Stuffed Avocados with Dressing

posted by Chef Ani on Jan 17, 2018 (last updated Apr 5, 2024)

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This fresh, creamy stuffed avocado recipe is a quick and nourishing dish that is packed with bright flavors like lime and cilantro. The best stuffed avocados for your next party or gathering.

Stuffed Avocados with Dressing served on a white platter

A real summer showstopper, I love how quickly I can put together this dish when I’m in need of a speedy lunch or snack, it’s probably my favorite way to eat avocados.

If your home and family are as obsessed with avocados as ours is, then you should already have a few in the kitchen.

Why you’ll love these stuffed avocados

Healthy and nutritious: Stuffed avocados are a great source of healthy fats, fiber, and protein. The seasoned black beans add even more protein and fiber, while the dressing provides a burst of flavor without adding excess calories.
Customizable: This recipe is very versatile and can be customized to suit your tastes. You can adjust the spice level, add in additional toppings or vegetables, and swap out the dressing for your favorite flavor.
Easy to make: This recipe is simple and easy to make, requiring just a few basic ingredients and minimal preparation time.
Great for entertaining: Stuffed avocados make a great appetizer or party dish. They’re easy to prepare ahead of time and can be customized to suit a variety of dietary needs and preferences.
Colorful and pretty: The bright green color of the avocado, combined with the colorful beans and dressing, makes for an attractive and appetizing dish.
Perfect for warm weather: Stuffed avocados are a refreshing and light dish that’s perfect for warm weather. They’re great for outdoor dining, picnics, and barbecues.
Suitable for various diets: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and it’s also suitable for low-carb or keto diets.

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Ingredients and substitution notes

Black Beans: If you don’t have black beans, you can substitute them with any other type of canned beans such as kidney beans, pinto beans or chickpeas.
Onion Powder: You can use finely chopped fresh onions instead of onion powder. Simply increase the amount to 1 tablespoon.
Garlic Powder: Minced fresh garlic can be used as a substitute. Use 1 teaspoon of minced garlic instead of garlic powder.
Cumin: If you don’t have cumin, you can use ground coriander instead.
Cayenne: If you don’t have cayenne, you can use chili powder instead, but be aware that it may alter the flavor of the dish

Recipe variations and add-ins

Soy Meat and Bean Stuffed Avocado: Ground soy meat with onion, garlic, and taco seasoning. Mix the seasoned beef with black beans and stuff into the avocado halves. Top with vegan shredded cheese and diced tomatoes.
Veggie Stuffed Avocado: Mix cooked quinoa or rice with black beans, diced bell peppers, corn, and avocado chunks. Add a squeeze of lime juice and stuff into the avocado halves.
Roasted Corn: Add roasted corn kernels for extra texture and sweetness.
Diced Jalapeño: For some heat, add diced jalapeño to the bean mixture.

Top Tips for Making Stuffed Avocados

Here are some top tips for making a delicious stuffed avocado recipe with seasoned beans and a dressing:

Choose ripe avocados: Make sure your avocados are ripe but not overly soft. They should be slightly firm to the touch but yield to gentle pressure. A ripe avocado is easier to cut and will have a creamy texture when eaten.
Drain and rinse the beans: To get rid of excess sodium and any metallic taste from canned beans, drain and rinse them under cold running water before using in the recipe.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ingredients like tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice will add a lot of flavor to the dish. Be sure to chop them finely and mix them well with the beans before stuffing the avocado halves.
Dressing should be balanced: The dressing should complement the flavors of the stuffed avocado, not overpower them. Make sure to taste and adjust the dressing seasoning as needed. You can always add a little more lime juice or salt to taste.
Presentation is key: When serving stuffed avocados, presentation is important. Make sure to scoop out the avocado flesh carefully, so the halves remain intact. Also, garnish the stuffed avocado halves with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, lime wedges, or additional toppings as desired.
Serve immediately: Stuffed avocados are best served immediately after being prepared. If you need to make them ahead of time, store the avocado halves separately from the bean mixture and dressing until ready to serve.

Make ahead of instructions and storage

Make-ahead instructions: You can prepare the seasoned bean mixture and the dressing up to 1 day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator until ready to use.

When you’re ready to serve, cut the avocados in half and remove the pit. Brush the avocado halves with a little lime juice to prevent browning. Fill the avocado halves with the bean mixture, drizzle with the dressing, and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Storage tips: Stuffed avocados are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Keep in mind that the avocado flesh may start to brown after a few hours, so it’s best to store the bean mixture and dressing separately from the avocado halves.

To minimize browning, store the avocado halves with the pit intact and brush the exposed flesh with a little lime juice. When ready to serve, fill the avocado halves with the bean mixture and drizzle with the dressing.

Reheating instructions: Keep in mind that the avocado flesh may become mushy if overheated, so it’s best to reheat the bean mixture separately and then stuff the avocado halves just before serving.

Freezing instructions: Stuffed avocados are not recommended for freezing, as the avocado flesh will become mushy and lose its texture when thawed. It’s best to enjoy them fresh or store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.

Stuffed Avocado Serving suggestions

Serve as a main course: Stuffed avocados can be a filling and nutritious main course. Serve them with a side salad like my vegan taco salad or some rice and beans for a complete meal.

As a side dish: The creamy avocado and flavorful bean filling pair well with many different proteins.

Serve as an appetizer: To make stuffed avocados into a party appetizer, use smaller avocados. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with additional toppings like chopped tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or diced onions.

Add toppings for extra flavor: Consider adding some additional toppings to the stuffed avocados, such as crumbled vegan cheese, sliced black olives, or diced avocado. These toppings will add extra flavor and texture to the dish.

Customize the filling: You can customize the bean filling to suit your tastes or dietary needs. For example, you can use black beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas instead of seasoned black beans. You can also add in some diced sweet peppers or vegan shredded cheese for extra flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of dressing

Yes, feel free to use any type of dressing that you prefer. A cilantro lime dressing or a creamy avocado dressing would both work well.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes, you can adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more cayenne pepper or using a spicier salsa or hot sauce.

Can I prepare the avocado halves ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare the avocado halves just before serving to prevent them from browning. If you need to prepare them ahead of time, brush them with lime juice to prevent browning and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few hours.

Can I freeze stuffed avocados?

No, stuffed avocados are not recommended for freezing, as the avocado flesh will become mushy when thawed. It’s best to enjoy them fresh or store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.

How long does the dressing last in the refrigerator?

The dressing will last for up to 1 week in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Watch My Stuffed Avocado Recipe Video: