Next week, on July 31^st, Canada celebrates National Avocado Day. There is no better way to celebrate than to make some of the most delicious avocado recipes to enjoy during the day.

The avocado is a rather unique fruit. While most fruits consist mainly of carbohydrates, avocado is high in healthy fats. It’s often referred to as a superfood, which is not surprising given its health properties. In Mexico, the avocado is commonly referred to as oro verde, which translates to ‘green gold’. National Avocado Day is the perfect occasion to experiment with different recipes.

They have 160 calories, 2 grams of protein and 15 grams of healthy fats. Although it contains 9 grams of carbs, 7 of those are fibre, so there are only 2 net carbs, making this a low-carb-friendly plant food. They do not contain any cholesterol or sodium and are low in saturated fat. This is why they are favoured by some experts who believe these substances are harmful.

Here are some delicious recipes for you to enjoy and maybe sneak them into your everyday meals.

Avocado Pickles

Pickled garlic has been a trending food lately, especially if you find yourself submerged in the world of foodtok (the food side of TikTok). It turns out, the technique can be applied to any vegetable (or fruit in the avocado’s case).

Ingredients:

• 1 c. distilled white vinegar
• 1 c. water
• 1/3 c. sugar
• 1 tbsp. salt
• 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 clove garlic, thinly sliced
• 5 sprigs cilantro
• 2 underripe avocados, peeled and thinly sliced

Directions:

• In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine vinegar, water, sugar and salt and bring to a boil, stirring frequently. When the sugar and salt have dissolved, set aside to cool.
• In a mason jar, place red pepper flakes, garlic, cilantro, and avocado slices. Pour cooled pickling mixture into the jar and seal tightly with a lid.
• Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.

Baked Avocado Boats

To begin the celebrations, enjoy a yummy avocado breakfast that is easy to make and fits everyone’s taste. This recipe yields 4 servings, but you can always adjust it to however many people you may be cooking for.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
• 4 large eggs
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 3 slices bacon
• Freshly chopped chives, for garnish

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350°. Scoop about 1 tablespoon worth of avocado out of each half; discard or reserve for another use.
• Place hollowed avocados in a baking dish, then crack eggs into a bowl, one at a time. Using a spoon, transfer one yolk to each avocado half, then spoon in as much egg white as you can fit without spilling over.
• Season with salt and pepper and bake until whites are set and yolks are no longer runny 20 to 25 minutes. (Cover with foil if avocados are beginning to brown.)
• Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp, 8 minutes, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and chop.
• Top avocados with bacon and chives before serving.

Avocado & Tomato Salad

Don’t confuse this with guac—there’s way more depth of flavour, which makes it one of the best summer sides of all time.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 tsp. cumin
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 3 avocados, cubed
• 1 pt. cherry tomatoes halved
• 1 small cucumber, sliced into half-moons
• 1/3 c. corn
• 1 jalapeño, minced (optional)
• 2 tbsp. chopped cilantro

Directions:

• In a small bowl, whisk together oil, lime juice, and cumin. Season dressing with salt and pepper.
• In a large serving bowl, combine avocados, tomatoes, cucumber, corn, jalapeño, and cilantro. Gently toss with dressing and serve immediately.

Avocado Brownies

The magic of food is that it varies from culture to culture. In many places around the world, like Asia-Pacific and South America, Avocado is consumed as dessert. Avocado brownies are a great way to discover new ways of using them and to prepare a great gluten-free and healthier indulgence.

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 2 ripe avocados
• 1/2 c. (1 stick) melted butter
• 6 tbsp. unsweetened peanut butter
• 2 tsp. baking soda
• 2/3 c. keto-friendly granulated sugar (such as Swerve)
• 2/3 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• Flaky sea salt (optional)

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350° and line an 8”-x-8” square pan with parchment paper. In a blender or food processor, combine all ingredients except flaky sea salt and blend until smooth.
• Transfer batter to prepared baking pan and smooth top with a spatula. Top with flaky sea salt, if using.
• Bake until brownies are soft but not at all wet to the touch, 25 to 30 minutes.
• Let cool 25 to 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Avocado Toast

Of course, you can’t forget the classic food that pretty much put avocado back on the map with its peak around 2016.

This one is pretty simple, it’s just mashed avocado on top of your favourite slice of toasted bread. The best part about it is that is so versatile. You can add whatever topping you like – cherry tomatoes, eggs, bacon, almonds, goat cheese, you name it. There are infinite ways you can spice up this recipe and make it your own.

Get ready to enjoy National Avocado Day with these delicious (and pretty simple) recipes that everyone will love.