2/48
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Heart-healthy avocado makes this pasta dish feel indulgent without being overly rich. The flavorful sauce is so luscious, you’ll think there is cream hiding in there. It’s guilt-free and dairy-free, but with a texture and consistency that’s similar to traditional cream-based sauces. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 314 calories, 18g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 125mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 5g fiber), 9g protein.
3/48
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 skewers (3/4 cup sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m always looking for lighter recipes to take on tailgate outings—and this one works fabulously for grilling. Just whip up the marinade, add the chicken and take it along to the pregame festivities. —Veronica Callaghan, Glastonbury, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer with about 2 teaspoons sauce: 59 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 74mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
4/48
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings (2 cups salsa)
From the Recipe Creator:
A delightful and tasty rub makes this quick recipe fantastic. While the fish is sitting to allow the flavors to blend, you can easily assemble the salsa. My family loves this! —Laura Fisher, Westfield, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1/2 cup salsa: 376 calories, 22g fat (4g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 541mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
6/48
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Healthy smoothie recipes are a great way to get extra vitamins and minerals. Add your favorite fruits or even leafy green veggies, depending on what you have on hand. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 280 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 67mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 7g fiber), 6g protein.
7/48
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
64 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
These taste as good as any restaurant or store-bought California rolls. Plus, this is one of the easiest sushi recipes to make! For the best results, use sushi rice to ensure the right sticky consistency. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 35 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 44mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
9/48
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this chicken avocado wrap while trying to figure out what to make for lunch one day. The recipe is now a favorite at my house. —Shiva Houshidari, Plano, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 329 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 416mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
10/48
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I had a surplus of avocados after purchasing too many for an event. A few days later, I was making egg salad sandwiches for lunch and had the fantastic idea to use avocado to bind it together instead of traditional mayo. Not only was this version unbelievably delicious but the healthy fats in the avocado make this a much better option than the traditional mayo-laden version. —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 367 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 280mg cholesterol, 671mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein.
11/48
Total Time
25 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tangy lime dressing is the perfect topper for this avocado salad. Toasted walnuts make for crunchy goodness, but try it with any kind of nut you like. —Ilia Kaku, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 130 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 57mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
13/48
Total Time
20 min
Servings
about 7 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I was planning a party and thought it might be fun to try a different kind of avocado salsa. This recipe was an absolute success. Scoop it up with chips, spoon it over chicken or steak, or eat it on its own! —Susan Vandermeer, Ogden, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 82 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 85mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat.
14/48
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I am always looking for creative ways to make vegetarian dinners a little different. I grow my own basil, and avocados are a versatile favorite, so this recipe is a fantastic way to make manicotti that’s a little unusual. —Jennifer Coduto, Kent, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 359 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 625mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 2 medium-fat meat, 1 fat.
15/48
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s another popular dish I like to prepare in advance, adding the cheese and chips just before serving. It’s a slightly different version of the traditional layered salad. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 371 calories, 35g fat (6g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 325mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein.
16/48
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A few people in my family have special dietary needs, but luckily, these chicken tacos work for all of us. I toss up a simple green salad and have a meal we can all enjoy together. —Christine Schenher, Exeter, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 354 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 474mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
17/48
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves a good steak dinner, but with busy schedules, I'm often thinking about ways to put new and simple twists on things. This salad is flavored with the freshness of lemon and cilantro and is one of my husband's favorite weeknight dishes. —Lyndsay Wells, Ladysmith, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 328 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 710mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 8g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
18/48
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Give guests the VIP treatment with luxurious truffles you can make in your own kitchen. The goat cheese is mild, and red pepper heats up each bite just a bit. Crackers are the perfect accompaniment. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 truffle: 65 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 43mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
19/48
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a vegetarian, and this is a tasty, quick and healthy lunch I could eat for every meal. At my house, we call these sandwiches HATS: hummus, avocado, tomato and shallots. These are ingredients I almost always have on hand. —Sarah Jaraha, Moorestown, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 278 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 379mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 9g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat.
20/48
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This pretty salad has such authentic flavor, you'll think you're sitting at a beachside cantina in Acapulco. —Heidi Hall, North St. Paul, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 305 calories, 20g fat (3g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 359mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 15g protein.
22/48
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings (3/4 cup dressing)
From the Recipe Creator:
We pull a bunch of ingredients from our garden when we make this baby kale salad with zucchini and sweet onion. The yogurt dressing layers on big lime flavor. —Suzanna Esther, State College, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups salad with 3 tablespoons dressing: 74 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 197mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
23/48
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We use this super-duper chicken across several meals, including it in tacos, sandwiches, omelets and enchiladas. My little guys love to help measure the seasonings. —Karie Houghton, Lynnwood, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups lettuce with 3 ounces cooked chicken: 143 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 516mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
24/48
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I use my music to promote a healthy lifestyle, like eating your veggies. This bright salad is loaded with avocado, cucumbers, tomatoes and a little heat factor. —DJ Cavem, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 191 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 26mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 6g fiber), 3g protein.
25/48
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I turned my favorite sandwich into a pizza. It's perfect for lunch or dinner, but don't forget it when you're having a bunch of people over—it makes a fantastic appetizer, too. —Marion McNeill, Mayfield Heights, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 pizza: 632 calories, 40g fat (12g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 1336mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein.
26/48
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
On long summer days when we just want to relax, I make a cool salad with avocado, berries and mint. The tangerine dressing is refreshingly different. —Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup salad with 4 teaspoons dressing: 321 calories, 23g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 154mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 8g fiber), 3g protein.
27/48
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I frequently make this spicy spinoff of classic eggs Benedict for my husband, who loves breakfast. I like the heat from the jalapenos and also that the avocado sauce is a healthier substitute for the usual hollandaise sauce. —Kara Scow, McKinney, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 345 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 232mg cholesterol, 1069mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein.
28/48
Total Time
35 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Potato salad tossed with vinaigrette has a lighter taste than traditional mayo versions. I add velvety avocado and hazelnuts for cool texture and crunch. —Laurie Bock, Lynden, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 235 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 329mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein.
29/48
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A big hit with my family, this light salad is so easy to make! The healthy option of mango and avocado is simply the best combination you could serve. —Amy Liesemeyer, Tucson, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 249 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 6g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 2 starch.
30/48
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This skinny version of Cobb salad has all the taste and creaminess with half the fat and calories. You can skip the coleslaw mix and use all lettuce, but I like the crunch you get with cabbage. —Taylor Kiser, Brandon, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 324 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 646mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 9g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
31/48
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This salad can be served as a cool and satisfying dinner or lunch. The delicious taste and smooth texture of avocados mixed with the crisp shrimp salad is heavenly. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup avocado mixture: 252 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 523mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 2 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
32/48
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone in my family loves this bacon and avocado salad—even the younger kids! I serve it at pretty much every get-together I've hosted, and at this point, the recipe's been shared too many times to count. —Noreen McCormick Danek, Cromwell, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 339 calories, 31g fat (7g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 626mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 9g protein.
33/48
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Avocados give quesadillas some nutritional value and, fortunately, my son likes them. Thinly slice the avocado, and add chicken or beef for extra protein. —Debbie Limas, North Andover, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
2 quesadillas (calculated without additional pico de gallo): 611 calories, 37g fat (15g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 455mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 12g fiber), 20g protein.
34/48
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I thought I’d made salmon every way you can make it—until now. The tangy slaw, made with fennel and avocado, adds another layer of flavor that goes surprisingly well with salmon and other seafood. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger with 1-1/2 teaspoons mustard mixture and 1-3/4 cups slaw: 534 calories, 26g fat (4g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 1222mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 10g fiber), 27g protein.
35/48
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You can use your favorite store-bought pizza dough or make your own for this West Coast-inspired pie topped with tomato, avocado and sprouts. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 slices: 372 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 634mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 11g fiber), 16g protein.
37/48
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm glad a friend gave me this delicious recipe, featuring four kinds of fruit as well as avocado. A light honey-lemon dressing enhances the already tasty flavor of the produce. My family loves it and so do I! —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 231 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 22mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 6g fiber), 3g protein.
40/48
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother, Nena, grew up in Cuba and learned many styles of cooking. She had a knack for making something incredibly simple taste amazing. This salad is proof. By itself, the dressing is really tart, but add the avocados and onions and it’s the perfect complement. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 147 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 108mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1/2 starch.
42/48
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings (3/4 cup sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was growing up in California, my mother made catfish quite often, and it was always a hit. Now I cook it with my own twist. When only frozen catfish fillets are available, I thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, and they work just as well. —Mary Lou Cook, Welches, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 3 tablespoons sauce: 505 calories, 37g fat (6g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 649mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein.
43/48
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Power up with a breakfast that keeps you going all morning long. In my humble opinion, this sandwich tastes so much better than anything that comes from a drive-thru! —Marcia Conlon, Traverse City, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
2 open-faced sandwiches (calculated without sour cream): 454 calories, 24g fat (9g saturated fat), 396mg cholesterol, 1111mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 25g protein.
44/48
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings (3/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
It's up to you how to enjoy this cocktail—eat it with a spoon as a chilled soup, or use tortilla chips or crackers for scooping. —Erin Moreno, Arcadia, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 142 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 826mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
45/48
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I love guacamole! But I add beans to boost the amount of fiber in this version. It has a texture similar to hummus and is perfect for dipping chips, pita or veggies. —Raquel Haggard, Edmond, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup (calculated without chips): 80 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
46/48
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband wanted bacon and eggs; I wanted a BLT. We settled our standoff with an irresistible sandwich we've had many times since. —Patti Darwin, Lubbock, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 448 calories, 23g fat (7g saturated fat), 209mg cholesterol, 864mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein.
47/48
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As the family cook, I appreciate how easy this is to throw together on a busy weeknight. Plus, this salad never gets boring. One of my favorite variations is to substitute diced fresh mango for the cranberries, cilantro for the parsley, and lime for the lemon juice and zest. —Mary Shenk, DeKalb, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 218 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 370mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat.
48/48
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Hearty ham, creamy avocado and a hint of garlic—this winning egg dish has all the makings for a breakfast, lunch or dinner. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 407 calories, 31g fat (13g saturated fat), 475mg cholesterol, 789mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.
Dishes Made with Avocado FAQ
What meals can I make with avocado?
You can make a wide range of meals with avocado, from fresh salads and flavorful veggie wraps to grain-based dishes with quinoa, pasta or rice. Avocado also blends beautifully into sauces, dips, dressings and chilled soups, adding a creamy texture and pale green hue. For breakfast, tuck slices into a breakfast taco or sprinkle a few cubes over a bowl of savory oatmeal.
Are avocados better raw or cooked?
Avocados can be served raw or cooked, so it’s really a matter of personal preference as to which way is best. Crispy, fried slices of avocado are crunchy on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside. Grilled avocado takes on a lightly smoky taste, complementing the naturally buttery texture. But if you prefer the texture and flavor of raw avocado, add it to sandwiches, smoothies, salads or on its own right out of the shell.
Can I use avocado as a substitute for butter or oil?
Yes, mashed avocado can replace butter in baked goods like muffins and quick breads, adding healthy fats. The flavor pairs nicely with chocolate, spices or nuts, so it’s easy to include a wide range of bakes. Keep in mind that the avocado will give your goods a green hue! Start by swapping the butter with the same amount of mashed avocado, then adjust as needed for the right texture.