Grilled Avocados

Okay, let me just say grilling avocados might sound a little out there, but trust me, it's one of those simple kitchen tricks that instantly elevates any meal. I've always been a fan of tossing different veggies and fruits onto the grill to add that smoky flavor, like grilled apples and grilled cabbage, and avocados are no different!

You slice them in half, brush them with olive oil, season them up, and throw them on the grill. The result is creamy on the inside, smoky on the outside, and just enough salt and pepper to bring it all together.

I've used these on tacos, tossed them in salads, and, let's be real, sometimes just eaten them straight off the grill with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of chili flakes. It's one of those recipes that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner but also super impressive for a barbecue or dinner party. 

You'll have it ready in under 15 minutes, and it's the kind of thing you'll find yourself making over and over again because it's just that good. Plus, once you see those perfect grill marks on the avocado, you'll feel like a total grill master. Seriously, give this one a try. You'll be hooked.

Grilled Avocados Will Become Your Newest Obsession

Never thought of grilling an avocado before? Here are some reasons why you'll want to:

• Easy to make: Grilled avocados are one of those "why didn't I think of this sooner?" recipes. With just a few ingredients and under 15 minutes, you can have a smoky, creamy snack or side dish ready to go!
• Flavor: Grilling the avocados adds this amazing smoky, savory depth that takes the creamy avocado flavor to a whole new level.
• Versatile: These bad boys are so flexible! I've used them as taco toppers, tossed them in salads, layered on burgers, blended in salsas, or just eaten them with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of chili flakes when I want something simple and satisfying. You can really go wild with how you serve them.
• Texture: The outside gets crispy, while the inside stays rich and creamy, giving you that perfect bite. They're crispy, creamy, and just a little bit smoky. You won't look at avocados the same way again!

How to know when avocados are ripe?

This is one of the most common questions about avocados. Always start by gently pressing on the skin without squeezing. When an avocado is ripe, it should have a little bit of give without being squishy. If it is rock hard, it isn't ready. If it is really ripe, it also isn't ready. Try not to squeeze the avocado too much, or you can bruise the fruit inside.

Another trick some people use (although I don't find as reliable) is removing the stem. It will gently pop out, and if the inside looks nice and green, the avocado will most likely be ripe. Again, I find gently squeezing the avocado to be much more reliable.

Ingredients and Easy Swaps

Here is everything you need to make this easy grilled avocado recipe:

• Avocados: I love a good avocado with a smooth, creamy texture and rich flavor. Make sure to pick avocados that aren't too ripe for grilling so they stay intact and solid while cooking.
• Olive oil: Brush the avocados with a little olive oil to prevent them from sticking to the grill grates. You can use other types of oil like vegetable and avocado oil.
• Salt and pepper: I like to go simple with the seasonings to really bring out the flavors of the avocado. You can also get creative with other herbs and spices that you like, such as garlic powder, chili powder, or red pepper flakes.

How to Cut an Avocado

Get the perfect avocado halves to fire on the grill! Here's how to cut an avocado like a pro:

1. Run your knife lengthwise all around the avocado pit. Do not remove the skin.
2. Using your hands, twist the avocado halves to separate them.
3. Remove the avocado pit by whacking the heel of your knife into it, then twisting and pulling until the pit comes off.

How to store fresh avocados?

Whenever I share recipes about avocados, there are always questions about how to store avocados so they don't brown. Truth be told, avocados always turn brown slightly after being opened, but you can slow down the process.

Start by squeezing some citrus (lemon or lime) over the avocado. Then, wrap the avocado in plastic wrap, creating a tight seal on the exposed flesh. The air is what turns the avocado brown, so keeping the air away as much as possible will slow down the browning process.

One more trick! If you notice that your avocados are ripe but you aren't quite ready to use them, pop them in the fridge whole. They will keep for an additional 1-2 weeks.

How to Grill Avocados

Grilling avocados couldn't be any easier. I promise this is a very simple recipe anyone can make! Here's how to make grilled avocados:

To make these delicious grilled avocados, start by cutting the avocados in half and removing the pits. Brush the cut sides with a little olive oil and season them with salt and pepper.

When you're ready to grill, place the avocados cut-side down on the grill. Let them cook until you see those beautiful grill marks.

Pro tip: If you're feeling fancy, you can rotate them after about 3 minutes to get those cool "X" grill marks. Just keep an eye on them so they don't overcook! If they stay on the grill too long, they can get mushy.

Once they're done, you can enjoy them just as they are or top them with anything from salsa to a squeeze of lime or hot sauce.

Does it really taste different?

Yes and no! Yes, this is a really amazing way to enjoy avocado since the grill adds some smoky flavor. Trust me, it's delicious. It's my favorite way to prep my avocados. If you are worried about eating a warm avocado, just let it cool before serving.

And no, because it will still taste like a creamy, amazing avocado. It's everything you love about avocado with the addition of a little grill flavor.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

It's so easy to nail grilled avocados, even if it's your first time. But here are some simple tips you should definitely keep in mind:

• Choose slightly underripe avocados: These are best for grilling because they have firmer flesh and skin that will hold up well when exposed to heat.
• Use a cutting board: Cut the avocados using a sharp knife and place them on a cutting board instead of holding them with your hand to ensure safety.
• Use grill pan: If you don't have a grill or want to cook indoors, you can use a non-stick or cast iron grill pan instead to soften the avocados and still achieve grill marks.
• Squeeze lime juice after grilling: This will help keep the avocado fresher for longer and mask any bitter taste too.

How to Serve Grilled Avocados

Any creamy avocado will taste amazing, but these grilled avocado halves are seriously addictive! I use it in many of my favorite dishes, like toast, salads, and tacos. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve them:

• Avocado toast: If you are an avocado toast fan, using grilled avocados is the way to make it even more delicious. Add the grilled avocado to your favorite bread with slices of tomato, some crumbled feta cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice for one amazing meal.
• Stuffed avocados: Pile in some taco meat or Mexican shredded chicken into the avocados to make Tacoavocados! These are basically tacos, but they use avocado as the taco shell rather than a tortilla. It's a great low-carb option with a kick of smoky flavor!
• Salads: Take your salads up a level using grilled avocado in place of regular avocados in any of your favorite salads. One to try is this Cucumber, Tomato, and Avocado Salad or this Salmon, Sweet Potato, and Avocado Kale Salad.
• Tacos: There are two really good options here. First, make the avocado the star by making grilled avocado tacos or grilled vegetable tacos. Or make your favorite grilled chicken or fish tacos and top it with the chopped avocado from the grill.
• Salsa and guacamole: These also make amazing salsa with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapenos, all tossed with lime juice, salt, and pepper. And if you are wondering, it makes the best Guacamole. Enjoy with beef tostadas or carne asada and a side of tortilla chips and sour cream for an easy Mexican dinner.
• Ceviche: This is also delicious with ceviche. Cure fish or shrimp in lime juice, and then add the smoky avocado right before serving.

Storage and Reheating

Grilled avocado is best served and consumed immediately after cooking. But if you have some leftovers, here's what you can do:

• To store: Squeeze more fresh lime juice, place it in an airtight container, and store it overnight. If there's a lot of leftovers, consider making an avocado mash or puree and freezing that instead.
• To reheat: These taste great cold! I wouldn't recommend reheating them or they could get mushy.