Avocados don’t wait for you to be ready. One minute they’re perfect, the next they’re a mushy disaster you swore wouldn’t happen again. Instead of wasting another one, put it to use in something that actually makes sense. Whether it’s blended into a sauce, tossed into a salad, or even worked into dessert, there’s no reason to let a good avocado go to waste.
Blueberry Avocado Pancakes
Avocado makes these pancakes thick and soft, while fresh blueberries add a natural sweetness. A poached egg on top creates the perfect mix of flavors. This is a great way to use up that avocado before it crosses the line from ripe to regret.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Avocado Pancakes
Avocado Pineapple Smoothie Bowl
Avocado blends with pineapple for a thick, creamy smoothie base that beats anything from a bottle. Load it up with your favorite toppings to add crunch and extra flavor. If that avocado is on its last day, this is a great way to use it up fast.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Pineapple Smoothie Bowl
Lobster Mango Avocado Salad
Sweet mango, rich lobster, and creamy avocado come together for a fresh, easy meal. Serve it in lettuce cups or pile it onto a buttered roll. If that avocado is turning soft, this salad will put it to great use.
Get the Recipe: Lobster Mango Avocado Salad
Shrimp Avocado Mango Lime Salad
Shrimp, avocado, and mango bring together light, fresh flavors with a punch of lime. It takes ten minutes to throw together, making it perfect for a fast lunch or an easy dinner before that avocado turns into a lost cause.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Avocado Mango Lime Salad
Strawberry Avocado Honey Lime Salad
Strawberries and avocado make a solid combo, and the honey-lime dressing ties it all together. This is one of those salads that actually feels like something you want to eat instead of just something you should.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Avocado Honey Lime Salad
Chocolate Coconut Avocado Ice Cream
Avocado gives this ice cream a thick, creamy texture without needing heavy cream. It’s rich, chocolatey, and way easier to make than you’d expect. This is a solid way to turn overripe avocados into something great instead of wasting them.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Coconut Avocado Ice Cream
Lime Avocado Tart
This tart is packed with fresh lime flavor and a smooth avocado-based filling. It’s creamy, easy to make, and a perfect way to put that soft avocado to good use before it’s too late.
Get the Recipe: Lime Avocado Tart
Cold Avocado Soup
This smooth, refreshing soup is like a cross between guacamole and gazpacho. It’s quick to make, full of flavor, and a great way to use an avocado before it gets tossed.
Get the Recipe: Cold Avocado Soup
Grilled Stuffed Avocados
Halved avocados hit the grill, then get filled with steak, peppers, corn, and scallions. Pair them with rice or eat them as they are. If you need to use up an avocado fast, this is one of the best ways to do it.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Stuffed Avocados
Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Cream Sauce
Spiralized zucchini gets tossed in a smooth avocado cream sauce for an easy meal that feels lighter but still has great flavor. Throw in some grilled shrimp or chicken to bulk it up. If that avocado is almost past its prime, this sauce will make sure it doesn’t go to waste.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Cream Sauce
Avocado Lentil Cranberry Salad
This salad combines creamy avocado, hearty lentils, and sweet cranberries for a mix of textures and flavors. A lemon Dijon dressing pulls it all together, making it a great side or a solid lunch on its own.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Lentil Cranberry Salad
Chocolate Chip Avocado Muffins
Avocado replaces butter and oil in these soft muffins, adding moisture without a strong avocado taste. The chocolate chips make them feel like a treat while still being a great way to use up an overripe avocado.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Avocado Muffins
Tuna Sushi Bowl
This sushi bowl brings together fresh tuna, avocado, radishes, cucumber, carrots, and seaweed. A spicy avocado wasabi dressing ties everything together. If you’re craving sushi but don’t want to roll anything, this is a great way to get those flavors while using up that avocado.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Sushi Bowl
Tuna Tacos
These tacos feature tuna marinated in soy sauce and lime, topped with a spicy avocado cream. It’s a great way to use up an avocado while keeping things fresh and easy for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Tacos
Sweet Potato Guacamole Bacon Bites
Crispy sweet potato rounds get topped with guacamole and a piece of bacon for a snack that hits all the right notes. It’s simple, loaded with flavor, and a great excuse to make guacamole before that avocado gets too soft.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Guacamole Bacon Bites
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.