Healthy Ideas for Serving Avocados

Updated February 10, 2015.

Avocados are high in calories, so you probably won't be munching on a whole avocado unless you're looking to gain weight. But there are some delicious and healthy ways to serve avocados.

Avocados are sometimes called "alligator pears" due to their dark, rough exteriors. You'll find them in the produce section of the grocery store and which ones you choose depends upon how soon you'll use them. If you're planning on making guacamole that day, choose avocados that are softer to the touch.

If you don't need them for a few days, or prefer to serve as slices on a salad or sandwich, then you may want to choose avocados that are firm to the touch.

What to Do With an Avocado

I like to use avocado slices as a salad topping instead of cheese to cut back on saturated fats. Avocado works nicely on sandwiches too, especially vegetarian sandwiches and wraps, or sandwiches made with low-fat meats like chicken or turkey breast. And avocado is delicious with a rare piece of tuna. If you're turning your avocado into guacamole, keep it healthy by serving it with baked tortilla chips or raw vegetables instead greasy fried chips.

Recipes with Avocados

Our Food Channel at About.com is full of delicious recipes. Here are some of my favorite recipes that feature avocado.

_Source:
_{Agricultural Research Service United States Department of Agriculture, National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference Release 26. "Basic Report: 09037, Avocados, Raw, All Commercial Varieties." Accessed September 20, 2013. http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/2234.}