Avocados are a versatile fruit that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Their creamy, smooth texture and mild flavor make them the perfect base for showcasing other ingredients. While avocados are delicious on their own, adding the right spices can take your avocado dishes to the next level. But with so many spice options out there, how do you know which ones pair best with avocado? Here we will explore some of the most complementary spices that enhance the flavor of avocados without overpowering them. We’ll also provide some quick answers to frequently asked questions about spicing up avocados.
Quick Answers
What are some spices that pair well with avocado?
Some great spices to use with avocado are cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Herbs like cilantro, parsley, basil, oregano, and chives also complement avocado.
What spices enhance the creamy texture of avocado?
Spices like cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and black pepper add flair while allowing the avocado’s creamy richness to shine.
What spices add a little heat to avocados?
For a kick of heat, opt for cayenne pepper, chili powder, crushed red pepper flakes, or chipotle powder. Start with small amounts and adjust to your desired spiciness.
What herbs taste great with avocado?
Herbs like cilantro, basil, parsley, mint, and chives pair nicely with the mild flavor of avocados. Their fresh, aromatic qualities balance the richness.
Should spices be added to avocado before or after cutting it open?
It’s best to add spices after cutting open and exposing the avocado flesh. This allows the spices to stick and evenly coat the avocado.
Spices That Complement Avocado
Now let’s take a more in-depth look at some of the best spices to use when cooking with avocado:
Cumin
Cumin is one of the most complementary spices to use with avocado. Its earthy, nutty flavor brings out subtle depths in the avocado without overwhelming it. Cumin also enhances the creamy richness of the fruit. This spice tastes fantastic when added to guacamole, avocado toast, or avocado-based soups and sauces. The warming flavor of cumin is a perfect match to the cool, smooth avocado.
Chili Powder
For those that like a little kick of heat, chili powder is an excellent choice for spicing up avocados. Made from a blend of chile peppers and other spices like cumin, oregano, and garlic, this spice mix adds a punch of flavor. The mild burn underscores the lush texture of the avocado. Use chili powder to add Southwestern flair or heat to guacamole, tacos, sandwiches, and Tex-Mex dishes featuring avocado. Start with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon per avocado and adjust to taste.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper can bring an instant hit of heat and vibrancy to avocado dishes. Made from ground dried cayenne chiles, this spice packs quite a punch. Use a small sprinkle of cayenne to liven up the typically mild avocado. It gives a fiery kick to guacamole, sauces, dips, and other avocado preparations. Cayenne’s heat nicely offsets the cool, rich creaminess of avocado. But go easy, as a little of this spice goes a long way.
Paprika
For a touch of warmth and a beautiful reddish-orange hue, paprika is a great spice choice with avocado. Traditional paprika features a mild peppery taste, while smoked Spanish paprika has a more robust flavor. This spice adds a lovely color and extra dimension to avocado toast, dips, dressings, soups, or anywhere you want to jazz up the presentation. Paprika’s sweetness plays well against the avocado’s fat content.
Garlic and Onion Powder
For an easy way to add aromatic vegetable flavor to avocado dishes, reach for garlic and onion powder. These dried vegetable powders infuse a punch of flavor without the need to prep fresh onions or garlic. Sprinkle them onto avocados, or add to spiced avocado oils and sauces. They provide a tasty background note that enhances avocado without overshadowing its star qualities. Use garlic powder for greater pungency, and onion powder for more subtle sweetness.
Salt and Black Pepper
Don’t underestimate the impact of simple salt and black pepper on avocados. A dash of salt enhances the creamy richness, while freshly ground black pepper adds warmth and spice. Pepper’s slight heat cuts through the avocado’s thickness. Seasoning avocado toast, guacamole, sandwiches and more with just a bit of salt and pepper can make the flavors pop. Let the avocado shine by using these spices judiciously.
Cilantro
The freshness of cilantro beautifully complements avocados. Its lively, citrusy flavor contrasts nicely with the avocado’s richness. Chopped cilantro leaves lend color, herbal flavor, and aesthetic appeal as a garnish. Cilantro also pairs well with spiced avocado dishes, helping cool their heat. This herb is a key ingredient in many guacamole recipes, salsa verde, and other Mexican or Southwest-inspired avocado preparations.
Chili Flakes
For another way to add mild heat, try crushed red pepper flakes. Their mild peppery burn offsets the creamy coolness of avocado. Use them to spice up guacamole, avocado pasta, pizza, sandwiches and more. Chili flakes add an extra dimension of flavor, stimulating the palate with a not-too-spicy kick. Their heat intensifies when paired with the richness of avocado. Start with a small sprinkle and increase to taste.
Spiced Avocado Recipes
Now that you know some of the best spices for avocado, here are a few recipe ideas that put them to delicious use:
Chipotle Guacamole
Smoked chipotle chiles in adobo sauce pack intense spicy flavor. Blend some into guacamole for a kick of heat that complements the cool, creamy avocado base. Onion, garlic, lime juice, and cilantro round out the classic flavors.
Avocado Toast with Lemon and Sumac
Sumac is a Middle Eastern spice with a tangy, lemony taste. Paired with avocado toast, it adds vibrant citrus flavor. Black sesame seeds, hot pepper flakes, and thyme add extra dimension.
Cumin Lime Avocado Sauce
Blend avocado with Greek yogurt, lime juice, cumin, and salt for a rich cumin-kissed sauce. Use as a dressing, dip, or spread on sandwiches and tacos.
Southwestern Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Load baked sweet potatoes with spiced avocado, black beans, corn, and other favorite toppings. Chili powder, cumin, and cayenne add a kick of heat to contrast the cool avocado.
Avocado Egg Salad
Give classic egg salad a fresh twist with creamy avocado and herbs. Add paprika and black pepper for extra flavor. Use as a sandwich filling or dip with crackers.
Avocado Pasta
Toss hot cooked pasta with chunks of avocado, basil, spinach, and olive oil. Season to taste with garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Tips for Cooking with Spiced Avocados
Here are some helpful tips for getting the most flavor and enjoyment out of spiced avocado dishes:
- Add spices to taste – Start with a small amount and increase slowly to get the right balance of flavor.
- Use fresh, high quality spices for maximum flavor and aroma.
- Look for ripe avocados with tender flesh that will soak up spices nicely.
- Cut or mash avocados just before adding spices so they stick and evenly coat.
- If a recipe calls for acid like lime juice, add it just before serving to prevent the avocado from browning.
- Store leftover spiced guacamole with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent oxidation.
- Combine spicy and cooling herbs like cilantro to balance the heat.
- Experiment with global spice combinations like Southwestern, Mexican, Thai, Indian and more.
Ready-to-Use Spiced Avocado Recipes
To make spicing up avocados even easier, here are some ready-to-use spice blend recipes to try:
All-Purpose Avocado Spice Blend
| 2 teaspoons | garlic powder |
| 2 teaspoons | onion powder |
| 1 teaspoon | cumin |
| 1 teaspoon | paprika |
| 1/2 teaspoon | chili powder |
| 1/4 teaspoon | cayenne pepper |
| 1/4 teaspoon | dried oregano |
| 1/4 teaspoon | salt |
| 1/4 teaspoon | black pepper |
Citrus Avocado Spice Mix
| Zest of 1 lime | |
| 1/4 teaspoon | garlic powder |
| 1/4 teaspoon | salt |
| 1/4 teaspoon | black pepper |
| Pinch cayenne pepper | |
| 2 tablespoons | chopped cilantro |
| 1 teaspoon | lime juice |
Italian Avocado Spice Blend
| 1/4 teaspoon | dried basil |
| 1/4 teaspoon | dried oregano |
| 1/4 teaspoon | garlic powder |
| Pinch crushed red pepper | |
| 1/4 teaspoon | salt |
| 1/4 teaspoon | black pepper |
These ready-made blends take the guesswork out of spicing up avocados. Just mix together the spices, then sprinkle them onto sliced or mashed avocado. Adjust the quantities to suit your tastes. They also make great gifts for the avocado lover in your life!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about seasoning avocados with spice:
Should I use spices before or after cutting open an avocado?
For even coverage, it’s best to wait until after cutting open and exposing the avocado flesh before adding spices.
Can I use spices on avocado toast?
Absolutely! Avocado toast is the perfect canvas for spices. Start with mashed avocado on toast and sprinkle on spices like chili powder, paprika, cayenne, Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel seasoning, or za’atar.
What are good spice combos for avocado?
Popular global spice combos include Southwestern (chili powder, cumin, oregano), Mexican (cilantro, lime, cayenne), Indian (curry powder, cumin, garlic) and Mediterranean (sumac, sesame seeds, mint).
How can I use spiced avocado as a sauce or dip?
Blend spiced avocado with yogurt or mayo to create a creamy sauce or dressing for tacos, burgers, sandwiches and more. For a dip, mash spiced avocado with lime juice and salt.
Will spices help prevent avocados from browning quickly?
Unfortunately no, spices don’t significantly impact the oxidation process. To prevent browning, limit avocado’s exposure to air and acidify it with lime or lemon juice.
Conclusion
Avocado’s rich, creamy texture and mild flavor profile make it the perfect canvas for zesty spices. Complementary seasonings like cumin, chili powder, cayenne, paprika, and fresh herbs can take your avocado dishes to the next level. Just take care not to overpower the avocado’s natural subtleties. By pairing these lush green fruits with the right spices, you can create showstopping guacamoles, sandwiches, salads and more. So go ahead, spice up your avocado!