Okay, okay...before you butter-lovers start to cringe, I am not saying that avocado TASTES like butter. I'm not saying you should start using avocado on your dinner rolls every night (although you could). I am saying that avocado lends itself very nicely to many of things that butter is most commonly used for. Plus, the health benefits of avocado far outweigh those of butter. Let's check out a few clever uses for this super-food.
1. Baking
Avocado acts just like butter in recipes. It bakes well, tastes great, and adds a huge amount of creaminess to any recipe. Don't believe me? Check out the photo above. Those are some delicious and healthy avocado brownies I whipped up the other day. We were eating them non-stop. I kind of felt good about it too- with all those heart healthy fats! This would also work with banana bread, zucchini bread, cookies, etc.
2. Smoothies
Don't like nut butters? You're in luck! Avocado blended into smoothies tastes AMAZING! The high fat content of the avocado provides a creamy texture to the smoothie- without the nutty flavor that you may dislike (how could you, though!?). Disclaimer: avocados are green so you will get a green tint to your smoothie. Also, avocados do brown easily, so keep that in mind if you're saving a portion for later.
3. Sauteing
Avocado in it's whole form would not work so well as a method of sauteing your dinner vegetables. However, avocado oil works like a charm! Avocado oil is not only extremely beneficial health-wise, but it holds the highest smoke-point of all oils which means it stays stable at higher temperatures! Costco sells a large bottle of it for just around $15.00.
4. Topping
Craving buttery garlic bread? Try a healthier option of some avocado oil and fresh garlic. Drizzle onto some rustic bread, bake until golden, rub on some fresh garlic and voila; you have the healthiest garlic bread known to man.
5. Dressings
Okay, so if you're guilty of buying pre-made salad dressings at the store, this one is for you. Throw those babies out the window and try avocado oil vinaigrette! Super simple: 1 part oil, 2 parts vinegar, + any other flavorings you might like (stoneground mustard, agave, raspberry puree, etc).
6. Mayo-not
So, who knew avocado could be used in place of mayo!? If you're like me, you love tuna salad but really don't love the idea of eating gobs of mayonnaise. I'm right there with you. Instead, mash up some avocado and mix that into your tuna or chicken salad. You'll get the same creamy texture with a lot more healthy fats. Warning: this is also green. The same is true for sandwiches- use a spread of avocado in place of mayonnaise or cheese and you'll be delighted.
7. Say Cheese
Next time you're craving a slice of cheese on a sandwich or a burger, try topping with fresh avocado slices. You will be so glad you did- AND it looks really pretty. That's not all. Think chili: shredded cheddar cheese is an obvious topper. Next time, try some plain Greek yogurt and 1/2 an avocado. DELISH. If that weren't good enough, avocado makes a FABULOUS topping on eggs. Try it!
Now that you have a million and five ideas of how to use your favorite fruit (yes, it's a fruit)- go out and whip up some tasty avocado-based recipes! Your heart will be better for it!
Melissa Stoner R.D., C.P.T.
Registered Dietitian
Certified Personal Trainer
Professional Chef
1. Baking
Avocado acts just like butter in recipes. It bakes well, tastes great, and adds a huge amount of creaminess to any recipe. Don't believe me? Check out the photo above. Those are some delicious and healthy avocado brownies I whipped up the other day. We were eating them non-stop. I kind of felt good about it too- with all those heart healthy fats! This would also work with banana bread, zucchini bread, cookies, etc.
2. Smoothies
Don't like nut butters? You're in luck! Avocado blended into smoothies tastes AMAZING! The high fat content of the avocado provides a creamy texture to the smoothie- without the nutty flavor that you may dislike (how could you, though!?). Disclaimer: avocados are green so you will get a green tint to your smoothie. Also, avocados do brown easily, so keep that in mind if you're saving a portion for later.
3. Sauteing
Avocado in it's whole form would not work so well as a method of sauteing your dinner vegetables. However, avocado oil works like a charm! Avocado oil is not only extremely beneficial health-wise, but it holds the highest smoke-point of all oils which means it stays stable at higher temperatures! Costco sells a large bottle of it for just around $15.00.
4. Topping
Craving buttery garlic bread? Try a healthier option of some avocado oil and fresh garlic. Drizzle onto some rustic bread, bake until golden, rub on some fresh garlic and voila; you have the healthiest garlic bread known to man.
5. Dressings
Okay, so if you're guilty of buying pre-made salad dressings at the store, this one is for you. Throw those babies out the window and try avocado oil vinaigrette! Super simple: 1 part oil, 2 parts vinegar, + any other flavorings you might like (stoneground mustard, agave, raspberry puree, etc).
6. Mayo-not
So, who knew avocado could be used in place of mayo!? If you're like me, you love tuna salad but really don't love the idea of eating gobs of mayonnaise. I'm right there with you. Instead, mash up some avocado and mix that into your tuna or chicken salad. You'll get the same creamy texture with a lot more healthy fats. Warning: this is also green. The same is true for sandwiches- use a spread of avocado in place of mayonnaise or cheese and you'll be delighted.
7. Say Cheese
Next time you're craving a slice of cheese on a sandwich or a burger, try topping with fresh avocado slices. You will be so glad you did- AND it looks really pretty. That's not all. Think chili: shredded cheddar cheese is an obvious topper. Next time, try some plain Greek yogurt and 1/2 an avocado. DELISH. If that weren't good enough, avocado makes a FABULOUS topping on eggs. Try it!
Now that you have a million and five ideas of how to use your favorite fruit (yes, it's a fruit)- go out and whip up some tasty avocado-based recipes! Your heart will be better for it!
Melissa Stoner R.D., C.P.T.
Registered Dietitian
Certified Personal Trainer
Professional Chef