Don’t freak out, but we’ve heard some bad news. There’s an oncoming avocado shortage. With 95% of the US’s avo supply coming form California, the drought in the Sunshine State has caused a major hit to the number of avocados they’re able to grow. In the near future, we could be looking at a 28% increase in the price of avocados. With nature’s green butter becoming more rare — and therefore more expensive — we went out in search of alternatives. While there is no taste/texture twin to the buttery, tasty avocado, there are some contenders when it comes to replacing our guac hero. Here are some solutions for replacing avocados in the dishes we like to eat them most.
1. Spring Pea Guacamole: If we’re talking appearances, you totally had us fooled. Replacing avocados with peas makes this guac a little sweeter. The texture is really close, but lighter than what you get with an avocado. (via Tori Avey)
2. Avocado-Free Guacamole: Again, in the looks category this is definitely a guacamole doppleganger, so we were totally surprised to see that it was made with asparagus. On its own, asparagus definitely doesn’t get as creamy as guac, so in this recipe it gets some help from peas and mayo. (via Chocolate Covered Katie)
3. Edamame Guacamole: Similar to the texture of peas, edamame can come to your guac rescue. And it has half the calories and three times the protein, which make it great for an energy boost. (via Women’s Health Magazine)
In Sauces
4. Creamy Cilantro Dressing: When making an avocado dressing, limes and cilantro are a must. This dressing has all of those similar flavors, only without the avo. Instead, it has hummus. (via The Diva Dish)
5. Creamy Hummus: Speaking of hummus, it’s a perfect substitute for an avocado for spreading on a sandwich or eating as a dip, and this recipe is extra creamy. (via Neighbor Food)
6. Creamy Tuscan Spread: If you like spreading guac on sandwiches… or just about anything… this is a hearty substitute with a whole new flavor. It gets that perfectly chunky texture from artichoke hearts and black olives. (via The Girl Who Ate Everything)
In Salads
7. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad: Avocado in your salad can really amp the full factor. After all, there’s nothing so healthy and filling as a hearty salad. And this, ladies and gents, is a hearty salad. There are no avocados, but there’s so much delicious going on here you won’t even miss them. (via A Teaspoon of Happiness)
8. Roasted Sweet Potato, Wild Rice and Arugula Salad: This is the perfect hearty winter salad. Sweet potatoes are a close match for avocados in salad, and with wild rice and spicy arugula, this is worthy of being your main course. (via Pinch of Yum)
9. Kale Caesar Salad With Seared Artichoke Hearts: Even if you’re keeping things simple with Caesar, throw some artichoke hearts in there for extra girth and some veggie flare that you can’t quite get with avocados. (via The Chubby Vegetarian)
On Tacos
10. Spicy Sweet Potato Tacos: Your avocado vegetarian tacos just got updated with these yummy, spicy sweet potatoes. The recipe calls for an avocado dressing, but we say skip that and go for the cilantro lime dressing (#4). (via She Knows)
11. BBQ Cauliflower and Chickpea Tacos: When you’re going for a veggie-based taco, barbecuing is the way to go. With chickpeas for protein and a killer slaw, you’re ready for a delicious cookout. (via Potluck)
12. Chipotle Pulled Pork Tacos With Chayote Squash and Apple Slaw: Chayote is like a crispy squash. When cooked it actually has a texture similar to an avocado, so season it up and top your tacos with this yummy slaw. (via The Endless Meal)
On Toast
13. Grilled Bread With Thyme Pesto and Preserved Lemon Cream: We couldn’t leave you without some substitutes for one the year’s most famous food fads — avocado toast. The base of this spread is made with pine nuts, spinach and thyme, so it’s kind of like an herby hummus. (via Food 52)
14. Banana, Almond Butter and Chia Seed Breakfast Toast: If you prefer your breakfast sweet, this is a super simple, delicious alternative to avocados that’s packed with protein. (via Buzzfeed)
15. Spinach and Smashed Egg Toast: This is basically like a deconstructed omelet on top of toast, so we’re totally in. (via Smitten Kitchen)
Do you have an avocado substitute? We’d love to hear about it in the comments!
