Beyond Smashing: Our Absolute Favorite Avocado Recipes for Every Meal (2024)

Botanically, avocados are a fruit, but in the kitchen, they're smooth like buttah. Full of fiber and heart-friendly fats—plus respectable amounts of vitamin C and potassium—they swing easily from salads to sweets, thanks to their creamy texture and neutral taste. One important note: Be sure to eat the flesh closest to the skin, as it it has the most phytonutrients.

One of the many reasons why we love avocados is the fact that they're available all year round in grocery stores. When you're choosing an avocado, give it a gentle (yes, gentle!) squeeze: If it yields slightly, it's ripe and ready to eat; if mushy, it's overripe, but as long as the flesh is still green, you can use it in baked goods or a smoothie. If you buy firm ones, remember that they'll take several days to ripen. It's best to store your avocado at room temperature, but if you need to slow down ripening for a few days, pop them in the fridge. Want to enjoy them sooner? To speed up the ripening process, stash them in a paper bag with a banana. To keep cut avocados from oxidizing and turning brown, sprinkle a little lemon juice over the flesh, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day.

How to enjoy your avocados at home is never a problem—from breakfast toast or smoothies to sandwiches, guac, salads, bowls, and even desserts, the options truly are endless. But if you could use a little inspiration, let this collection of avocado recipes inspire you. We're big fans of the fruit, which is why you can trust that each and every one of these recipe ideas is so delicious. When you're in the mood for a quick, satisfying snack, drizzle a halved, pitted avocado with lime juice and olive oil and top with furikake seasoning or sesame seeds.

Ahead, get the full scoop on this clever chameleon—whether you have a common Hass or a jumbo Choquette, enjoy your fruit in any one of these stellar avocado recipes.