August 1, 2017 by Michelle Kretzer Last Updated August 23, 2019. Publishedby

As a single gal, I’ll confess that, on occasion, an avocado scooped out of its skin with blue corn tortilla chips constitutes dinner. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. These little heart heroes contain nearly 20 essential nutrients, including fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and B vitamins. And according to the California Avocado Commission, “They also act as a ‘nutrient booster’ by enabling the body to absorb more fat-soluble nutrients, such as alpha and beta-carotene and lutein, in foods that are eaten with the fruit.”

A quick Google search shows that this versatile fruit can be grilled, puréed, chopped, fried, used as a healthy (and vegan!) substitute for buttery spreads in baking, and used in just about any other way a clever cook desires. So here are some of our favorite recipes for avocadovores who want to think outside the guac:

“Parmesan-Crusted Avocado” sounds like a dish straight out of good-for-you-but-tastes-like-junk-food heaven. But Vegan Richa brought this divine creation down to Earth with a recipe for Parmesan-Crusted Avocado and Kale Florentine with Smoked Paprika Hollandaise from the cookbook But I Could Never Go Vegan.

Grilled and stuffed avocado? So much yes. The creative palates at The First Mess devised this recipe for Charred Broccoli and Tofu Stuffed Avocadoes with Sweet Lemon Curry Sauce. And the dish can easily be made new again and again by substituting different vegetables, grains, and sauces.

Cassie, the mastermind behind Vegan Insanity, said, “I made it my mission to make the perfect vegan burrito. And I think I’ve done it.” After trying her recipe for Potato, Black Bean, and Avocado Burritos, I agree.

Two things that can make practically any food better: avocados and chocolate. Now, I want to start serving everything with a side of this avocado-based Easy and Healthy Chocolate Pudding—like, everything.

Panko Baked Avocado Tacos—I think I’ve said all I need to say.

For a first-thing-in-the-morning avocado fix, go for avocado toast and Minimalist Baker’s Super Green Smoothie Bowl.

When I go out for sushi, the starring roll is always avocado, and the other menu items compete for supporting roll. But Veggie Primer’s Pear Avocado Sushi Salad with Peanut Sauce might persuade me to let other ingredients share the spotlight.

Avocados also make for tasty, creamy pasta sauces, like in PETA’s own (appropriately named) Avocado Cream Pasta.

Who needs a boring bun when you can stuff your sandwich inside an avocado? Thanks to inspiration from Los Vegangeles, you can stuff literally anything in your fridge inside an avocado and call it lunch.

And for the perfect complement to your Stacked Avocado Bun Burger, whip up a healthy version of French fries: breaded and baked Avocado Bites.

The easiest (and almost only) way to get me to eat a salad is to pile a bunch of avocado on it. Loving It Vegan’s Roasted Butternut and Avocado Salad gets bonus points for olives and cashew cream dressing.

Avocados get fancy-shmancy in Sweet Potato Avocado Tartare from Love & Lemons.

And top off a day of perfect avocado-ness with delicious avocado bliss: Avocado–Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream.

*****

Hungry for more? Check out PETA’s recipe section for many more recipes starring avocados (and other stuff, too).

PETA is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide websites with a means to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.