Since gaining popularity as a healthy and versatile fruit, avocados have become a staple in many people’s diets. But while they are undeniably tasty on their own, many people are left wondering what to pair them with to create a more satisfying and complete meal. Whether you’re looking for new ideas to spruce up your breakfast avocado toast or trying to find the perfect side dish for your avocado-centered dinner, this article will provide you with some delicious and exciting options.
From simple additions like lemon juice and salt to more complex recipes like avocado hummus and guacamole deviled eggs, there are countless ways to enhance the flavors and texture of your avocado dishes. This article will explore some of the most popular and unique combinations that are sure to satisfy any avocado lover’s taste buds.
Nutritious Pairings: Top 5 Foods to Eat with Avocado
Avocado is one of the healthiest foods out there, rich in heart-healthy mono- and polyunsaturated fats, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants. However, pairing it with other nutritious foods can further enhance its health benefits. Here are the top 5 foods that go amazingly well with avocado:
1. Tomatoes: This juicy fruit is loaded with lycopene, an antioxidant known to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. Combining tomatoes with avocado makes for a delicious and nutritious salad or sandwich.
2. Eggs: Avocado and eggs are a match made in heaven, both in terms of flavor and nutrition. Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein, while avocado provides healthy fats that aid in the absorption of nutrients from eggs.
3. Quinoa: This gluten-free grain is a complete protein and contains all essential amino acids. Adding avocado to quinoa dishes not only enhances their flavor but also boosts their protein and fiber content.
4. Leafy Greens: Avocado pairs well with all kinds of leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, arugula, and lettuce. These greens are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which work together with the healthy fats in avocado to promote cardiovascular and cognitive health.
5. Berries: Berries are low in calories yet rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Adding sliced avocado to berry smoothies or fruit salads makes them more filling and satisfying, thanks to the addition of healthy fats.
Salad Ideas: Mix and Match Avocado with Leafy Greens
If you’re searching for a nutritious and delicious salad, look no further than one packed with avocado and leafy greens. Creamy avocado adds healthy fats and a satisfying texture to a leafy salad base.
For a classic mix, try pairing avocado slices with crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh cucumber slices. You can also toss in other leafy greens like spinach or arugula for extra nutritional benefits. For added crunch, sprinkle nuts or seeds on top, such as almonds or sunflower seeds. To enhance the flavor, drizzle on a vinaigrette dressing made with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. This refreshing salad makes for a perfect side dish or light meal.
More Than Guacamole: Creative Ways to Use Avocado in Your Recipes
Avocado has become a beloved ingredient in many dishes, but it isn’t just reserved for guacamole. This versatile fruit can be used in a variety of creative ways to add nutrition and flavor to meals.
One simple way to use avocado is as a substitute for mayonnaise or sour cream in sauces and dressings. The creamy texture of ripe avocado lends itself well to dishes like creamy pasta sauces and zesty salad dressings. It’s also a great egg substitute in recipes like vegan brownies or mashed potatoes. Additionally, using sliced avocado as a topping for toast, sandwiches, or burgers can add an extra layer of flavor and nutrition to these classic dishes. With a little creative thinking, avocado can elevate any recipe and become a staple ingredient in your kitchen.
Avo on Toast: Perfect Avocado Toast Combinations for a Healthy Meal
Avo on toast has become a staple breakfast dish in recent years, and with good reason. It’s quick, easy, and packed with nutrients. But with so many options, it can be overwhelming to decide what toppings to pair with your avocado toast. Luckily, there are a few perfect combinations that make for a healthy and delicious meal.
The classic avocado toast combo is just avocado and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. However, you can add some protein and fiber to your toast by topping it with a fried or poached egg, smoked salmon, or even hummus. For added crunch, try topping your avocado toast with sliced radishes, cucumbers, or sliced almonds. The possibilities are endless, but with these suggestions, you’re sure to have a delicious and healthy breakfast.
Mexi-inspired Meals: Classic Dishes That Pair Perfectly with Avocado
Mexican cuisine is known for its bold, spicy flavors, and many of these dishes pair perfectly with the creamy texture of avocado. Classic dishes like tacos, burritos, and enchiladas are all great options for incorporating avocado into a Mexi-inspired meal. Adding sliced or diced avocado to the top of your tacos or enchiladas not only enhances the flavors but also adds a healthy dose of nutrients like healthy fats, fiber, and potassium.
Guacamole is another classic Mexican dish that is a perfect way to enjoy avocado. Whether paired with tortilla chips or used as a topping for tacos and burritos, guacamole adds a burst of flavor to any dish. Other options include salsa with diced avocado or even avocado enchilada sauce. With so many options, it’s easy to see why avocado is a staple in many Mexican-inspired dishes.
Sweet and Savory: Unexpected Food Pairings That Work Well with Avocado
Sweet and savory pairings with avocado may sound like a strange combination, but they actually work well together. One surprising pairing is avocado with honey. Combining the rich creamy texture of avocado with the sweetness of honey creates a delectable treat or dip that can be used in many ways. Spread it on toast, drizzle it over fruit, or use it as a dip for vegetables for a sweet and savory burst of flavor.
Another unconventional pairing is avocado with bacon. The salty flavor of bacon complements the creamy texture of avocado perfectly. Try adding crumbled bacon to a classic guacamole recipe or making a BLT with avocado instead of lettuce for a twist on the classic sandwich. These unexpected pairings can add an interesting and delicious twist to any meal, making avocado even more versatile in the kitchen.
Simple Swaps: How to Substitute Avocado in Your Favorite Recipes
Substituting avocado in your favorite recipes can give them a healthy and delicious twist. Firstly, avocado can be used as a substitute for butter or oil in baking recipes. In fact, it works particularly well in recipes that call for a small amount of fat. Simply mash ripe avocado and use it in place of butter or oil in equal amounts. This substitution not only reduces the amount of saturated fat in the recipe, but also adds a dose of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat and fiber.
Secondly, avocado can be substituted for mayonnaise or sour cream in dips and spreads. For example, you can mix mashed avocado with Greek yogurt, garlic, and lemon juice in place of sour cream in your favorite dip recipe. This substitution can dramatically reduce the calorie and fat content of the dip, while also adding nutrients such as vitamin E and potassium. So, next time you’re cooking or baking, consider how avocado might be a delicious and healthy replacement.
The Conclusion
Avocado is a versatile fruit that can be enjoyed in various forms. From guacamole to smoothies, the possibilities are endless when it comes to using avocado in the kitchen. With the numerous health benefits it offers, incorporating avocado into our regular diet is a great choice.
What goes good with avocado? Almost anything! Whether it’s a breakfast toast or a savory salad, avocado adds a delicious and nutritious element to any dish. So next time you’re in the kitchen, reach for an avocado and get creative!