You’ve probably tossed more than a few avocados in the trash after missing that (very slim) window between perfectly ripe and brown, mushy and gross. And avocados are expensive, so that’s good money to throw away.
Here’s a little secret, however: as long as there’s vibrant green flesh somewhere (just scratch away the brown spots), this brown avocado can still be seriously tasty.
Never again will I toss an avocado just because it no longer has the best guacamole texture. In my never-ending quest to save money on groceries and reduce food waste, I have discovered some overripe avocado recipes and I tell you they are delicious.
What to do with overripe avocados 11 recipes to try
Sauces, dressings, desserts, and even drinks – we’ve got your overripe avocado needs covered.
Sauces and dressings
The easiest way to prepare a meal (and consume those avocados) is to make a simple sauce or dressing. Five minutes, a food processor and voila!
1. Magic Green Sauce
This sauce from Lindsay at Pinch of Yum is made with all green foods – including pistachios. It’s a delicious velvety sauce that you can use as a vegetable dip, salad dressing, marinade (think creamy chimichurri), or spread on a sandwich for an extra fresh kick. Magic, i tell you.
2. Creamy avocado vinaigrette
I knew about yogurt-based avocado dressings, but they’re always a little overwhelming as nothing detracts from the rich, yogurt-like, buttery taste. This recipe from Chef Emeril himself is my new thing. It’s light and refreshing and has worked for every salad I’ve made so far.
Starters and snacks
Arguably the best types of food.
3. Avocado Nut Bread
Just like you would turn your brown bananas into delicious banana bread, try making this food avocado nut bread with your overripe avocados. I love any version of vegetable bread, but the added bonus here is that the bread turns green. (I think maybe I’ve never gotten over all of my fascination with funny foods – purple ketchup, where are you?)
4. Corn and avocado fritters
If you’re one of those people involved in a dirty love affair with avocado, try dipping these corn and avocado fritters from Give Recipe in the magical green sauce for a serious avocado snack. Snacks on snacks on snacks.
lunch and dinner
Even in a main course, the diva avocado takes center stage.
5. Avocado Egg Salad
For this All Recipes product, you’ll want to let the avocado rise a day or two after the highest ripening period anyway because it’s softer and creamier. So it’s perfect for those of us who can’t purposely time an avocado.
6. Avocado noodles
7. Blackened chicken with avocado and cream sauce
This one from Popculture is a winner chicken dinner (um, yeah, I had to say that). This avocado cream sauce is also the perfect place for a mushy avocado, as everything is smoothed in the food processor anyway.
dessert
I know, I know … healthy foods and desserts shouldn’t mix. But just listen to me: I promise that only good things lie ahead of you with these dessert avocado recipes.
8. Chocolate Caramel Avocado Brownies
Chocolate? Yes, please. Caramel? Keep it up. A healthier version of my favorite meal group? Made and made. (Wait – brownies are a food group right?)
9. Chocolate avocado pudding
Since chocolate with a spoon is never a good idea, I recommend that you pay attention to this offer from All Recipes. It only has six ingredients – five if you hold the cinnamon – and is ready in 30 minutes.
beverages
What’s next, an avocado cocktail ?! Um, yes actually.
10. Avocado Margarita
The thing is, I’ve never met a margarita that I couldn’t handle – at least for the evening. But I think this light and creamy margarita from Bon Appetit is going to set the bar (pun intended) pretty high.
11. Smoooooothies
Smoothies are possibly the easiest way to disguise the texture of a mushy brown avocado. And while there’s no wrong way to make a smoothie, this recipe from Real Simple has the added benefit of consuming your not-so-perfect apples too. But avocados go well with almost all smoothie ingredients because of their buttery, almost nutty taste.
Bonus Round: Avocado Face Mask
If you still can’t cope with the thought of eating an avocado that is past its prime, then you can try a do-it-yourself avocado face mask. At Natural Beauty Tips, you can find a few different versions, all of which require basic pantry ingredients so you don’t have to make an extra trip to the store.
Think of this as the beginning of the rest of your life full of avocados – and stop throwing your grocery budget in the trash.
Grace Schweizer is the email content writer at The Penny Hoarder.
This was originally posted on The Penny Hoarder, a personal finance website that empowers millions of readers across the country to make smart decisions with their money by providing actionable and inspiring advice and resources on making money, saving and managing money.
