8 Great Ways to Use Overripe Avocado

Avocados go from under-ripe to overripe seemingly overnight. Here are eight ways to use overripe avocados so you don't have to throw them out.

Avocados are considered to be a superfood by many. These delicacies are a sort of plant-based butter gifted from nature – as avocados are high in healthy, unsaturated fats and full of nutrients too.

These fruits, which are native to Central and South America, can be found in nearly all corners of society across the globe. With this popularity come a few caveats to be aware of if you’re concerned for sustainability; from the increasing involvement of the Mexican drug cartel and the avocado trade, to illegal deforestation in Mexico in order to make room for additional avocado farms, and unsustainable transportation and distribution networks.

When confronting these issues, food waste seems like a minuscule problem, but it’s also one of the direct problems we as individual consumers can address. In addition, we can also do our best to source organic avocados when they’re in season and avoid purchasing avocados that have been transported from unjustifiably long distances. 

Instead of tossing out your “bad” avocados or turning your head at the discounted bruised or imperfect ones, consider some of the following methods to help make use of overripe avocados. 

1. Guacamole 

For guacamole you can use overripe avocados, but you may want to use a mix of ripe and overripe avocados depending on your preference. Because we’re using overripe avocados in this recipe, it’s best to eat the guacamole the same day you’ve made it and make sure to store it in the fridge if not consuming immediately. You can enjoy guacamole with almost anything!

Ingredients

• 2 overripe avocados
• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 roma tomato, diced
• 2 green onions, finely diced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
• 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 lime, juiced
• ½ tsp. cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions 

1. In a medium bowl, smash avocados with a fork until there are no large chunks left.
2. Add all ingredients and stir until well combined.
3. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Enjoy the same day.

2. Face Mask

Due to a high content of healthy fats, avocado is nourishing and moisturizing treat for the skin. It can easily be turned into a face mask that is ready to reduce inflammation and wow you with anti-aging effects. 

Ingredients

• ½ overripe avocado
• 1 tsp. lemon juice
• 1 tbsp. cold-pressed olive oil
• 1 tbsp. oats
• 1 tbsp. maple syrup
• 1 tbsp. ground flax seeds 
• Juice of ½ an orange

Instructions 

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Work the fork into the avocado pieces until there are no chunks left and the mixture is smooth.
2. Apply to skin and wait 15 minutes, then wash off.

3. Salad Dressing

Blending an overripe avocado into salad dressing can be a game changer, making the dressing creamier, yet healthy. This is especially nice if you want to create a creamy dressing without using animal products or unhealthy other ingredients. Usually you can start by blending just half of an avocado into your dressing, then adding another half until it’s as creamy as you’d like it. 

4. Hair Mask

The benefits of avocados aren’t limited to eating them. Give your hair a beautiful boost by making an overripe avocado hair mask. 

Ingredients

• ½ overripe avocado
• 2 tbsp. ground flax seed 
• 1 tbsp. almost oil
• lavender essential oil (optional)

Instructions 

1. Mix all ingredients in blender until smooth.
2. Apply to hair and let sit for 20 minutes.
3. Rinse out and wash hair with shampoo and conditioner.
4. Let your hair dry naturally to prevent frizz.

5. Smoothie

You can use the recipe below or just blend the overripe avocado with any smoothie you like. This recipe yields approximately 2 glasses. 

Ingredients

• 1 overripe avocado
• ½ medium ripe banana
• 1 cup oat milk
• 1 cup fresh spinach or kale 
• 1 cups frozen berries
• ½ tbsp. chia seeds

Instructions 

1. Throw all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Divide into glasses and enjoy!

6. Spicy Avocado Sauce

This spicy sauce uses your ripe avocados, greek yogurt (or a vegan yogurt alternative), serrano peppers, cilantro, and lime juice to create a simple creamy Mexican-inspired sauce perfect for tacos, nachos, quesadillas, or whatever else you’re craving. 

Ingredients

• 1 overripe avocado
• ¼ cup plain greek or vegan yogurt (unsweetened)
• 1 serrano pepper (or more for extra heat)
• 1 bunch cilantro
• 1 lime
• Salt to taste

Instructions 

1. Add all ingredients, except lime, to a blender. Blend until well combined and no large chunks are left. 
2. Juice lime and add juice to blender. 
3. Blend until smooth. You may want to add a touch of water if the sauce is too thick. If you prefer it to be creamier, add more yogurt. 

7. Get Creative With Sweets

Make vegan sweets healthier with overripe avocados. Avocados blend in very well with chocolate, so you can mess around in the kitchen if you feel like being creative and make other kind of mousses and tarts by blending overripe avocados with ingredients such as coconut milk, bananas, cacao, berries, dates, vegan yogurt, and more. Then, pour the mixture into a pie pan or other suitable dish, cover and set in the fridge or freezer, depending on the consistency you would like to achieve. You can get a tart, mousse, ice cream, or other similar cold desserts by trying this technique. 

Check out our vegan chocolate mousse recipe to get started.

8. Creamy Avocado Pesto

You can definitely add overripe avocados to a traditional homemade pesto, or you can use it as a base and get creative. 

Ingredients

• ½ cup of seeds or nuts of choice (pine, walnut, sunflower seeds, etc.)
• 2 cups fresh basil, packed
• 1 overripe avocado
• 2 garlic cloves 
• ½ cup olive oil
• ½ lemon, juiced
• salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Toast the nuts or seeds in a skillet on medium heat, making sure to stir frequently so the seeds don’t burn. Remove from the heat and transfer onto a plate to cool.
2. Rinse basil and shake off the excess water. 
3. Place the toasted seeds, basil, avocado, and garlic into a blender or food processor and blend on a medium to high setting, depending on your device. Gradually add the oil. You may have to stop and scrape the sides down a few times with a spatula.
4. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add creamy pesto to pasta, roasted veggies, or use as a spread for bread. This pesto should be eaten the same day, but can be stored in the fridge for up to 8 hours. 

Read more:

• Vegan Egg Substitute: 6 Ideas for Vegan Egg Replacers
• Do Nuts Go Bad? Tips and Tricks for Proper Storage
• How to Safely Freeze Food in Mason Jars

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