It’s common foodie knowledge that guacamole is a healthy, crowd-pleasing dip and that avocado slices can liven up any black bean burger. But what else can you do with avocados? Sure, you’ve spread everyone’s favorite green fruit on toast, but it’s time to think beyond a loaf of bread. We’ve rounded up 10 unique uses for avocados that are sure to make your life better. It’s time to get avo-loco!
Use avocado…
1. In a deep conditioner
Got dry hair? Itchy, flaky hair is not a life sentence. You can hydrate your long locks with a simple Avocado Deep Conditioner. Treating your hair once a week can make a huge difference!
2. To massage kale
You want to eat kale more often, but it’s bitter leaves and tough texture make this leafy green
difficult to eat raw. Massaging the kale with olive oil or lemon juice helps a little, but to really turn the kale into something you’d consider a treat, try massaging it with avocado, like in this Superfood Kale Salad.
3. To make fries
Here’s how: slice up an avocado. Dip slices into flour, then into a beaten egg or egg alternative and then into gluten-free breadcrumbs. If desired, add spices to the breadcrumbs. Place coated slices on a greased baking sheet and lightly coat with cooking spray. Bake at 400 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until crisp and golden.
4. In place of baby’s white rice cereal
When it comes to baby’s first food, think beyond white rice cereal. You hardly the touch the grain anymore yourself due to an abundance of nutrient-rich substitutes, so why bother feeding it to your little one? Full of healthy fats and omega-3s, avocado could make a good alternative to baby’s rice cereal.
5. As a substitute for mayo or cream
Whether you’re vegan or just trying to make healthy choices, comfort food sides like potato salad or mashed potatoes might be permanently off the menu. Unless, of course, you swap the mayo, heavy cream, sour cream or cream cheese with avocado. Forgo the dairy in potato salad, egg salad or mashed potatoes next time and opt for avocado!
6. In a face mask
A beautifying treatment, this Cacao Avocado Face Mask is loaded with minerals and antioxidants. It’s an amazing moisturizer that makes your skin silky-soft.
7. With a baked egg
Bake an egg into the center of your avocado for a nutritional breakfast. Slice avocado in half and remove pit. Crack egg and drop one into the center of each avocado. Season with salt and pepper. Add a pinch of spices like parsley or cayenne for an extra kick. Bake in a small dish at 425 degrees F for 15-20 minutes. Remove and sprinkle with additional toppings like chives or coconut-bacon crumbles.
8. As an alternative to icing
If icing is your favorite part of dessert, you’re in luck! Instead of sugar-laden, diet-breaking sweets, mix avocado into the icing and get a treat that’s low in sugar and high in healthy fats. Whether you’re baking Devil’s Food Cupcakes or whipping up no-bake Tigernut Brownies, you’ll love the diet-friendly icing option.
9. In mousse or pudding
A classic lunchbox snack from childhood, pudding normally wouldn’t cut it as a healthy staple for adults. But, whether you prefer a citrus treat or one with more protein, you’ll find you can now add it to your list of favorite snacks.
Craving Chocolate Mousse? What about something a little nuttier like Vegan Pistachio Mousse? Use avocado to bring about the rich, creamy texture of your favorite dessert. When you need a pick-me-up, add maca to the mix, like in this Citrus Maca Mousse Trifle.
10. To thicken soups, smoothies and ice cream
Add avocado to your favorite soup, smoothie or vegan ice cream for a thick, creamy texture. Keep in mind, a little goes a long way. Check out our Chilled Blueberry Soup, Coconut-Avocado Smoothie and Chocolate-Avocado Ice Cream as examples!