Avocados are a delicious and nutrient-dense fruit that can be used in a variety of dishes. While avocados have a mild flavor on their own, seasoning them properly can take them to the next level. Whether you want to make a zesty guacamole, add avocado to a salad, use it in sandwiches, or just eat it plain, knowing how to season an avocado is a useful skill for any home cook.
Should You Season Avocados?
Seasoning avocados is optional, but it can significantly enhance their flavor. Plain avocado tastes creamy and mild, which is perfect for some uses. However, seasoning brings out more depth and dimension to their taste. Here are some reasons you may want to season your avocados:
- Adds more flavor – Seasonings complement the natural creaminess.
- Enhances dishes – Seasoned avocado can better balance other ingredients.
- Change taste – You can make avocados taste sweeter, spicier, or more savory.
- Adds texture – Spices, herbs, or salts enhance mouthfeel.
- Accentuates freshness – Acidic seasonings like citrus juice keep avocados from browning quickly.
While avocados are delicious plain, seasoning them is an easy way to take them to the next level in terms of taste.
When to Season Avocados
The time when you season avocados depends on how you plan to use them:
Guacamole or Avocado Spreads
If making guacamole, salads, sandwiches, or spreads, season the avocado flesh while mashing or mixing it. This evenly distributes the flavors throughout the avocado.
Sliced or Chopped Avocado
If adding avocado slices or chunks to dishes like tacos, salads, or toast, you can season the diced avocado before mixing it with other ingredients. Toss to coat.
Whole Avocado Halves
For serving avocado halves plain, you can season either the hollowed-out avocado halves before filling them, or season the exposed avocado flesh after slicing them open.
Seasoning avocado is typically done right before serving or eating. This helps maximize fresh flavor and prevents the seasonings from making the avocado brown prematurely.
Best Seasonings for Avocados
Many seasonings pair well with avocados’ creamy, green flavor. Consider these options:
Salt
A sprinkling of salt enhances an avocado’s natural flavors and cuts any bitter notes. Any variety works, from fine table salt to coarse sea salt. Kosher salt is a particularly good choice.
Citrus Juice
Sour citrus juices like lime, lemon, or orange bring out an avocado’s creamy side. Acidity also slows oxidation. Use fresh-squeezed juice for the best flavor.
Onion & Garlic
Onions and garlic add a savory, pungent kick. They are staple seasonings for guacamole but also work well in avocado toast, salads, sandwiches and more. Use minced or powdered versions.
Chili Powder & Cayenne Pepper
These heat-packed spices add a fiery zing to avocados. Start with a smaller amount and add more if you want extra heat. Other chilies like chipotle or ancho are also tasty.
Cumin
Earthy, aromatic cumin is a classic Mexican seasoning that brings out an avocado’s nuttiness. It’s especially good in Latin dishes.
Paprika
Smoky-sweet paprika lends a subtle vibrancy and flavor pop. Sprinkle it over any dish that could use a boost.
Herbs
Fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, parsley, mint, or chives add bright herbal notes. Chop them finely before mixing into avocado.
There are also many pre-made spice blends that taste great with avocado. Cajun seasoning, taco seasoning, lemon pepper, ranch dressing mix, bbq rubs, and more. Get creative and experiment!
How Much Seasoning to Use
Start with small amounts of seasoning and gradually increase to taste. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away. Here are some general guidelines for common seasonings:
| Seasoning | Amount per Avocado Half |
|---|---|
| Salt | 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon |
| Citrus Juice | 1-2 tablespoons |
| Onion/Garlic | 1/2 to 1 teaspoon (minced) 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon (powdered) |
| Chili Powder | 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin | 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Dried Herbs | 1/2 to 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh Herbs | 1 tablespoon chopped |
Taste as you go and adjust amounts to your liking. Combining different seasonings can result in exciting new flavors.
Seasoning Tips
Follow these tips to get the most out of seasoning your avocados:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for intense flavors.
- Toast whole spices briefly to intensify their taste.
- Season just before serving to maximize freshness.
- Add acidic citrus juice to prevent browning.
- Blend seasonings into mashed avocado for even distribution.
- Combine complementary flavors like garlic and cumin.
- Adjust to taste – you can always add more seasoning.
- Don’t let other flavors overwhelm the avocado.
Proper seasoning allows the avocado’s creaminess to shine while adding layers of complementary flavors.
Seasoning Avocado for Different Dishes
The way you season avocado depends on how you plan to use it. Here are tips for common dishes:
Guacamole
Guacamole is a creamy avocado-based dip from Mexico. Standard seasonings include lime juice, diced onions, garlic, cilantro, and salt. Chili powder, cumin, and cayenne add a spicy kick. Mash the avocado with a fork before mixing in other ingredients. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Avocado Toast
For avocado toast, mash avocado and spread it over toasted bread. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, lemon juice, and any fresh herbs. You can also add spices like chili flakes or garlic powder for more flavor. Drizzle with olive oil if desired.
Avocado Salad
Salads allow lots of room for creativity. You can season diced avocado with vinaigrettes, citrus juice, minced garlic or onion, fresh herbs like basil or cilantro, and spices like cumin or chili powder. Toss avocado chunks gently to coat.
Sandwiches & Wraps
Seasoned avocado makes a great sandwich spread. Mash it up and mix in desired seasonings like lemon juice, salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika, fresh dill, or anything else that sounds appealing. Spread on bread or tortillas.
Sliced Avocado
For avocado slices, you can keep it simple. Squirt lemon or lime juice over the cut avocado to prevent browning. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Or go bold with chili-lime seasoning or everything bagel topping.
Don’t limit yourself to traditional seasonings. Try avocado seasoned with bbq rub, Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bagel, Italian dressing, or other unexpected flavors.
Storing Seasoned Avocado
To keep leftover seasoned avocado fresh:
- Press plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent browning.
- Squeeze more lemon or lime juice over the top.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 2 days.
- Sprinkle with extra virgin olive oil to help prevent oxidation.
- Add the avocado pit to the storage container.
The texture may suffer slightly, but seasoned avocado retains good flavor for a day or two when stored properly. Use leftovers for sandwiches, wraps, toast or dips.
Common Mistakes
It’s easy to over or under-season avocados. Avoid these mistakes:
- Using too much seasoning overpowers the avocado flavor.
- Not seasoning at all results in a bland, boring taste.
- Letting avocado brown before serving.
- Seasoning avocado too far ahead of time.
- Poor storage leads to excessive browning or off-flavors.
- Skipping acid like citrus juice, allowing faster browning.
With avocados, a light hand is best when seasoning. Citrus juice is critical for freshness. Store seasoned avocados properly to retain good flavor.
Cooking Seasoned Avocado
Beyond using raw avocado, you can also cook seasoned avocado for more ways to enjoy this healthy fruit. Here are some options:
Baked Avocado
Cut an avocado in half, scoop some flesh into a bowl, and mash. Mix in seasonings like lemon juice, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and chili powder. Scoop the mixture back into the avocado halves. Bake at 425°F for 10-15 minutes until hot.
Seared or Grilled
Slice avocado about 1/2-inch thick. Brush both sides with oil and season with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, or another spice rub. Sear on both sides in a hot pan or grill until grill marks appear.
Avocado Fries
Cut avocado into wedges, coat with cornstarch, then egg and breadcrumbs. Fry at 375°F for 2-3 minutes until crispy. Season with salt, chili powder, or other spices once cooked.
Added to Hot Dishes
You can also add diced seasoned avocado to cooked dishes like soups, chilis, enchiladas, omelets, quesadillas, and more right before serving. The heat will slightly soften the avocado.
Cooking avocado intensifies its lush, buttery flavor. Spice it up with your favorite seasonings for even more enjoyment.
Health Benefits
Avocados are highly nutritious, offering many health benefits. Here are some of the ways avocados can boost your diet:
- Loaded with heart-healthy fats – Has monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that improve cholesterol.
- Fiber-rich – Aids digestion and gut health. Half an avocado has 5-6 grams fiber.
- Potassium-packed – More potassium than a banana, which regulates blood pressure.
- Antioxidants & phytonutrients – Contains lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin E and more.
- Eye and skin health – Nutrients like lutein and vitamin E promote healthy eyes and skin.
- Absorbs nutrients – Aids the body’s absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K.
Avocados offer a very well-rounded nutritional package. Adding them to your diet can provide excellent health perks.
Conclusion
Avocados have a mild flavor when plain, but seasoning them properly unlocks a whole new taste experience. Salt, citrus, herbs, spices, garlic, and onions all complement avocado’s creamy richness.
Season avocado right before serving for maximum freshness. Mash seasonings into avocado spreads and salads. Use citrus juice to prevent browning. Balance flavors to allow the avocado taste to still shine through.
Pair seasoned avocados with dishes like tacos, toast, sandwiches, wraps, and salads. Or cook avocado with seasonings for hot dishes like baked avocado halves or grilled avocado slices.
Avocado is a super healthy and delicious food that’s only made better with the right seasonings. Use this guide to become a pro at seasoning avocados for maximum flavor and enjoyment.