You might be looking to include avocados in your diet, but you can’t find them locally or simply can’t handle their high prices.
Not to worry, there are plenty of substitutes for avocado that can provide the same nutritional benefits. Plus, they are available year-round, no matter where you live.
This list of the best substitutes for avocado includes both seasonal and exotic options that will give your food the same great taste and texture as avocados. And, of course, without the price tag!
1. Mashed Banana
The starter of this list of great substitutes for avocado is Mashed banana, but it doesn’t have the same consistency as mashed avocado.
To make mashed banana work as a substitute, you’ll want to add some other ingredients to balance out the flavor and smoothness.
The best way is by adding: lemon juice, honey, lime juice, or orange juice and salt. This will give it more sweetness and tanginess. You can add almond butter or peanut butter if you want something slightly nutty.
2. Nut Butter
If you’re looking for substitutes for avocado, you may want to try nut butter. One benefit of nut butter is that it can be substituted in recipes in which avocado is called for.
They can also be used as a spread or dip on bread, crackers, and other snacks. Furthermore, Nut butter can also be used as an ice cream topping or mixed into milkshakes.
For added flavor and texture, sprinkle some chopped nuts on top of your toast or sandwich. Yum!
3. Hummus
Speaking of the different substitutes for avocado, hummus is a great option. It is made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, and olive oil and has an earthy flavor that pairs well with garlic and lemon juice. It also has the same creamy texture as avocado, making it perfect on sandwiches or dip.
4. Mashed Sweet Potatoes Or Boiled Yams
When it comes to substitutes for avocado, another option would be mashed sweet potatoes or boiled yams. This is because they both have the same creamy texture of avocado.
One big difference between these two options is that sweet potatoes tend to be sweeter than yams.
As a result, sweet potatoes make a good pairing with flavors like cinnamon or nutmeg, while yams can easily be paired with salt or pepper. For something a little different but just as delicious, try mango puree.
5. Chia Seeds
Chia seeds make great substitutes for avocado in recipes. One tablespoon of chia seeds can be used in place of one avocado. They also have a lot fewer calories than an avocado.
Chia seeds are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein. This, in turn, means they’ll keep you feeling fuller longer as well.
6. Silken Tofu
Silken tofu is not only one of the best substitutes for avocado but also contains the same healthy fats as avocados.
It also makes a great addition to smoothies, dips, and dressings. For every 1 cup of mashed avocado, use 1/4 cup of silken tofu.
Moving on, add the silken tofu after blending and mix well before adding any other ingredients. The more ripe your avocado is, the less you will need to compensate with silken tofu.
Additionally, Silken Tofu can be used in all sorts of dishes that call for avocado, including guacamole, salad dressing, and even pancakes and omelets.
7. Edamame
Without wasting much time, Edamame has not left off this list of substitutes for avocado. You can also swap out avocado for edamame, which is a soybean that’s been boiled.
Going further, Edamame is full of protein and has a bit of crunchiness to it. The beans can be enjoyed as-is or seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
8. Cooked Beans
Substitutes for avocados include cooked beans like chickpeas or kidney beans. You might want to add seasonings like cumin, coriander, and paprika before cooking the beans, so they have more flavor.
One way you can use these in a dish is by making hummus or using them in place of guacamole on your favorite tacos.
9. Soaked Pistachio And Cashew Paste
Soaked pistachio and cashew paste are also one of the best substitutes for avocado that you should be considering.
To prepare this:
- Slice the nuts in half, remove any skin, and set them on a baking sheet.
- Toast them in the oven at 375 degrees until they’re golden brown, about 10 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let cool.
- Place nuts into a food processor or blender and add water until it reaches desired consistency (you may not need as much water depending on how soft your pistachios were).
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- If desired, thin it with more water or olive oil to get it right so it can be eaten without having to chew too much of the mixture first.
10. Pumpkin Paste
No worries if you can’t find avocado at your local grocery store. You may be surprised how many other substitutes for avocado are out there.
For example, pumpkin is a great substitute because it has the same creamy consistency and savory flavor as avocado.
To make pumpkin paste, combine pumpkin puree and salt in a food processor or blender until smooth. Add water if needed, but be sure not to add too much, or the mixture will become thin.
11. Melitzanosalata
Melitzanosalata is a popular Greek dish and one of the great substitutes for avocado. It is made from chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and olive oil.
There are many variations of the dish, with some recipes adding olives, garlic, or lemon juice. You can serve this as a dip or spread it on sandwiches and wraps.
12. Lima Beans
Lima beans make excellent substitutes for avocado in green salads, guacamole dips, or blended into smoothies.
The beans have a firm texture and nutty flavor that adds great flavor to any recipe without taking away from the taste of other ingredients, like avocados do when they are used as the main ingredient in dishes.
13. White Bean Dip
White Bean Dip is a great alternative when you’re craving something rich and creamy. You can serve this dip with tortilla chips and fresh vegetables or use it as a sandwich spread.
To prepare this specialty on the list of substitutes for avocado, you’ll need White beans, drained and rinsed, olive oil, and cumin.
Directions to make: Place the beans in a food processor fitted with the chopping blade and pulse until finely chopped but not pureed.
Then, add the remaining ingredients; pulse until well combined. Lastly, transfer to a serving bowl and serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
14. Cream Cheese
Still, on this list of substitutes for avocado, there’s Cream cheese. It has a similar texture and can be used in many of the same ways as avocado.
Also, you can mix cream cheese with other ingredients, such as herbs or hot sauce, if you want to add more flavor.
You can use it in dips and spreads, sandwiches or wraps, or even baked goods like cheesecakes and brownies.
15. Pesto
For the last few weeks, I’ve been hunting for an avocado. And I’ve got some good ones for you. I don’t want you to feel deprived just because avocados are out of season or too expensive in your area.
Meanwhile, you can replicate the mashed avocado’s rich, fatty flavor and texture using pesto. It will also taste nutty because it contains pine nuts, and the basil adds a pleasant herbal character.
Pesto will continue to be green, unlike the other substitutes for avocado. Additionally, it offers a ton of health advantages, and it is utilized in a 1:1 ratio.
16. Macadamia Nut Butter
Macadamia nut butter cannot be sidelined as it is one of the best substitutes for avocado. This product is a great replacement because it has a creamy texture and healthy fats that can be good for your hair and skin.
Macadamias contain more vitamins, minerals, and nutrients than most other nuts. It also contains high amounts of magnesium which helps with blood circulation and energy production in the body.
Another advantage of macadamia nut butter is that it does not have any sugar added, so it’s healthier than normal peanut or almond butter.
17. Cashew Nut Butter
If you’re out of avocados and want to make a recipe that calls for them, try substituting them with cashew nut butter. Cashew nuts provide the same creamy texture, high-fat content, and rich flavor as avocados.
Cashew nut butter can be used as a substitute for avocado in anything from soups, smoothies, and salads to pastries, omelets, and desserts.
It’s easy to use, too; just mix it with a little water or coconut oil until it reaches a creamy consistency before using it as instructed.
Cashew nut butter is also high in fiber, protein, and heart-healthy fats. Plus, it’s cholesterol-free, so you don’t have to worry about clogging your arteries! All these qualify it to be one of the substitutes for avocado!
18. Butter Beans Mash
Butter beans can be mashed, which is one of the great substitutes for avocado if you want a dip or spread. You can also toss them into a salad in place of avocado.
Use butter bean mash as a straight swap for avocados when making guacamole. But feel free to play with the flavors and add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cilantro.
Conclusion
They say there’s nothing quite like a real avocado, and they’re right. But unfortunately, avocados can be very hard to find in some areas, or if you want to eat them on the go.
So what are your options if you don’t have access to fresh avocado? We made this list of great substitutes for avocado for your favorite dish wherever you go!
So if you enjoy avocados, try these out! Use one of the aforementioned substitutes for avocado if you can’t locate the main component.
