Avocado Recipe

Select and check

Choose 2 ripe Hass avocados: they should yield slightly when gently squeezed but not feel mushy. If too firm, allow to ripen at room temperature 2–4 days; if overripe, use immediately.

Halve and pit

Place an avocado on a cutting board. Hold steady and slice lengthwise around the pit with a sharp knife until the blade meets the starting point. Twist the two halves apart. Carefully tap the pit with the knife blade so it lodges slightly, twist to remove the pit, and discard the pit or save for planting.

Scoop or dice

For serving as halved avocado: use a spoon to scoop out a little flesh to enlarge the cavity for toppings. For mashed/diced: score the flesh in a crosshatch pattern without piercing the skin, then scoop the cubes into a bowl.

Acidulate

Immediately drizzle 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice over the exposed flesh or into the bowl with scooped/diced avocado to slow browning and add brightness. Toss gently to coat if diced or mashed.

Season

Sprinkle 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper evenly over the avocado halves or folded into diced/mashed avocado. Taste and adjust salt if needed.

Build simple dressed avocado

Drizzle 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil over each halved avocado or mix into the diced/mashed avocado for silkiness.

Add aromatics

Scatter 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro and 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion over the avocados or fold into the diced/mashed avocado for freshness and crunch. If you want heat, add 1 teaspoon minced jalapeño (remove seeds for milder heat).

Finish and serve

For a final touch, sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes and 1/2 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning (or sesame seeds) over the top. Serve immediately on its own, on toast, as a side, or as a component in salads or tacos.

Storage note

If you must store leftover mashed/diced avocado, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to minimize air contact, or place a thin layer of lime juice on top and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Whole prepared halved avocados with pit intact keep better than fully scooped ones.