In California, we've been getting some awesomely delicious avocados lately. Chalk it up to avocado season, which runs from Spring to Fall. Even if you don't live in the Golden State, chances are that green fruit you're savoring is from here anyway. Ninety percent of the nation's crop comes out of California. From sandwiches and salads to salsas and other tropical-tinged flavor combinations, avocado is surprisingly versatile. Here are 33 of our favorite ways to enjoy it.
— Additional reporting by Nicole Perry, Emily Bibb, and Hilary White
If you love sushi, then you'll love this smoked salmon sandwich with avocado and wasabi cream cheese.
Top pan-fried sopaipillas with avocado for a savory twist.
For a tropical getaway in a cup, blend up this avocado smoothie. It's thick, creamy, and mouth-puckering.
Homemade sushi's not as hard as everyone makes it out to be. Cut your teeth on a California roll, which stars cucumbers, imitation crabmeat, and, of course, dreamy avocado.
Smoky bacon and creamy avocado come together for the ultimate tortilla-chip dip.
These chocolate cupcakes might look ordinary, but they are actually vegan, thanks to an avocado-based "buttercream" frosting.
A rainbow of vegetables — tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, bell peppers, avocado, sprouts, and kale chips — fill this green-goddess-dressed sandwich.
Think of this mason jar salad as deconstructed guacamole with a hefty dose of greens.
So quick and easy, this insanely tasty cheesy avocado quesadilla recipe is a must for weeknight dinners.
Posole often requires hours of simmering, but not this quick-fix version.
Now this is something we can get into. A blend of creamy avocado, coconut flakes, and grilled pineapple completes this tropical guacamole recipe.
You'll never get bored with avocado toast thanks to these nine variations, ranging from supersimple (red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper) to creative (a spin on caprese salad).
Not only is this chocolate-coconut avocado soft serve delicious, but it also doesn't require an ice cream maker.
Nachos, including this breakfast version, aren't really nachos without a generous dose of avocado.
Spiralized cucumber noodles take the place of rice in these tuna-avocado hand rolls.
Wraps aren't only for lunch; case in point, this filling take on chicken Cobb salad.
It's time to take your salsa inspiration to the tropics with this pineapple salsa. The sweet, acidic, and spicy flavors go great on grilled fish tacos and tortilla chips alike!
This lighter, greener spin on iconic green goddess dressing swaps avocado and Greek yogurt for mayo and sour cream.
Avocado sounds like a strange addition to a cocktail, until you consider that margaritas are often paired with guacamole and that the fruit itself is mild in flavor.
Give leftovers an exciting new life in burrito form. (Don't forget a generous dose of guac!)
Why have guacamole only one way? Make and serve two different types of guac: one spicy and smooth with the addition of serrano peppers and olive oil, and a milder guac with crumbled feta.
Give classic caprese a summery spin with the addition of cubed avocado and cucumber.
Avocado replaces mayo and dairy for a creamy vegan dressing.
These crisped prosciutto and avocado crostini are incredibly easy, and the resulting bite is sure to be a hit with guests.
This vegan burrito bowl doesn't skimp on flavor: made with cilantro lime cauliflower rice, red onion, pico de gallo and plenty of avocado.
For an unexpected salad, mix tropical fruit with avocado, peppery arugula, and other savory ingredients.
Creamy guac doesn't need any added frills — it holds its own when paired simply with tortilla chips and topped with a splash of lime.
Cool down with a creamy avocado and corn soup topped with tomato, scallions, and briny crab.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these avocado chocolate chip cookies.
Try dabbling in avocado desserts with these easy-to-make avocado and coconut milk popsicles.
This hearty salad is filled with protein and greens.
Keep things simple with a zesty green salad topped with onions and avocado.