Did you know you can freeze avocados? This information was life-changing when I opened my former restaurant, AVO, in Nashville back in 2015; we used frozen avocado in our signature drink, the Avocado Margarita and let me tell you, freezing ripe avocados saved us a bunch of dough! Now, I buy ripe avocados any time they’re on sale, slice them up, and toss them in the freezer for later. This avocado smoothie is the perfect way to use up frozen avocado. I know avocado in a drink might sound crazy, but trust me, it’s the secret to an ultra-rich, dessert-like smoothie. It’s packed with healthy fats and imparts that same creamy texture that avocados (and guacamole) are known for! This is your new favorite green smoothie.
What Is An Avocado Smoothie?
Citrus and avocado are a classic combination. In this smoothie, I add a creamy, ripe banana and a little extra sweetness from agave nectar, making it an instant winner! Super creamy, bright, and fun, this avocado smoothie is the perfect treat with lots of healthy ingredients involved.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make an avocado smoothie:
Frozen Avocado: Makes this smoothie lusciously creamy and adds heart-healthy fats, fiber, and omega-3s.
Agave: This syrup adds a touch of sweetness to this smoothie to balance out the acidic flavors. Agave is a neutral flavored sweetener unlike maple and honey (which are delicious!) but can sometimes take over flavor-wise.
Frozen Banana: Adds flavor, subtle sweetness and creaminess.
OJ: Balances the fattiness of the avocado, adding a bright flavor.
Lime Juice: Adds a touch of extra acidity to balance out the sweet and creamy flavors.
What Else Can I Add?
This smoothie is a great base to add extra greens or fruit to!
I love to add spinach or kale.
Frozen blueberries or pineapple make great fruity additions!
For a protein boost, add a scoop of peanut butter or vanilla protein powder!
how to make An Avocado Smoothie – step by step photos
Blend 1/2 cup frozen avocado, 1 Tbsp agave syrup, 1/2 of a frozen ripe banana, 1/2 cup OJ, and 1 Tbsp lime juice together until smooth. Serve ice cold!
This creamy and refreshing avocado smoothie is the best way to start your morning or rescue you mid-day!
Listen, I love Taco Tuesday as much as the next gal, but Taco Salads are really where it’s at. I have always said that salad is the ultimate “fast food”, and I’m sticking to it. Think about it, they’re quick, easy, and almost always require very little cooking. When you want a little extra somethin’ special, this taco salad with lean ground beef is it. You can make taco salad at home for a fraction of the price and have enough salad to meal prep all week long.
What Is Taco Salad?
Taco salad is everything you love about crispy beef tacos but in salad form! I’ve made sure it’s jam-packed with lettuce and extra veggies to keep you full all day long.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this taco salad:
Sour Cream: Forms the creamy and tangy base of the dressing.
Lime: The juice and zest of two limes adds acidity and bright citrus flavor to the dressing.
Garlic: Adds a balancing earthiness to the dressing.
Seasonings: Salt, chili powder, and sugar balance out the flavor of the dressing.
Olive Oil: Helps to emulsify the dressing.
Ground Beef: The classic choice for a taco salad. You could easily swap for ground chicken or turkey if you prefer. I used a lean ground beef, so I didn’t have to strain off any fat from cooking, saving me a little time. Vegetarian? No problem! This salad is crazy flavorful with or without the meat.
This salad is a crowd-pleaser! If I’m entertaining and have guests or family members who don’t eat certain ingredients, I keep everything separate so everyone can build their own perfect taco salad! I like mine without the ground beef and always use extra beans… yum! I love that everyone can enjoy this salad together with a wide range of toppings and feel full and content.
1cupshredded cheddar (about 1/2 of an 8-oz. block)$1.25
1jalapeno, sliced into thin rings$0.30
1headiceberg lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces$1.79
Instructions
Gather and prep all topping ingredients: julienne red onion, chop tomato, defrost frozen corn, drain and rinse black beans, dice avocado, crush tortilla chips, shred cheddar cheese, and slice jalapeno. Set aside or mix together in a large serving bowl.
Chop iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
Combine sour cream, juice and zest from limes, minced garlic, salt, chili powder, sugar, and oil in a small mixing bowl. Whisk to combine.
Add lean ground beef and taco seasoning packet to skillet. Break apart the ground beef with a spatula and mix in the taco seasoning. Cook until all of the ground beef has turned brown.*
Top chopped lettuce with prepped veggies and cooked ground beef. Toss all ingredients together.
Drizzle a generous helping of dressing over the top with crumbled tortilla chips! Serve and enjoy.**
*I used a lean ground beef, so I added my seasoning and beef at the same time. I didn’t have any fat to strain off at the end, which saved me a little prep time.**If you are meal prepping, keep the wet ingredients (like the beef and salad dressing) separate so your veggies and lettuce do not wilt and the tortilla chips do not get soggy. Just dress and toss when you’re ready for lunch.
Gather all topping ingredients. Julienne 1/2 red onion, chop 2 roma tomatoes, defrost 1 cup frozen corn, drain and rinse 1 can black beans, dice 1 avocado, crush 3 cups of tortilla chips, shred 1 cup cheddar cheese, slice 1 jalapeno. Set aside or mix together in a large serving bowl.
Chop 1 head of iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
Combine 4 oz sour cream, juice and zest from 2 limes, 1 clove of minced garlic, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp sugar, and 4 Tbsp oil in a small mixing bowl.
Whisk to combine.
Add 1 pound lean ground beef and 1 packet of taco seasoning to skillet. Break apart the ground beef with a spatula and mix in the taco seasoning.
Cook until all of the ground beef has turned brown. I used a lean ground beef, so I added my seasoning and beef at the same time. I didn’t have any fat to strain off at the end, which saved me a little prep time.
Top chopped lettuce with prepped veggies and cooked ground beef.
Toss all ingredients together.
Drizzle a generous helping of dressing over the top with crumbled tortilla chips! Serve and enjoy.
With the sun working overtime during these hot summer months, I’ve got tacos on my mind (and tortillas in my fridge) 24/7. I love how balanced and fresh Mexican-inspired cuisine can be, and these tostadas are no exception! Crispy tortillas are piled high with mashed pinto beans, salsa, veggies, and cheese for a different spin on your typical taco night. Plus, I love that I can use up any leftover tortillas I have on hand so nothing goes to waste! These are super customizable based on your family’s preferences, so you can add or omit just about anything you want.
What Is A Tostada?
The word “tostada” translates to “toasted” in reference to the crispy toasted tortilla shell that serves as the base of the dish. It’s sort of like a flattened taco piled high with filling. It’s also a great way to use up the last of those leftover tortillas that are starting to go stale!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these tostadas:
Onion: I used white onion because it was on sale, but yellow or Vidalia will also work well in this recipe.
Jalapeño: Adds a bit of heat to the filling.
Olive Oil: Helps the filling cook without burning. Neutral cooking oils like canola or vegetable also work well.
Pinto Beans: Create a mushy, refried bean-like texture. If you have some leftover, our favorite (Not) Refried Beans can also work well in this recipe!
Taco Seasoning: An easy way to add classic Mexican flavors.
Water: Helps make the beans easier to mash.
Salsa: Adds freshness to the tostadas. I love this Fire Roasted Salsa, but store-bought works just fine.
Tostada Shells: These small, crunchy corn tortillas are like a flat hard taco shell. A Mexican open-faced sandwich, if you will!
Radishes: Add a delightful, fresh crunch!
Slaw Mix: A cheap and easy hack to add extra veggies to this dish.
Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and tanginess.
Cilantro: Adds a pop of freshness and color.
Avocado: Adds a creamy texture. Guacamole also works well.
Queso Fresco: Can’t find queso fresco or cotija cheese? Cheddar cheese will do just fine, or omit it altogether.
What Is the Difference Between A Tostada and a Tortilla?
A tostada is a tortilla that has been baked or fried until it is crispy. You can purchase ready-made tostada shells from popular brands like Old El Paso, or you can make your own by baking 6-inch corn tortillas until toasted and crispy.
How to Eat A Tostada
Tostadas are finger foods, so use your hands, not a fork and knife! I like the two-handed method of holding the edges of the tostada and taking bites like a slice of toast. I also like to crack the tostadas into smaller pieces and eat it in smaller bites that way.
Add the olive oil, onions, jalapeño, and taco seasoning mix to a skillet. Stir to combine and cook over medium heat until the onions are soft and glossy.
Add the drained and rinsed pinto beans to the skillet with 1 cup of water and simmer for 5-8 minutes, until the beans start to dissolve and break down and the liquid reduces to about 1/2.
Remove from the heat and mash the bean mixture together. Set aside.
Crumble queso fresco, julienne or slice radishes, mince cilantro, thinly the avocado, and gather your premixed cabbage and salsa of choice.
Spread out tostada shells on a cookie sheet and toast in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes. This makes the tostadas extra crunchy!
Assemble tostadas: The tostada shell will be on the bottom, topped with mashed pinto beans.
Then, add all other toppings; divide the pre-chopped slaw mix, salsa, sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, avocado, and crumbled queso fresco between all tostadas. Enjoy!
This recipe is easily made vegan by leaving off the sour cream and cheese. There are amazing vegan substitutes available for both of those ingredients nowadays, too!
Add the 1 Tbsp olive oil, 1/2 diced white onion, 1 seeded and diced jalapeño, and 1 oz. packet of taco seasoning mix to a skillet. Stir to combine and cook over medium heat until the onions are soft and glossy.
Add the 2 cans of drained and rinsed pinto beans to the skillet with 1 cup of water and simmer for 5-8 minutes, until the beans start to dissolve and break down and the liquid reduces by about 1/2.
Remove from the heat and mash the bean mixture together.
Crumble 2 Tbsp queso fresco, julienne or slice 3 radishes, mince 2 Tbsp cilantro, thinly slice the avocado, and gather your premixed cabbage and salsa of choice.
Spread out 8 tostada shells on a cookie sheet and toast in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes. This makes the tostadas extra crunchy!
Assemble tostadas: The tostada shell will be on the bottom, topped with mashed pinto beans.
Then, add all other toppings; divide the 1/2 bag of pre-chopped slaw mix, 1/2 cup salsa, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 sliced avocado, and 2 Tbsp crumbled queso fresco between all tostadas. Enjoy!
Crispy smashed potatoes are one of my favorite side dishes. I make them all of the time. They are also good in this Smashed Potato Spring Salad. The salad is made with butter lettuce, asparagus, avocado, green onion, and shaved Parmesan cheese. Top wit…
Crispy smashed potatoes are one of my favorite side dishes. I make them all of the time. They are also good in this Smashed Potato Spring Salad. The salad is made with butter lettuce, asparagus, avocado, green onion, and shaved Parmesan cheese. Top with the crispy smashed potatoes to create a hearty salad. The potatoes…
Avocado toast was all the rage just a few years ago, but I have good news…this easy 5-10 minute meal never goes out of style. It only requires a few simple ingredients, but you can always spice things up with extra toppings to make it a super filling meal. Today I’m sharing my favorite basic avocado toast recipe along with helpful tips and 3 easy recipe variations. It’s quick and easy which makes it perfect to whip up for breakfast, lunch or a midday snack. And for those of you who are avocado toast experts, like my colleague Jess, then I’m sure you have a few favorite combinations as well. Wanna share? Let’s meet in the comments!😉
Ingredients For Avocado Toast
You only need a few simple ingredients to make a classic avocado toast. Here’s what I used:
Avocado: Avocado is one of the main ingredients, so you’ll want to choose it wisely. Look for avocados that have a slight give when squeezed, but are not mushy.
Bread: You’ll want to choose a good quality, sturdy bread. I like using sourdough or whole grain bread.
Garlic: Rubbing a little bit of fresh garlic over toasted bread while it’s still warm adds incredible flavor.
Lemon: A small squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a pop of brightness and keeps the avocado from browning.
Salt & Pepper: Don’t skip the salt! Just a pinch of salt and pepper enhances the flavor of the avocado toast.
Red pepper flakes (optional): This is optional but it adds a kick and a little bit of extra heat to the avocado toast.
Tips For Making The Best Avocado Toast
Choose your bread wisely: Use a good quality, sturdy bread for the base of your avocado toast like sourdough, multigrain or whole grain bread. Toasted, sturdy bread holds the mashed avocado and any extra toppings a lot better than white sandwich bread.
Picking the perfect avocado: When picking your avocado, look for blackish, dark-green skin, which indicates the avocado has ripened. Also give the avocado a gentle press with your finger, the flesh should give slightly under pressure. If it’s mushy, its time has passed.
Don’t skip the extras! Yes, rubbing your toast with a fresh garlic clove may seem like an unnecessary step, but it adds SO much flavor and compliments this simple meal perfectly. Also the small squeeze of lemon juice gives just the right about of brightness and the pinch of salt makes all the flavors pop!
Topping Ideas
There are lots of fun ways to enjoy your avocado toast! In addition to the recipe variations listed in the step-by-step photos below, here are a few more ingredients and topping ideas for you to try:
Cut 2 slices of sturdy bread. Toast the bread in a toaster or in a skillet on the stovetop until golden brown.
Rub the peeled garlic clove over the top of the warm toasted bread, making sure to fully cover the entire surface area.
Next, halve the avocado and remove the pit. Scoop out the avocado flesh from both halves and place it in a bowl. Add a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice (about 1 tsp), salt and pepper to the bowl and mash the avocado with a fork. I recommend leaving it just a little chunky.
Divide the avocado mixture and spread it on top of each slice of toast. Top with a pinch of red pepper flakes and a pinch of sea salt (optional).
Cut 2 slices of sturdy bread. Toast the bread in a toaster or on the stovetop until golden brown.
Rub 1 peeled garlic clove over the top of the warm toasted bread, making sure to fully cover the entire surface area.
Next, halve 1 avocado and remove the pit. Scoop out the avocado flesh from both halves and place it in a medium bowl. Add a small squeeze of lemon juice (about 1 tsp), 1/8 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper to the bowl and mash the avocado with a fork. I recommend leaving it just a little chunky, but you can certainly mash until it’s completely smooth. It’s up to you!
Divide the avocado mixture and spread on top of each slice of toast. Top with a pinch of red pepper flakes and a pinch of sea salt (optional). Enjoy as is or try out one of the recipe variations listed below.😉
Recipe Variation 1: If you love juicy, ripe tomatoes then this variation is just for you! Top your avocado toast with two slices of tomatoes, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and freshly cracked black pepper. This combo is perfect for the summer when tomatoes are in their peak season. So delicious!
Recipe Variation 2: My absolute favorite way to enjoy avocado toast is by adding some scrambled eggs, a fried egg, or hard boiled egg on top. You can even take it a step further and add a little chili crisp on top too!
Recipe Variation 3: And for all of my cottage cheese lovers out there, try topping your thick crusty bread with a spoonful or two of small curd cottage cheese, 1/2 avocado sliced, salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Enjoy!
Weeknight-friendly meals with weekend flavor? Those are our jam! Introducing a new one to try this season: Jerk Cauliflower Tacos with Mango Hot Sauce. These Caribbean-inspired tacos combine tender roasted cauliflower, fiber-packed black beans, creamy …
Weeknight-friendly meals with weekend flavor? Those are our jam! Introducing a new one to try this season: Jerk Cauliflower Tacos with Mango Hot Sauce. These Caribbean-inspired tacos combine tender roasted cauliflower, fiber-packed black beans, creamy avocado, and the star of the show: a zesty, sweet + spicy sauce!
Just 30 minutes until plant-based taco night is on. Grab your tortillas, friends!
These tacos owe their glory to the magical flavor combination that is Jamaican Jerk Seasoning.
This creamy avocado egg salad is packed with healthy fats and fresh flavor! It’s the perfect lunch idea or protein-packed snack that’s ready in minutes.
The other day I came across the idea of avocado egg salad, where avocado stands in for mayonnaise in the traditional version of the popular lunch recipe. Often I’m wary of this kind of swap that promises to be “even better than the real thing.” But turns out, avocado egg salad really does taste even better than the real thing, in this cookbook author‘s opinion! (In fact, maybe I’ll put it in a future book.)
The avocado makes a creamy green sauce for the chopped eggs. Mix it with fresh chives and the zing of Dijon mustard, and it’s an absolute delight of a lunch idea or easy snack. Even our kiddos love it, which is a big win over here!
This vibrant twist on the classic ditches the mayo in favor of the heart-healthy fats of avocado, creating a spread that’s full of both flavor and nutrition. Now, Alex and I are not anti mayonnaise (in fact, it’s one of our favorite ingredients for adding flavor to dishes). But it’s always nice to have a whole fruit or vegetable stand in when you can, plus you get all those benefits of avocados like healthy fats and anti-oxidants (per Healthline).
The whole thing comes together in just minutes, making it a great protein-packed option for busy weekdays, post-workout snacks, or a light weekend lunch! This avocado egg salad is a great option for you if you’re in one of three scenarios:
you have an avocado ripening on the counter
you have hard boiled eggs on hand
you’re simply looking for a fun protein packed snack or lunch idea.
Tip: You can also use this same substitution concept to make avocado tuna salad.
The 5 ingredients you need for this easy lunch!
This spin I created on avocado egg salad uses only 5 ingredients, plus salt. You can customize the flavor with other add-ins, and varying up the fresh herbs is especially nice! Here’s what you’ll need for the base recipe:
Avocado: Use a very ripe avocado for this recipe for the perfect flavor and texture. An underripe avocado can add a bitter flavor to the salad.
Shallot: Minced shallot adds a delicate savory oniony flavor that’s essential to this recipe. As a substitute, you could use minced red onion. Just make sure to soak the onion in cold water for 5 to 10 minutes, then drain it in order to mellow its sharp flavor.
Chives: Chives add another hit of freshness and oniony flavor. As a substitute, you could try minced fresh parsley or basil.
Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard is key to adding a bright, tangy flavor without needing to buy a fresh lemon. It’s a flavor secret in many of our recipes!
Pro tip: Avocados can be tricky to pit safely. Here’s a video and step-by-step tutorial on how to cut an avocado.
Our top 3 tips for hard boiled eggs
You’re probably a pro when it comes to hard boiled eggs, but they can be finicky! We’ve picked up a few tricks along the way when it comes to boiling eggs. Or use purchased hard boiled eggs in a pinch!These days, it’s easy to find hard boiled eggs in the refrigerated section at your local grocery. Here are a few tips for boiling eggs:
Older eggs peel easier than fresh eggs. A dozen that’s been in the refrigerator for about 1 week are the best to use for hard boiling.
As soon as the water comes to a boil, turn off the heat! The eggs sit in the hot water for 15 minutes to let them cook fully through.
To peel, gently tap the larger end of the egg so that the shell crushes. The bottom end of the egg has an air bubble, which makes it easier to crush the shell. Then start to peel off the shell.
Store hard boiled eggs in the refrigerator for up to 1 week in a sealed container.Keeping the eggs in their shell keeps them the freshest, so do this if you’re storing them for making into salad later.
Fresh herbs or lemon make a fun variation
There are loads of flavors that you can add to avocado egg salad to punch it up. Fresh basil or dill is perfect in an egg salad; we’re partial to dill in just about anything! Or use cilantro for another herby spin.
You can also add a spritz of lemon juice to this recipe, which helps keep the flavors green over time. Or, mix in a little of your favorite seasoning blend, from Old Bay to Everything Bagel seasoning.
How to serve avocado egg salad
This avocado egg salad is tasty right out of the bowl (we usually can’t stop sneaking bites!). Don’t think it has to be served just as a sandwich: there are many creative ideas to make this into a delicious lunch, weeknight dinner, or simple snack. Try it:
On a sandwich
On toast
Served over greens
In lettuce wraps (see the tips here for types of lettuce that work as wraps)
In a wrap
With crackers (wheat-based or gluten-free)
Storing leftovers and make ahead tips
This salad tastes best when it is freshly made, which is why we customized the recipe below to make 2 servings (double it for more using the 2x button).
You can refrigerate for up to 3 days. If storing, you may want to add a squeeze of lemon juice to preserve the green color of the avocado. Without it, the green color of the avocado does dull: it still tastes great, it just doesn’t look as appetizing!
Dietary notes
This avocado egg salad recipe is vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
A few more of our favorite avocado recipes
Avocado toast, fries, dip: you name it! There are so many things we love to make with this healthy fruit. Here are a few of our top ideas:
This creamy avocado egg salad is packed with healthy fats and fresh flavor! It’s the perfect lunch idea or protein-packed snack that’s ready in minutes.
Pit the avocado, then remove it from the peel. Place it in a medium bowl and mash it.
Chop the hardboiled eggs, shallot, and chives and add them to the bowl.
Add the Dijon mustard and salt and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Enjoy on toast, a sandwich, or in lettuce wraps. This salad tastes best freshly made, or refrigerate for up to 3 days; if storing, you may want to add a squeeze of lemon juice to preserve the green color of the avocado.
This Kale Avocado Salad is packed with nutritious flavor from fresh kale, creamy avocado, and protein-packed white beans. All topped with a homemade Lemon-Dijon dressing! The weather is warming up down here in Florida, and it has me searching for dinne…
This Kale Avocado Salad is packed with nutritious flavor from fresh kale, creamy avocado, and protein-packed white beans. All topped with a homemade Lemon-Dijon dressing! The weather is warming up down here in Florida, and it has me searching for dinner ideas that are lighter and more refreshing than my winter staples. And salads sure...
These hearty bowls feature roasted fajita veggies and halloumi cheese over beans and cilantro-lime rice. This recipe makes an amazing vegetarian dinner! I’m so excited to share…
These hearty bowls feature roasted fajita veggies and halloumi cheese over beans and cilantro-lime rice. This recipe makes an amazing vegetarian dinner! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you and hope the photos speak for themselves. This vibrant meal is almost too delicious for words to capture.
The bowls are a very abstract take on Mexican fajitas, which typically feature strips of bell pepper and onion cooked with steak, served with tortillas and toppings on the side. These roasted fajita veggies offer similar flavor and texture.
Halloumi cheese hails from Cyprus, an island country in the Mediterranean—far, far away from Mexico! I love halloumi because it offers a salty, creamy, chewy and almost meat-like texture once roasted. I’ve used it in place of bacon to make vegetarian BLTs. Conveniently, the veggies and cheese roast in the oven simultaneously on separate pans.
While you can absolutely serve these components with tortillas, I felt that the flavors shined more over black beans and cilantro-lime rice. The recipe for that component comes from my cookbook, Love Real Food. Try the Grilled Veggie Skewers with Avocado Chimichurri Sauce on page 160 once it’s grilling weather outside!