Skip to content

Top Navigation

Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
  • Gardening
  • Home Improvement Ideas
  • Cleaning and Organizing
  • Recipes and Cooking
  • Decorating
  • Holidays
  • Rooms
  • Shopping
  • News

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin

Explore Better Homes & Gardens

Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Only Weed Identification Guide You'll Ever Need: 33 Common Weedy Plants to Watch For

      The Only Weed Identification Guide You'll Ever Need: 33 Common Weedy Plants to Watch For

      Don't let these pesky plants crash your garden party! The first step is to know your enemy. Then you'll know the best way to deal with your weed problem. Read More
    • 6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      A professional organizer offers advice on how to tidy up your home without feeling overwhelmed. Read More
    • 5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      Anti-inflammatory smoothies do exist! Instead of blending in boatloads of sugar and artificial ingredients, try these smoothies for inflammation that are stoked with ingredients that may help lower your risk for chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, depression, and more. Read More
  • Gardening

    Gardening

    See All Gardening
    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    Upcycle old newspapers, junk mail, and other waste paper to make these easy, eco-friendly containers you can use to sprout new plants for your garden.
    • Flowers
    • Houseplants
    • Plant Encyclopedia
    • Garden Pests
    • Trees, Shrubs & Vines
    • Caring for Your Yard
    • Edible Gardening
    • Garden Design
    • Gardening By Region
    • Landscaping
  • Home Improvement Ideas

    Home Improvement Ideas

    See All Home Improvement Ideas
    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular House Styles Explained

    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular House Styles Explained

    With so many types of house styles, narrowing the list down to your favorite can be overwhelming. We'll show you the top 10 most popular house styles, including Cape Cod, country French, Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, cottage, Mediterranean, ranch, and contemporary. Here's how to tell the differences between each architectural style.
    • Home Exteriors
    • DIY Home Electrical Tips & Guides
    • Outdoor Structures
    • Home Remodeling
    • Plumbing Installations & Repairs
    • Remodeling Advice & Planning
    • Flooring
    • Lighting
    • Decks
    • Porches
  • Cleaning and Organizing

    Cleaning and Organizing

    See All Cleaning and Organizing
    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    Cleaning your home doesn't have to be a daunting, time-consuming chore. The key to managing household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an easy-to-follow routine that includes all the most important tasks. Follow these step-by-step instructions for creating a customized whole-home cleaning schedule.
    • House Cleaning
    • Laundry & Linens
    • Cleaning Tips
    • Closet Organization
    • Organization Tips
    • Kitchen Storage Organization
  • Recipes and Cooking

    Recipes and Cooking

    See All Recipes and Cooking
    21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have)

    21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have)

    If you're a beginner baker who's just starting out (or a master chef looking to declutter), start with this list of baking tool must-haves. We'll help you set up a baking essentials kit for beginners with 21 pastry tools. For those who already own these handy tools, this list may finally provide the motivation you need to toss that never-been-used soufflé dish. Building your essential baking tools and equipment inventory starts here.
    • How to Cook
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Fish Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch
    • Dinner Recipes & Meal Ideas
    • Ethnic Food
  • Decorating

    Decorating

    See All Decorating
    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    Designers weigh in on the most popular decorating styles, colors, and materials you can look forward to in the coming year.
    • Choosing Color
    • Expert Decorating Advice
    • Fireplace Design Ideas
    • Do It Yourself Magazine
    • Window Treatments
    • Styles & Decor
    • Interior Painting
    • Home Makeovers
    • Small-Space Decorating
    • Traditional Home
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays
    International Women's Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 111-Year-Old Tradition

    International Women's Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 111-Year-Old Tradition

    What began as a small movement, has grown into a global holiday dedicated to celebrating the strong women in our communities.
    • Valentine's Day
    • Mother's Day
    • Easter
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July/Memorial Day
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • New Year's
    • Juneteenth
    • Hanukkah
  • Rooms

    Rooms

    See All Rooms
    Living Room Furniture Arrangement Ideas

    Living Room Furniture Arrangement Ideas

    Get tips for arranging living room furniture in a way that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment and makes the most of your space.
    • Bedroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Bathroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Kitchen Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Living Room Decorating and Design
    • Dining Room
    • Home Office
    • Kid's Rooms
    • Baby Nursery
  • Shopping
  • News

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. BHG.com
  2. Recipes and Cooking
  3. How to Cook
  4. Cooking With Fruits And Vegetables
  5. 25 Recipes to Save for That Moment Your Avocados Are Perfectly Ripe

25 Recipes to Save for That Moment Your Avocados Are Perfectly Ripe

Karla Walsh Headshot
By Karla Walsh Updated June 24, 2020
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin FB
Top Your Avocado 5 Ways
Don't underestimate the number of things to make with avocado. The creamy, buttery fruits are good for more than just guacamole! Here are our best avocado pairings with ideas for salads, avocado toast, drinks, avocado side dishes, and even avocado desserts. You're sure to find a delicious new use for this heart-healthy green fruit.
Start Slideshow

1 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Beer-Braised Chicken Tacos with Toasted Cumin Guacamole

Beer-Braised Chicken Tacos with Toasted Cumin Guacamole in pan with tortillas on the side
Credit: Brie Passano
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

If fast food tacos had feelings, they’d be green with envy about these nicely spiced, beer-infused chicken tacos. While the meat and tortillas are great, the avocado side dish really steals the show. Lime juice and fresh cilantro brighten up the guac, and toasted cumin seeds lend a lovely hint of warmth.

1 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Avocado and Blood Orange Salad with Almonds and Chile Oil

Avocado and Blood Orange Salad with Almonds and Chile Oil
Credit: Jason Donnelly
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This light 20-minute salad gets extra heartiness and nutrition when we add avocados. Serve it as a satisfying avocado side dish or a light dinner or lunch when topped with your favorite protein (we're thinking pork or salmon, but just about anything works). Don't skip the almonds; they add a crunchy texture to the dish.

2 of 25

3 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

5 Ways to Top An Avocado

Top Your Avocado 5 Ways
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Over avocado toast? Mix up your morning routine by topping an avocado with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheddar cheese. Plus, we have four more avocado pairings to try. For serious fans of the fruit, this is one of our best avocado recipes, thanks to the high ratio of avocado to other ingredients.

3 of 25

Advertisement

4 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Avocado-Egg Breakfast Sandwich

Avocado-Egg Breakfast Sandwich
Credit: Andy Lyons
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Some days, making time for a healthy breakfast is tricky. Luckily, this sandwich is quick to put together and will get you out the door in no time. Much healthier and more satisfying than toast, egg, and asparagus alone, this is one of our favorite things to make with avocado in the a.m.

4 of 25

5 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Avocado-BLT Club Sandwiches

Avocado-BLT Club Sandwiches
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Upgrade the classic BLT sandwich with creamy, nutrient-packed avocado. (Turns out, bacon is one of the best avocado pairings around.) This sandwich also gets a hearty addition from a little turkey and ham, and still clocks in at just over 300 calories per sandwich.

5 of 25

6 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Avocado Fries

Avocado Fries
Credit: Karla Conrad
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Why eat plain ol' potato french fries when you can have avocado fries? These creamy avocado wedges are baked to perfection with a crispy, crunchy tortilla chip coating. Now all you need is dipping sauce like garlic or sriracha aioli for a perfect avocado pairing!

6 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mexican Fried Veggie Rice with Radishes and Avocado

mexican fried veggie rice with radishes and avocado
Credit: Brie Passano
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This better-for-you fried rice is healthier than its takeout competition, thanks to cauliflower rice and extra veggies. Yet it’s still full of the flavor you’re craving with chili powder, cumin, and lime juice in the mix. The chicken-avocado pairing disguises healthy ingredients so well that even picky eaters will clean their plates.

7 of 25

8 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Hot Dogs with Avocado and Chips

dogs with avocado and chips
Credit: Blaine Moats
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Put down the pickle relish. Mashed avocado is the topper your hot dog recipes have been missing. A lime juice-avocado pairing helps keep the fruit from turning brown. A sprinkle of chopped tomatoes and crushed potato chips on top completes this super-summery dog.

Buy It: Farberware Avocado Huggers, ($8, Sur la Table)

8 of 25

9 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Creamy Chocolate Pudding

Creamy Chocolate Pudding
Credit: Karla Conrad
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

That's right; you can even eat avocados for dessert! Adding cocoa powder probably wouldn’t be the first thing that comes to mind when you brainstorm things to do with avocado, but one bite will make any doubts float away. You'd never guess based on this pudding's rich and chocolaty flavor, but blending two ripe avocados into the healthy dessert recipe makes it extra creamy and rich.

9 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Avocado and Caramelized Pineapple Salad

Avocado and Caramelized Pineapple Salad
Credit: Andy Lyons
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Serve an avocado side-dish salad that banishes any misconceptions of salads being boring. The bright vinaigrette is punctuated with citrus, cilantro, and garlic. Smooth avocado balances the caramelized pineapple, fresh blackberries, and flavorful dressing.

10 of 25

11 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Great Guacamole

Great Guacamole
Credit: Karla Conrad
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A collection of recipes using avocado would not be complete without a guacamole recipe. Delicious guacamole always starts with perfectly ripe avocados. From there, mix in your favorite additions. We made this version extra fresh by stirring in chopped tomatoes and red onion.

11 of 25

12 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Avocado-Yogurt Spaghetti with Veggies

avocado-yogurt spaghetti with veggies
Credit: Brie Passano
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

True, a spaghetti dinner isn’t one of the most common things to make with avocado. But this 30-minute pasta recipe will convince you that it should be. With fiber-filled whole grain noodles, protein-packed Greek yogurt, and vitamin-rich bell peppers in the mix, it proves that a pasta party can be good for you.

12 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Avocado Margaritas

Avocado Margarita
Credit: Hannah Bigot
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Yes, there are even things to do with avocado that you can sip come happy hour. This new take on the classic margarita has a smooth, creamy texture thanks to avocado. Don't worry: We kept the tequila, lime juice, and triple sec, so it has all the margarita staples but tastes like a mash-up of an avocado smoothie recipe and a cocktail.

Buy It: Ninja Professional Blender, ($90, Target)

13 of 25

14 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tomato-Avocado Grilled Cheese

Tomato-Avocado Grilled Cheese
Credit: Andy Lyons
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Tired of the same old grilled cheese sandwiches? Try this variation for a unique and easy thing to make with avocado. A creamy spread of the green fruit is a perfect complement to tomato and cheese in this classic sandwich.

14 of 25

15 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Avocado Smoothie

Avocado Smoothie
Credit: Andy Lyons
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

While it looks like a veggie smoothie, this green drink is all fruit! A splash of orange juice adds a touch of brightness to our creamy yogurt, banana, and avocado smoothie recipe. It's an easy breakfast to take on the go too.

15 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Oatmeal with Sunny-Side-Up Eggs, Avocado, Cheddar, and Chives

Oatmeal with Sunny-Side Up Eggs, Avocado, Cheddar and Chives
Credit: Blaine Moats
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Ten minutes is all you need to turn a simple serving of oatmeal into a whole meal. True, oats are not a typical avocado pairing, but think of it like a blank slate (just like a slice of toast). Simply top the hot cereal with a fried egg, avocado chunks, and Gruyère cheese for an easy one-dish breakfast recipe.

16 of 25

17 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

New Potato, Avocado, and Egg Salad

New Potato Avocado Egg Salad
Credit: Andy Lyons
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Avocados and new potatoes add a modern touch (and a dose of healthy fats) to this mash-up of potato and egg salads. To make this one of the most refreshing avocado pairings you've tasted, very briefly freeze the lettuce before adding the creamy components. You'll get a chilled, extra-crisp result.

17 of 25

18 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Avocado, Prosciutto, and Egg Sandwiches

Avocado, Prosciutto, and Egg Sandwiches
Credit: Andy Lyons
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

An egg and some prosciutto may be what make this breakfast sandwich look elegant. The avocado pairing with those ingredients, though, makes the rich, creamy fruit the MVP that acts as the glue to hold it all together. Drive-through egg sandwiches have definitely met their match!

18 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mango, Tomato, and Avocado Salad

Mango, Tomato, and Avocado Salad
Credit: Blaine Moats
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Buttery avocado is the perfect complement to the sweetness of mango and tomato in this fresh and healthy side dish salad. We like to serve the colorful fruits atop a bed of lettuce leaves or with chips as a chunky avocado dip recipe. Make it a meal by adding grilled shrimp, salmon, chicken, or steak.

19 of 25

20 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lemon-Avocado Sherbet

Lemon-Avocado Sherbet
Credit: Blaine Moats
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Seeking ideas for things to do with avocado when it’s scorching hot out? Add avocado to your sherbet for a new take on a frozen dessert. Slightly sweet with hints of lemon flavor, this light sherbet recipe is a refreshing summer dessert.

20 of 25

21 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Roasted Pumpkin Guacamole

Roasted Pumpkin Guacamole
Credit: Reed Davis
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Guacamole isn't just for summer. Our hearty fall twist on the quintessential avocado side dish features toasty pumpkin, jalapeños, and cilantro. The dip recipe comes together in just 25 minutes.

21 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chile-Lime Grilled Tiger Shrimp with Avocado Cocktail Sauce

Chile-Lime Grilled Tiger Shrimp with Avocado Cocktail Sauce
Credit: Blaine Moats
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This zippy avocado dip gives the lime-marinated shrimp a jolt of bold flavor. For a fun party appetizer, serve grilled shrimp swimming in glasses of cocktail sauce. Make a double batch of the sauce to serve as a condiment or an avocado side dish of sorts for grilled steak or chicken.

22 of 25

23 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mahi-Mahi with Black Bean and Avocado Relish

Mahi Mahi with Black Bean and Avocado Relish
Credit: Blaine Moats
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Serve up lean mahi-mahi with our easy make-ahead relish. Avocado, black beans, and a cilantro-garlic dressing take this fish from mild to flavor-packed. Like most fish recipes, this avocado dinner recipe cooks up fast (only 4 to 6 minutes of grill time for a ½-inch-thick filet!), so you can get dinner on the table in about 30 minutes.

23 of 25

24 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Greek Quinoa and Avocado Salad

Greek Quinoa and Avocado Salad
Credit: Andy Lyons
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

“A friend brought this to a work potluck, and I couldn't stop thinking about it,” says BH&G home cook Tabitha, who added that the avocado pairing with the quinoa gives the vegetarian entrée “a creamy quality, and I just can't get enough of it.” This 30-minute Mediterranean salad features lots of avocado and protein-packed quinoa. Even better, the colorful salad comes in at under 400 calories and delivers more than a quarter of your daily fiber quota.

24 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 25

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Avocado Salsa

Avocado Salsa
Credit: Blaine Moats
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Serve this avocado salsa recipe as a nice way to break out of your guacamole rut. Salt, olive oil, and serrano pepper keep this fruit salsa from getting too sweet. For an irresistible avocado pairing, dip chips into it or serve it as a relish over chicken or fish.

25 of 25

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Karla Walsh

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 25 Beer-Braised Chicken Tacos with Toasted Cumin Guacamole
    2 of 25 Avocado and Blood Orange Salad with Almonds and Chile Oil
    3 of 25 5 Ways to Top An Avocado
    4 of 25 Avocado-Egg Breakfast Sandwich
    5 of 25 Avocado-BLT Club Sandwiches
    6 of 25 Avocado Fries
    7 of 25 Mexican Fried Veggie Rice with Radishes and Avocado
    8 of 25 Hot Dogs with Avocado and Chips
    9 of 25 Creamy Chocolate Pudding
    10 of 25 Avocado and Caramelized Pineapple Salad
    11 of 25 Great Guacamole
    12 of 25 Avocado-Yogurt Spaghetti with Veggies
    13 of 25 Avocado Margaritas
    14 of 25 Tomato-Avocado Grilled Cheese
    15 of 25 Avocado Smoothie
    16 of 25 Oatmeal with Sunny-Side-Up Eggs, Avocado, Cheddar, and Chives
    17 of 25 New Potato, Avocado, and Egg Salad
    18 of 25 Avocado, Prosciutto, and Egg Sandwiches
    19 of 25 Mango, Tomato, and Avocado Salad
    20 of 25 Lemon-Avocado Sherbet
    21 of 25 Roasted Pumpkin Guacamole
    22 of 25 Chile-Lime Grilled Tiger Shrimp with Avocado Cocktail Sauce
    23 of 25 Mahi-Mahi with Black Bean and Avocado Relish
    24 of 25 Greek Quinoa and Avocado Salad
    25 of 25 Avocado Salsa

    Share & More

    Tweet Email Send Text Message
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Logo Products at Walmart
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Real Estate Real Estate Services
    Better Homes & Gardens

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Better Homes & Gardens
    • Help
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithBH&G is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Better Homes & Gardens. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.bhg.com

    Sign in

    View image

    25 Recipes to Save for That Moment Your Avocados Are Perfectly Ripe
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.