The Green Guest Everyone Wants at Their Summer Table

The height of summer has arrived, bringing long evenings, garden gatherings and spontaneous picnics.

Whether you are making the most of every ray of sunshine or quietly counting down the days until autumn, August is a wonderful time to refresh your menu with colourful, seasonal dishes. There is one particularly versatile green guest that deserves an invitation to every summer table: the avocado.

Naturally creamy and satisfying, avocados can be used in everything from refreshing starters and vibrant salads to indulgent frozen desserts. They are also a useful alternative to some ingredients that are higher in saturated fat, making it easier to create lighter dishes without sacrificing flavour or texture.

Avocados provide fibre and contain predominantly monounsaturated fats, along with a variety of vitamins and minerals. Best of all, very little effort is needed to transform a ripe avocado into something special.

To celebrate the season, the World Avocado Organisation has shared four tempting recipes that are ideal for sunny lunches, barbecue gatherings and relaxed summer evenings.

Cold Avocado and Cucumber Soup

Cool, creamy and wonderfully refreshing, this simple soup makes an elegant starter or light lunch.

Serves: Six as a starter or four as a light meal

Ingredients

2 cucumbers, peeled and chopped

2 pots of natural Greek yoghurt

2 ripe avocados

Juice of 1 lemon

50ml extra virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Chopped apple and crumbled feta, to decorate

Method

Place the cucumber, yoghurt, avocado, lemon juice and olive oil in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy, then season with salt and pepper.

Chill thoroughly before serving and finish with chopped apple and crumbled feta for extra colour, flavour and texture.

Chilled Avocado Soup

Inspired by traditional Spanish salmorejo, this vibrant soup is full of fresh summer flavours.

Serves: Four

Ingredients

2 ripe avocados

2 hard-boiled eggs

1 Italian-style green pepper

½ cucumber

1 garlic clove, with the centre removed

25ml vinegar

50ml extra virgin olive oil

Salt, to taste

Method

Wash and roughly chop the vegetables before placing them in a blender with the avocados, hard-boiled eggs, garlic, vinegar and olive oil.

Blend until beautifully smooth and creamy. Taste, adjust the seasoning and refrigerate until cold. Serve in small bowls or glasses for a wonderfully summery starter.

Avocado and Pistachio Ice Cream Bites

These little frozen treats combine creamy avocado with pistachios, vanilla, lemon and chocolate. They are perfect for sharing at a barbecue or keeping in the freezer for a cooling afternoon treat.

Makes: Eight portions

Ingredients

3 ripe avocados

1 cup cottage cheese

100g pistachios

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Juice of 1 lemon

Melted chocolate

Chopped pistachios, to decorate

Method

Soak the pistachios in water for approximately 15 minutes, then drain well.

Place the pistachios in a blender with the avocado, cottage cheese, vanilla and lemon juice. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Spoon the mixture into small moulds and freeze for at least four hours. Once frozen, cover or drizzle the bites with melted chocolate. A small spoonful of coconut or olive oil can be mixed into the chocolate to help create a smoother coating.

Sprinkle with chopped pistachios before the chocolate sets.

Creamy Avocado Ice Cream

Avocado might not be the first ingredient that comes to mind when you think of ice cream, but its naturally smooth texture works beautifully in this rich summer dessert.

Ingredients

500ml double cream

1 vanilla pod

100g sugar

120g egg yolk

3 ripe avocados

Method

Mix the sugar, egg yolks and seeds from the vanilla pod in a heatproof bowl.

Gently bring the cream to the boil in a saucepan, then slowly pour it over the egg mixture while whisking continuously. Return the mixture to a low heat and stir gently until the custard thickens. Do not allow it to boil.

Remove from the heat and leave to cool completely. Once cold, blend the custard with the avocado until smooth.

Churn in an ice cream maker according to its instructions or place the mixture in the freezer, stirring it thoroughly at regular intervals as it freezes to help produce a creamier texture.

From cooling soups to chocolate-covered ice cream bites, these recipes prove that avocado can bring something delicious to almost every part of a summer menu.

So, the next time friends arrive for a barbecue or an impromptu picnic is announced, make room at the table for summer’s favourite green guest.

The World Avocado Organisation is a non-profit organisation founded in 2016. Its members include avocado producers, exporters and importers from around the world. It promotes avocado consumption while sharing information about production, supply chains and sustainability.

Find more information and recipe inspiration at www.worldavocadoorganisation.com.

Troubled by brown avocados? Not anymore! Natavo Avocado showcases world's first 100% natural, non-browning Avocado to UK food businesses

On Stand No. N2657, London Excel, 30th Mar to 1st Apr 2026,  Natavo Avocado will showcase its 100% natural, non-browning avocado at the upcoming International Food & Drink Event 2026 (IFE) at London's Excel. 

This world first innovation has been developed to overcome the well-known limitations of using fresh avocado in food production and food service environments.

Developed using the patented Natavo™ process, the enzyme responsible for browning avocado is naturally deactivated, allowing the fruit to remain fresh, green and visually appealing for up to 10 days after thawing, without additives or preservatives, and without affecting the taste or texture.

Produced in BRC-certified facilities in Mexico and South Africa, Natavo Avocado is designed specifically for high-volume food production environments and particularly for those where the rapid browning and inconsistency of avocado has previously been commercially challenging.

Today, Natavo Avocado supply customers in over 15 countries and have been recognised by The World Food Awards and SIAL (Salon International de l’Alimentation) as a breakthrough in food innovation.

Ross Harris, Director at Naturo Technologies told That's Food and Drink: “Avocado is hugely popular with consumers but notoriously difficult for food businesses to manage consistently at scale.

"Natavo Avocado removes that unpredictability and allows manufacturers and foodservice operators to use avocado reliably whilst also maintaining quality and visual appeal.”

UK visitors to IFE will have the opportunity to discuss the operational benefits of integrating Natavo Avocado into their businesses with the team behind the innovation, and their UK distributor partners, Food Team International.

Mark Roscoe, Managing Director at Food Team International commented: “We’re incredibly proud to be partnering with Natavo Avocado to deliver this world first solution for one of the industry’s most persistent challenges. Natavo Avocado isn’t just another innovation; it’s a much-needed leap forward for sustainability, consistency, and profitability in food service and food manufacturing businesses."

https://food-team.co.uk/

https://www.ife.co.uk/

Delightful Avocado Recipes You Need to Try

Avocados, with their creamy texture and subtle flavour, are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you spread them on toast, toss them in salads, or blend into smoothies, avocados can elevate any dish to a whole new level. In this post, we'll explore some delectable avocado recipes that are sure to tantalise your taste buds.

Avocado Toast with Poached Eggs

Avocado toast is quick, easy to make, and tasty. To boost your avocado toast to the next level, try topping it with poached eggs:

Ingredients:

2 slices of wholegrain bread

1 ripe avocado

2 eggs

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional toppings: sliced cherry tomatoes, feta cheese

Instructions:

Toast bread until golden brown.

Meanwhile, halve the avocado, pit it then scoop the flesh into a bowl. Mash it with a fork until smooth.

Poach the eggs to your desired level of done.

Spread the mashed avocado evenly over the toast.

Put a poached egg on top of each slice.

Season with salt and pepper, plus any optional toppings to your liking.

Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy goodness!

Avocado and Chickpea Salad

This refreshing salad combines creamy avocado with protein-rich chickpeas for a nutritious and satisfying meal. It's perfect for lunch or as a light dinner option. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

1 ripe avocado, diced

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Juice of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a suitably sized (fairly large) bowl, mix the diced avocado, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and coriander.

Drizzle the lemon juice and olive oil over the salad.

Season with salt and pepper, and toss.

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Serve chilled or at ambient temperature, and enjoy the exciting flavours!

Avocado Chocolate Smoothie

Yes, you read that right! Avocado in a smoothie! Don't knock it until you've tried it, though. Avocado adds creaminess and a dose of healthy fats to this indulgent chocolate smoothie. Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:

1 ripe avocado

1 ripe banana

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1 cup almond milk (or any other type of milk of your choosing)

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

Ice cubes

Instructions:

Peel and pit the avocado and banana.

Place them in a blender along with the cocoa powder, almond milk, and any sweetener if you are using a sweetener.

Blend until smooth and creamy.

Add ice cubes and blend again until you reach your desired consistency.

Pour into glasses and serve immediately for a decadent yet nutritious treat.

These are just a few examples of the many delicious ways you can enjoy avocados. Whether you're a fan of sweet or savory dishes, there's bound to be an avocado recipe that suits your taste. So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen, and explore the wonderful world of avocados! Your taste buds will thank you.

Get Your Avocado Bake On!

Try these delicious avocado bakes ahead of the launch of Bake Off next week and add some health into your cake fix. You won't believe how good they taste!

As anticipation for this year’s season of The Great British Bake Off grows, the World Avocado Organisation (WAO) shares some delectable avocado-infused baking recipes, to inspire home bakers with innovative and scrumptious avocado-infused treats.

Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your journey in the world of baking, these avocado-infused recipes offer a creative and nutritious twist to traditional favorites. Avocado not only adds creaminess and richness to your treats but also contributes to a healthier and guilt-free indulgence. Avocados are not only a delicious addition to baking but also offer numerous health benefits as they are filled with vitamins, minerals, fibre and healthy fats.

That's Food and Drink offers our sincere thanks to the World Avocado Organization for supplying the recipes and images.

Avocado Lemon Cake (with less butter)

Ingredients

75g unsalted butter, at room temperature

200g sugar

2 lemons

1 ripe avocado

4 eggs

200 g flour

1 tsp baking powder

Equipment

Good processor or mixer

Grater

Sieve

Greased cake tin (25cm)

Method

Preheat the oven to 180ºC. Beat the butter with the sugar in a food processor or mixer until soft and creamy.

Scrub the lemons well and zest. Halve the avocados, remove the pits and peel off the skin. Mash up the avocado with a fork.

Add the lemon zest to the butter mixture, the juice of ½ lemon and the mashed avocado. Mix in the eggs one at a time.

Sift the flour with the baking powder and add to the avocado mixture. Mix until smooth. Spoon the batter into the cake tin and smooth out the top. Bake the avocado lemon cake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until golden brown.

Let the cake cool in the cake tin for 5 minutes. Remove from the tin and leave to cool completely on a rack. Cut the cake into 12 slices

Recipe Tip

Top with raspberries or other berries.

Avocado Pistachio Cake 

Courtesy of Fresh Avocados – Love One Today®

Ingredients

vegetable cooking spray

225g  unsalted pistachios

340g all-purpose flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

 180ml  skimmed milk

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. almond extract

1 ripe, fresh avocado, halved, pitted and peeled

340g  sugar

2 eggs

Icing sugar

raspberries or strawberries (optional)

Method

Preheat the oven to 180°C

Line a 9" cake pan with wax paper, spray with cooking spray, and dust with flour. Tap out excess flour.

Place pistachios in a food processor and pulse for about 40 seconds. Add flour, baking powder, and salt and pulse just until combined.

In a small bowl stir the milk and extracts together.

Place the pulp of the avocado into a mixer with the sugar and beat until smooth.

Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Alternate adding the pistachio and milk mixtures.

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Allow cake to cool for 5 minutes in the pan then place on a cooling rack to completely cool.

Sprinkle with icing sugar. Serve with berries, if desired.

Avocado Pumpkin Spice Cake 

Courtesy of Fresh Avocados – Love One Today®

Ingredients

567g  all-purpose flour

255g  almond flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. fine sea salt

255g sugar

1 cup pumpkin, pureed

170g ripe, fresh avocado, halved, pitted, peeled and pureed

2 large eggs

1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon

1 tsp. ground ginger

1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

1/8 tsp. ground allspice

250ml milk

Dust of icing sugar (optional)

Method

Preheat the oven to 180°C with a rack set in the center.

Butter and flour a 10-cup bundt pan, making sure to get into all the cracks and crevices of the pan to prevent sticking.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flours, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment or in a bowl with a hand mixer, combine the sugar, pumpkin puree, avocado, eggs, and spices, mixing on medium-high for 2 minutes. Add the milk and stir.

Fold in the dry ingredients until well combined.

Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and tap on the counter a few times to release any large air bubbles.

Bake for 50 – 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool the cake in the pan set on a rack for 10 minutes, then invert the cake onto the rack to cool completely.

Dust with icing sugar just before serving if desired.

The World Avocado Organization is a non-profit organisation founded in 2016 whose members are avocado growers, exporters and importers from around the world - including the top four grower supplier countries to the EU and UK. 

The World Avocado Organization promotes the consumption of avocados based on their nutritional value and recognised health benefits. It also shares information and insights on avocado production, supply chains and sustainability with the public.

For further information, please visit: https://avocadofruitoflife.com/en

Free Avocado recipe book

We are offering a free 24 page Summer Avocado recipe booklet. Recipes include various guacamoles, perfect picnic recipes, simple salads and even beauty treatments.

Readers of That's Food and Drink can email: summeravocados@rt-com.com or send a postcard to:

Summer Avocado Recipe Booklet
26 Fitzroy Square
London
W1T 6BT
UK