avocado has been cut, sprinkle some lemon or lime juice over the exposed flesh to prevent browning on the surface area. Then, wrap the cut avocado tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring it’s completely sealed.
Alternatively, place the avocado in an airtight container with a piece of onion or tomato to help keep it fresh. Store the wrapped or sealed avocado in the refrigerator for up to two days.
If you need to store it longer, consider mashing the avocado and freezing it in an airtight container for up to three months.