Three Must-Have Memorial Day Avocado Recipes

As Memorial Day approaches, it’s the perfect time to gather with family and friends to honor those who’ve served and to kick off the unofficial start of summer. And what better way to elevate your holiday festivities than with avocado-inspired recipes that are as fresh and vibrant as the season itself? Avocado’s creamy texture and rich flavor can transform ordinary dishes into unforgettable culinary experiences. Here are three must-have avocado recipes to make your Memorial Day celebration truly special.

Grilled Salmon with Avocado Chimichurri

Serves 4

Savor the delightful flavors of grilled salmon topped with a vibrant avocado chimichurri sauce, a perfect balance of herbaceous and spicy notes that are bound to impress your guests.

Chimichurri Ingredients

• ½ cup parsley leaves
• ½ cup cilantro leaves
• 2 Tbsp. dried oregano
• 1 tsp. red pepper flakes 
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 avocados, finely chopped
• salt and pepper (to taste)

Chimichurri Instructions

1. Add parsley, cilantro, oregano, red pepper flakes, garlic, onions, and vinegar to a food processor and chop until combined. 
2. With the food processor running, slowly add the extra virgin olive oil. 
3. Salt and pepper to taste.
4. Refrigerate for at least two hours. 
5. Mix in chopped avocados just before serving.

Salmon Ingredients

• 4 6-8 ounce salmon fillets (with skin) 
• 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tsp. sea salt
• 2 tsp. ground black pepper

Salmon Instructions

1. Prepare the grill to 450°F-550°F. 
2. Brush the flesh side of the fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. 
3. Place the salmon skin-side-down and grill over direct high heat with the lid closed for 6-8 minutes (depending on the thickness of the fillet). The fish should lighten in color and become firmer to the touch. 
4. Gently turn the salmon over, and continue grilling with the lid closed for 3-4 minutes or longer to achieve desired doneness. 
5. Transfer the salmon to a serving platter and peel the skin from the fillets. 
6. Serve fillets topped with avocado chimichurri and garnish with lemon wedges.

Ground Turkey Nachos with Creamy Avocado Dip

Serves 2-4

Celebrate Memorial Day with this delicious and easy-to-make nachos recipe. This crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday weekend and beyond.

Avocado Dip Ingredients

• 2 large avocados, peeled, halved, and pitted
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 limes, juiced 
• 1-2 Tbsp. water
• 1 dash hot sauce (optional)
• salt, to taste

Avocado Dip Instructions

1. Scoop the flesh of the avocados into a food processor using a spoon. Add the garlic, lime juice, water, and hot sauce. 
2. Process until smooth and creamy. 
3. Add salt to taste.
4. Cover and set aside in the refrigerator.

Nachos Ingredients

• 1 large bag corn chips
• 1 lb. lean ground turkey
• 1 Tbsp. oil
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1 cup jack cheese, shredded

Nachos Instructions

1. Heat oil in a skillet. Add ground turkey and saute until thoroughly cooked.
2. Add the packet of taco seasoning and follow the directions for the amount of water and time to simmer. 
3. On a serving platter, layer corn chips, jack cheese, ground turkey, cherry tomatoes, and then repeat.
4. Top with avocado dip, garnish as desired, and serve immediately.

Avo-Chicken Burgers

Serves 2

With just the right amount of zing, these shrimp and guac sliders are the perfect appetizer for your hungry squad. The combination of seasoned shrimp, fresh guacamole, and cherry tomatoes on lightly toasted baguette makes for a delicious and easy-to-prepare dish.

Burger Spread Ingredients

• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/3 cup light mayo
• 1 Tbsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• ¼ tsp salt

Burger Spread Instructions

1. Place all ingredients into a small bowl.
2. Stir until thoroughly mixed.
3. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Ingredients

• 2 Kaiser rolls
• 1 large avocado, sliced
• black sesame seeds (optional)
• 2 cups herb grilled or rotisserie chicken, sliced or shredded
• 1 cup baby spinach

Instructions

1. Add a layer of burger spread to the bottom half of the bun.
2. Layer on spinach, chicken, avocado slices, sesame seeds, and more spinach.
3. Add burger spread to the underside of the top half of the bun.
4. Place the top of the bun onto the burger.
5. Serve immediately.