Avocados Can Be Much More Than Guacamole

By SAVEUR Editors | Published Apr 28, 2020 2:44 PM

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Firm enough to be sliced or diced yet soft enough to be mashed or puréed, the avocado lends depth and creaminess to all sorts of dishes. Technically a berry, avocados vary widely in size, color, and flavor; they can be grassy, sweet, meaty, nutty, milky, or buttery, depending on ripeness, origin, and oil content. Long a staple of Latin American and Caribbean cuisine, avocados are a natural partner for fish, lend a silky texture to salsas, and can be used as the creamy base of sweet mousses and dessert shakes. Matt Taylor-Gross

Get the recipe for Grilled Watermelon, Avocado, and Shrimp Salad »

This substantial summer salad is a tribute to the “everything tastes better grilled” philosophy of cooking, one with which I am currently obsessed. Here, watermelons get even sweeter from the flames, shrimp gets crisp and plump, and avocado turns deliciously smoky. Get the recipe for Grilled Watermelon, Avocado, and Shrimp Salad »

Hearts Of Palm and Avocado Salad

Mexican Chicken Tortilla Soup (Sopa Azteca)

This simple pasilla chile- and tomato-based soup is ladled onto tortilla chips and topped with creamy avocado, jack cheese, and tangy Mexican crema. Get the recipe for Mexican Chicken Tortilla Soup (Sopa Azteca) »

Waffle Sandwiches with Cecina, Avocado, and Arugula

Gooey cheese, salty cured meat, and avocado are pressed between crispy waffles at a modern café in Paris. Get the recipe for Waffle Sandwiches with Cecina, Avocado, and Arugula »

Classic Guacamole

Shrimp, Avocado, and Crispy Potato Smørrebrød »

Summer Lobster Tacos

Avocado-Mint Shake

This chilly treat is an adaptation of one served at the Royale Eatery, a burger and shake shop in Cape Town, South Africa. A simple purée of avocado, ice cream, mint leaves, and ice, it’s sweet, rich, and dense enough to stand a spoon in. Get the recipe for Avocado-Mint Shake »

Frida Kahlo’s Zucchini Salad (Ensalada de Calabacín)

This simple Mexican salad consists of grilled zucchini, avocado, and salty, crumbled añejo cheese.

Jose Garces’ Fish Tacos

Grilled Shrimp Summer Rolls

Avocado Soup

As ethereal as its origins, this unusual, chilled summer soup is a specialty at the Singular Patagonia, an otherworldly hotel that borders Sena Última Esperanza (or Last Hope Sound). It’s made velvety and rich by the local avocados, which are called paltas. Get the recipe for Avocado Soup »

Avocado Shake

This creamy, sweet shake-made without ice cream-is a popular Indonesian snack.

Brown Rice Salad with Avocado

Whitefish Guacamole

Avocado is an unlikely but delicious pairing for smoked whitefish, and this guacamole is a smokier, creamier spin on classic whitefish salad. Get the recipe for Whitefish Guacamole »

Marinated Celery and Avocado Salad

Crisp celery and radishes are lightly pickled in lemon juice in this salad from chef Juan Pablo Mellado Arana of Las Cabras in Santiago, which makes a perfect addition to any heavy Chilean meal.

Avocado and Apple “Tartare” with Fried Walnut Dumplings and Chive Cream

Tart apple and cold avocado balance hot, crisp walnut dumplings and creamy chive sauce in this refreshing vegan dish from chef Josita Hartanto of Berlin’s Lucky Leek. You can make the walnut dumplings a day ahead, but make sure to prepare the tartare within two hours of serving, so the apples and avocados don’t brown. Get the recipe for Avocado and Apple “Tartare” with Fried Walnut Dumplings and Chive Cream »

Avocado with Salted Caramel

Salty, bittersweet caramel meets buttery avocado in this quick treatment, perfect for dessert or as a snack served atop toast or ice cream.

Pan-Fried Chorizo Burgers with Avocado, Fried Eggs and Spicy Mayo

A riff on a breakfast plate, these burgers get a wonderfully spicy flavor from an even mix of ground beef and chorizo. Get the recipe for Pan-Fried Chorizo Burgers with Avocado, Fried Eggs and Spicy Mayo »

Sautéed Crab with Avocado, Grapefruit and Herb Salad

Crabmeat is rubbed with a smoky chile paste, then sautéed and tossed in a refreshing salad of creamy avocado, tart grapefruit, and herbs. Get the recipe for Sautéed Crab with Avocado, Grapefruit and Herb Salad »

Tuna Tartare with Avocado

Associate test kitchen director Farideh Sadeghin relied on this elegant appetizer often when she worked as a private chef—it’s tasty, quick to prepare, and simple to plate. For best results, use the freshest tuna you can find. Get the recipe »

Avocado Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes go green with avocado and cilantro in this bright recipe. Get the recipe for Avocado Mashed Potatoes »

Lobster and Avocado Salad

Sliced ripe avocados add a silky bite to an elegant salad tossed with lobster and juicy grapefruit segments. Get the recipe for Lobster and Avocado Salad »

Green Salsa with Avocado (Salsa Verde con Aguacate)

This green salsa is made thick and luscious by adding fresh avocado. Serve tableside with almost any dish— it’s especially delicious with roasted pork dishes or tacos carne asada.

Tomatillo Salsa with Avocado and Queso Fresco (Salsa de Albañil)

This fruity tomatillo salsa layered with queso fresco and avocado slices can be served as a side dish or as an appetizer with warm tortillas.

Avocados Can Be Much More Than Guacamole

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