Cilantro's bright, citrus-like aldehydes contrast with avocado's creamy fat, lifting the overall flavour and anchoring the guacamole triumvirate.
avocados
+ Add to WorkbenchAbout this ingredient
The rich, buttery fruit of Persea americana — with the highest fat content of any commonly consumed fruit (15–30% by weight, predominantly monounsaturated olei…
73 pairings
Editorial
Flavor profile
Avocado's extraordinary monounsaturated fat content gives it a uniquely luxurious, creamy texture — similar to foie gras or bone marrow in its smooth, mouth-coating richness, but with a neutral, mild flavor that plays well with acid, salt, and aromatic ingredients. Ripeness is critical: unripe avocados are hard, grassy, and starchy; perfectly ripe avocados (yield gently to pressure, dark skin on Hass variety) are buttery and rich; over-ripe avocados develop off-flavors from lipid oxidation. Enzymatic browning (from polyphenol oxidase) is the persistent challenge in cut avocado preparations: acid (lime or lemon juice) applied immediately to all cut surfaces slows browning; the folklore of keeping the pit in guacamole only prevents browning directly under the pit. The ripe avocado's mild, nutty flavor acts as a flavor background — lime juice and salt are essential to bring forward its character (both enhance the fat-carried flavor). Classic preparations: guacamole, avocado toast, sushi rolls and nigiri, ceviche accompaniment, and as a butter substitute in baking (replacing some butter with avocado reduces saturated fat while adding creaminess).
Pairings
Flavor relationships
Core pairings
cilantro
garlic
lemon, juice
lime, juice
salt, sea
tomatoes
cilantro
Cilantro's bright, citrus-like aldehydes contrast with avocado's creamy fat, lifting the overall flavour and anchoring the guacamole triumvirate.
garlic
Raw garlic's allicin compounds punch through avocado's mild sweetness, providing savoury depth that grounds the fruit's richness.
lemon, juice
Lemon's acidity brightens avocado and slows oxidation, which keeps purees, spreads, and chilled soups tasting fresher for longer.
lime, juice
Lime's acidity prevents avocado's browning while its bright citrus sharpness cuts through the fruit's rich, buttery fat—the definitive pairing in guacamole.
salt, sea
Sea salt sharpens avocado's mild richness and makes the fruit taste fuller and more defined; a small amount is enough to wake the whole dish up.
tomatoes
Tomatoes bring acidity and juiciness that cut through avocado's fat, making the pairing feel fresher and less heavy in salads, salsas, and sandwiches.
Raw garlic's allicin compounds punch through avocado's mild sweetness, providing savoury depth that grounds the fruit's richness.
lemon, juice
Lemon's acidity brightens avocado and slows oxidation, which keeps purees, spreads, and chilled soups tasting fresher for longer.
lime, juice
Lime's acidity prevents avocado's browning while its bright citrus sharpness cuts through the fruit's rich, buttery fat—the definitive pairing in guacamole.
salt, sea
Sea salt sharpens avocado's mild richness and makes the fruit taste fuller and more defined; a small amount is enough to wake the whole dish up.
Tomatoes bring acidity and juiciness that cut through avocado's fat, making the pairing feel fresher and less heavy in salads, salsas, and sandwiches.
Pairs well with
arugula
bacon
basil and thai basil
beans, black
bell peppers
butter, unsalted
chayote
chervil
chicken
chile peppers, chipotle
chile peppers, jalapeño
chile peppers, serrano
chives
corn and masa
crab
cream, heavy
crème fraîche
cucumbers
cumin
dashi
endive
fennel
fish
frisée
fruits
grapefruit
guacamole
jicama
lemon, zest
lobster
mangoes
mayonnaise
oil, canola
olive oil
onions
orange
parsley, flat-leaf
pepper, black
pepper, white
radishes
rocket
sake
salads
salsa
salt, kosher
sandwiches
scallions
shellfish
shrimp
smoked fish
soups
sour cream
soy sauce
spinach
stocks, chicken
stocks, vegetable
tabasco sauce
tarragon
tequila
tomatillos
vinaigrette
vinegar, balsamic
vinegar, cider
vinegar, tarragon
vinegar, white wine
walnuts, oil
yogurt
arugula
Arugula complements avocados's vegetal character with another green, earthy, sweet, or bitter note.
bacon
Bacon gives avocados a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
basil and thai basil
Basil and thai basil adds aromatic definition to avocados, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
beans, black
Black beans complements avocados's vegetal character with another green, earthy, sweet, or bitter note.
bell peppers
Bell peppers adds aromatic definition to avocados, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
butter, unsalted
Unsalted butter rounds avocados's cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
chayote
Chayote works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
chervil
Chervil adds aromatic definition to avocados, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
chicken
Chicken gives avocados a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
chile peppers, chipotle
Chile peppers, chipotle adds aromatic definition to avocados, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
chile peppers, jalapeño
Chile peppers, jalapeño adds aromatic definition to avocados, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
chile peppers, serrano
Chile peppers, serrano adds aromatic definition to avocados, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
chives
Chives adds aromatic definition to avocados, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
corn and masa
Corn and masa works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
crab
Crab gives avocados a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
cream, heavy
Cream, heavy rounds avocados's cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
crème fraîche
Crème fraîche rounds avocados's cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
cucumbers
Cucumbers works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
cumin
Cumin adds aromatic definition to avocados, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
dashi
Dashi works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
endive
Endive works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
fennel
Fennel complements avocados's vegetal character with another green, earthy, sweet, or bitter note.
fish
Fish gives avocados a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
frisée
Frisée works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
fruits
Fruits works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
grapefruit
Grapefruit works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
guacamole
Guacamole works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
jicama
Jicama works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
lemon, zest
Lemon zest works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
lobster
Lobster gives avocados a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
mangoes
Mangoes works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
mayonnaise
Mayonnaise rounds avocados's cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
oil, canola
Oil, canola carries avocados's flavor and softens its sharper edges, especially in simple cooked preparations.
olive oil
Olive oil carries avocados's flavor and softens its sharper edges, especially in simple cooked preparations.
onions
Onions complements avocados's vegetal character with another green, earthy, sweet, or bitter note.
orange
Orange works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
parsley, flat-leaf
Flat-leaf parsley adds aromatic definition to avocados, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
pepper, black
Black pepper adds aromatic definition to avocados, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
pepper, white
White pepper adds aromatic definition to avocados, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
radishes
Radishes works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
rocket
Rocket works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
sake
Sake works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
salads
Salads complements avocados's vegetal character with another green, earthy, sweet, or bitter note.
salsa
Salsa works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
salt, kosher
Kosher salt works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
sandwiches
Sandwiches works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
scallions
Scallions works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
shellfish
Shellfish gives avocados a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
shrimp
Shrimp gives avocados a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
smoked fish
Smoked fish gives avocados a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
soups
Soups works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
sour cream
Sour cream rounds avocados's cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
soy sauce
Soy sauce works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
spinach
Spinach complements avocados's vegetal character with another green, earthy, sweet, or bitter note.
stocks, chicken
Stocks, chicken gives avocados a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
stocks, vegetable
Stocks, vegetable works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
tabasco sauce
Tabasco sauce works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
tarragon
Tarragon adds aromatic definition to avocados, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
tequila
Tequila works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
tomatillos
Tomatillos works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
vinaigrette
Vinaigrette brightens avocados's cool creaminess and mild grassy richness, cutting through richness or bitterness so the dish feels lighter.
vinegar, balsamic
Balsamic vinegar brightens avocados's cool creaminess and mild grassy richness, cutting through richness or bitterness so the dish feels lighter.
vinegar, cider
Vinegar, cider works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
vinegar, tarragon
Vinegar, tarragon brightens avocados's cool creaminess and mild grassy richness, cutting through richness or bitterness so the dish feels lighter.
vinegar, white wine
Vinegar, white wine works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
walnuts, oil
Walnuts, oil adds crunch and toastiness to avocados, echoing its nutty side while improving texture.
yogurt
Yogurt rounds avocados's cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
Arugula complements avocados's vegetal character with another green, earthy, sweet, or bitter note.
Bacon gives avocados a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
basil and thai basil
Basil and thai basil adds aromatic definition to avocados, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
Black beans complements avocados's vegetal character with another green, earthy, sweet, or bitter note.
Bell peppers adds aromatic definition to avocados, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
butter, unsalted
Unsalted butter rounds avocados's cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
chayote
Chayote works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Chervil adds aromatic definition to avocados, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
Chicken gives avocados a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
chile peppers, chipotle
Chile peppers, chipotle adds aromatic definition to avocados, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
Chile peppers, jalapeño adds aromatic definition to avocados, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
Chile peppers, serrano adds aromatic definition to avocados, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
Chives adds aromatic definition to avocados, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
corn and masa
Corn and masa works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Crab gives avocados a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
cream, heavy
Cream, heavy rounds avocados's cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
Crème fraîche rounds avocados's cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
Cucumbers works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Cumin adds aromatic definition to avocados, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
dashi
Dashi works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Endive works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Fennel complements avocados's vegetal character with another green, earthy, sweet, or bitter note.
Fish gives avocados a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
Frisée works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
fruits
Fruits works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Grapefruit works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
guacamole
Guacamole works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Jicama works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
lemon, zest
Lemon zest works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Lobster gives avocados a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
Mangoes works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
mayonnaise
Mayonnaise rounds avocados's cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
Oil, canola carries avocados's flavor and softens its sharper edges, especially in simple cooked preparations.
Olive oil carries avocados's flavor and softens its sharper edges, especially in simple cooked preparations.
Onions complements avocados's vegetal character with another green, earthy, sweet, or bitter note.
orange
Orange works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
parsley, flat-leaf
Flat-leaf parsley adds aromatic definition to avocados, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
Black pepper adds aromatic definition to avocados, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
White pepper adds aromatic definition to avocados, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
Radishes works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
rocket
Rocket works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Sake works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
salads
Salads complements avocados's vegetal character with another green, earthy, sweet, or bitter note.
salsa
Salsa works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Kosher salt works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
sandwiches
Sandwiches works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Scallions works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Shellfish gives avocados a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
Shrimp gives avocados a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
smoked fish
Smoked fish gives avocados a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
soups
Soups works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Sour cream rounds avocados's cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
Soy sauce works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Spinach complements avocados's vegetal character with another green, earthy, sweet, or bitter note.
stocks, chicken
Stocks, chicken gives avocados a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
stocks, vegetable
Stocks, vegetable works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
tabasco sauce
Tabasco sauce works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Tarragon adds aromatic definition to avocados, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
Tequila works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Tomatillos works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
vinaigrette
Vinaigrette brightens avocados's cool creaminess and mild grassy richness, cutting through richness or bitterness so the dish feels lighter.
Balsamic vinegar brightens avocados's cool creaminess and mild grassy richness, cutting through richness or bitterness so the dish feels lighter.
Vinegar, cider works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
vinegar, tarragon
Vinegar, tarragon brightens avocados's cool creaminess and mild grassy richness, cutting through richness or bitterness so the dish feels lighter.
Vinegar, white wine works with avocados by balancing its cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
walnuts, oil
Walnuts, oil adds crunch and toastiness to avocados, echoing its nutty side while improving texture.
Yogurt rounds avocados's cool creaminess and mild grassy richness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.