Same old avocado? Not so with these 15 genius avocado uses that seem so obvious once you try them. Of course, guacamole ranks high on the list, but hand scrub?
If you're an avocado lover, odds are you just can't get enough. There's something about that tasty green fruit that makes it sound delicious at any time of the day or night. Maybe it's the fact that they are packed full of nutrients and boast some amazing health benefits!
Well, I have some good news. The versatile fruit can be used as more than just a chip dip! Check out these 15 easy ways to use avocados more often, in both your meals and in your beauty routine!
Get jazzed by some new avocado uses:
1. Solo Avocado
Yes, of course, an avocado can be eaten on its own — nothing else needed. Simply cut an avocado in half and add some salt, pepper or lemon juice. Dip a spoon into it and enjoy! But other avocado uses await!
2. Guacamole
If you're an avocado lover, you have to try making guacamole. Mash 3 avocados and mix them with 1/3 of a minced red onion, 1 mashed garlic clove and 1 tablespoon of cilantro. Mix together and squeeze in some lemon or lime juice. Add salt and pepper to taste and enjoy with your chips or crackers of choice!
3. Salad Dressing
You can do more than just add avocado slices to your salad — You can also make a dressing out of this versatile fruit. For an avocado dill dressing, blend the juice of 2 oranges with 1/2 cup of fresh dill, 1 tablespoon of jalepeño, 1 clove of garlic, and the juice of half a lemon. After blending, add 1 avocado and blend again. Add salt, pepper and other seasonings to taste, and store the dressing in your fridge for up to a week!
4. Dip
Avocado dip is a bit different than guacamole, but just as tasty. Mash 2 avocados and mix with 1 chopped tomato and 1 garlic clove. Season to taste and enjoy with some veggies or any other dip-worthy snack!
5. Baby Food
If you love avocados, your baby might love them, too! As a source of healthy fat, they are loaded with fiber and other nutrients that are great for the body. Try giving an avocado to your child as a snack. It's soft enough to be gentle on sensitive gums.
6. Smoothie
Who doesn't love a delicious smoothie? Just blend 1 avocado with 1/2 cup of vanilla soy yogurt, 3 tablespoons of agave, 8 ice cubes and 1/2 cup of almond milk. Blend until smooth and drink up for a healthy and refreshing snack!
7. Fat Substitute
If you love baking but hate adding fatty ingredients to your food, avocados may be the perfect substitute. The next time a recipe calls for butter or coconut oil, substitute them for a pureed avocado. It will taste the same and be much healthier!
8. Ice Cream
Yep, avocado ice cream is a thing. For a dairy free, vegan alternative to store-bought brands full of sugar and milk products, blend 1/2 of an avocado and some lime juice with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and 1 cup of your non-dairy milk of choice. Freeze the mix until it turns into ice cream!
9. Face Mask
An avocado-based face mask can moisturize dry and damaged skin and leave it feeling healthy and soft. You'll need 1 avocado, a small amount of warm water, and 1 teaspoon of honey. Mash the avocado, then add the honey and warm water and mix. Use it as a face mask to leave your skin feeling soft and hydrated!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cjh30TiuJ0
10. Vegan Mayonnaise
If plain avocado just isn't working for you as a mayo substitute, here's another alternative. Blend 2 avocados with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 clove of garlic, and juice from half of a lemon. Season and spread it on your favorite sandwiches or wraps!
11. Shaving Cream
Yes, an unexpected avocado use is as a shaving cream substitute. Store-bought shaving cream is another product that could be packed with chemicals. Try using some fresh avocado to soothe your skin for an easy shave.
12. Hair Mask
For a DIY hair mask to rejuvenate dry or damaged hair, you'll need 1 avocado, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a few drops of essential oil. Add the ingredients to a bowl and mash. Add the mix to wet hair from root to tip for smoothing and softening effects!
13. Sunscreen
Instead of using a store-bought sunscreen that might be full of chemicals, use some avocado for a natural way to protect your skin from the sun while keeping it moisturized. (Avocado is rated SPF 4 to 15.) You can also use it to treat sunburned skin!
14. Hand Scrub
If your hands are feeling a little rough, mix some avocado with some ground oats. Rub the mixture onto your hands and leave on for about 5 minutes, then simply wash it off using water. The scrub acts as a great exfoliant to remove dead skin cells.
15. Pudding
Goodbye pudding snack cups from the grocery store! To make your own chocolate avocado pudding, you'll need 2 avocados, 1/2 cup agave or maple syrup, 3 tablespoons of coconut oil, 1/2 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon of nama shoyu, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 cup of cocoa powder. Simply blend the ingredients together for a healthy treat!
h/t: the hearty soul
