As families across the UK prepare for Christmas, the World Avocado Organisation has released a selection of avocado based recipes designed to add a nutritious twist to traditional festive meals.
The organisation says the recipes aim to balance indulgence with nutritional value, highlighting avocados as a versatile ingredient suitable for starters, mains, and desserts.
Avocados are widely recognised for their creamy texture and nutritional profile. They are rich in heart healthy monounsaturated fats, fibre, and essential nutrients including potassium, vitamin C, vitamin E, and folate. These nutrients are associated with supporting heart health and overall wellbeing.
Zac Bard, Chairman of the World Avocado Organisation, said: “Avocados bring a little extra green joy to the table during the holidays. Their versatility means you can enjoy indulgent dishes that still offer natural goodness. It’s a simple way to elevate your festive menu while feeling good about what you’re serving. They are both nutritious and sustainable, making it the perfect addition to your season.”
The World Avocado Organisation has curated three seasonal recipes to inspire home cooks, featuring a savoury starter, a festive main course, and a dessert with a modern twist.
Scallops in avocado sauce
Serves: 2
Ingredients
- 300g shelled scallops without coral
- 1 avocado
- 3 limes
- 4 radishes
- 12 cherry tomatoes
- ½ red onion
- 1 jalapeno chilli
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt
- Cilantro or chives to decorate
Method
- Remove the avocado flesh and blend with the juice of three limes, a little zest, half a chilli, and salt.
- Add water until a light sauce forms.
- Slice the radishes, cherry tomatoes, and onion.
- Season the scallops and sear on a griddle with a few drops of oil, cooking for 1 minute per side.
- Serve on a bed of avocado sauce and garnish with radishes, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro or chives.
Per serving: 354 kcal, Fat 19.3g (Saturates 3.8g), Carbs 11.3g (Sugars 7.7g), Fibre 6g, Protein 30.9g, Salt 1.10g.
Good to know: 2 of 5 a day, low saturates, low sugar, low salt, source of vitamin C, high protein, source of fibre.
Turkey tenderloin stuffed with avocado
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
- 2 avocados
- Lemon juice
- 2 turkey tenderloins
- Olive oil
- 2 spring onions
- Fresh ginger
- 1 mango
- 30g sugar
- 70ml double cream
- 1 tsp ground curry powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
Method:
- Cut a turkey tenderloin in half lengthwise, open it flat, and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the avocado filling on the turkey, leaving a centimetre on each side. Roll up and tie with kitchen string. Repeat with the second tenderloin.
- Steam with a small amount of water over low heat until cooked.
- To prepare the sauce, chop the spring onions and ginger and sauté in oil. Add peeled and chopped mango, curry powder, and sugar.
- Cover with water and simmer until a compote forms.
- Blend, add cream, season with salt, and cook for a further 5 minutes.
- Slice the tenderloin and serve with the sauce.
Per serving: 835 kcal, Fat 44.0g (Saturates 17.1g), Carbs 29.6g (Sugars 27.8g), Fibre 6.6g, Protein 76.7g, Salt 0.68g.
Good to know: 2 of 5 a day, high protein, low salt.
Avocado and chocolate yule log
Serves: 1 log
Ingredients for sponge cake:
- 4 eggs
- 100g flour
- 100g sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Ingredients for the cream filling
- 2 avocados
- 30g pure cocoa powder
- 100g icing sugar
- 100g dark dessert chocolate (85% cocoa)
- 45g pouring cream
Ingredients for toppings
- 250g dark dessert chocolate (85% cocoa)
- 250ml whipping cream (35% fat)
Method for sponge cake
- Beat the eggs with sugar and vanilla extract until pale and doubled in volume.
- Fold in sifted flour and salt gently.
- Spread the mixture onto a lined baking tray.
- Bake at 180°C for 8–10 minutes using upper and lower heat.
- Trim edges, dust with flour, roll inside the baking paper, and leave to cool briefly.
Method for the filling
- Melt the chocolate and set aside.
- Peel and slice the avocados.
- Mash with cocoa powder, melted chocolate, icing sugar, and cream until smooth.
- Leave to cool for several hours until set.
Method for the topping
- Heat the cream and pour over chopped chocolate.
- Stir until smooth and leave to cool until set.
The World Avocado Organisation says the recipes offer an alternative approach to festive cooking, showing how avocados can be incorporated into Christmas meals without sacrificing flavour or tradition.
