Why Grilled Stuffed Avocados with Pico de Gallo Delight

Grilled Stuffed Avocados with Pico de Gallo

Discover the vibrant flavors of Grilled Stuffed Avocados with Pico de Gallo, a quick, healthy dish perfect for any meal or gathering. This recipe combines creamy grilled avocados with a fresh, zesty pico de gallo, creating a delightful balance of smoky, tangy, and refreshing tastes. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a satisfying snack, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these grilled stuffed avocados bring together nutrition and flavor in one irresistible bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Prepare: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make it perfect for beginners and busy cooks alike.
  • Nutritious and Light: Packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and antioxidants, this dish fuels your body deliciously.
  • Burst of Freshness: The pico de gallo’s bright tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice perfectly complement the creamy avocado texture.
  • Versatile for Any Occasion: Serve it as a quick snack, appetizer, or part of your main course for guests or family meals.
  • Diet-Friendly: Naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and adaptable for vegan or keto lifestyles.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in shaping the texture, flavor, and appearance of Grilled Stuffed Avocados with Pico de Gallo. Simple yet vibrant, these essentials will ensure a balanced and colorful dish every time.

  • Ripe Avocados: Choose firm but slightly soft avocados for grilling and stuffing ease.
  • Fresh Tomatoes: Use juicy, ripe tomatoes for the pico de gallo’s signature freshness and color.
  • Red Onion: Adds a subtle sharpness and crunch to the pico de gallo.
  • Cilantro: Provides that classic herbaceous punch that brightens the entire dish.
  • Lime Juice: The acidity balances the richness of avocado and enhances flavor.
  • Jalapeño: Optional, for a hint of heat and extra zest.
  • Olive Oil: Helps the avocados develop a smoky char on the grill.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning for both the pico and the grilled avocados.

Variations for Grilled Stuffed Avocados with Pico de Gallo

Feel free to customize this recipe according to your tastes, dietary needs, or what’s happening to be in your fridge. The adaptability of Grilled Stuffed Avocados with Pico de Gallo makes it a perfect canvas for creativity.

  • Seafood Twist: Add cooked shrimp or crab meat inside the avocado for a protein boost.
  • Cheesy Delight: Top with crumbled feta or cotija cheese for extra creaminess and tang.
  • Spicy Upgrade: Include chopped chipotle peppers or hot sauce in the pico de gallo for more heat.
  • Vegan Boost: Mix in black beans or corn with the pico for added texture and fiber.
  • Nuts and Seeds: Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds or pine nuts for a bit of crunch and nutrition.
Why Grilled Stuffed Avocados with Pico de Gallo Delight

How to Make Grilled Stuffed Avocados with Pico de Gallo

Step 1: Prepare the Pico de Gallo

Start by dicing the tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and finely chopping the cilantro. Combine them in a bowl and squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture. Season with salt and pepper, then toss gently to blend all the flavors. Let it sit while you prep the avocados, so the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 2: Prep and Grill the Avocados

Slice the avocados in half and carefully remove the pits. Brush the cut sides lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and to promote a beautiful char. Place them cut-side down on a preheated grill for 2-3 minutes, just enough to get grill marks and a smoky aroma without overcooking the creamy flesh.

Step 3: Stuff the Avocados

Remove the avocados from the grill and spoon generous amounts of the prepared pico de gallo into the center where the pit used to be. The fresh, zesty filling contrasts wonderfully with the smoky avocado.

Step 4: Final Touches and Serve

If desired, sprinkle extra cilantro, a pinch of salt, or a drizzle of olive oil on top for a polished look and extra flavor. Serve immediately while the avocados are still warm, or chill slightly if you prefer a cooler bite.

Pro Tips for Making Grilled Stuffed Avocados with Pico de Gallo

  • Choose Firm Avocados: Use avocados that are ripe but still firm enough to hold their shape on the grill.
  • Don’t Overcook: Grill only briefly to keep the creamy texture intact without turning mushy.
  • Customize Heat Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño or hot sauce in the pico de gallo to suit your spice preference.
  • Prep Pico Ahead: Making pico de gallo a few hours before lets flavors develop deeper for better taste.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and ripe produce make a significant flavor difference in this simple recipe.

How to Serve Grilled Stuffed Avocados with Pico de Gallo

Garnishes

Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, crumbled cheese, or a squeeze of extra lime juice on top for an eye-catching presentation and enhanced flavor burst.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside warm tortillas, a light green salad, or black beans to create a balanced and satisfying meal that complements the stuffed avocado’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Place the grilled stuffed avocados on a rustic wooden board with colorful bowls of additional pico de gallo and tortilla chips for a beautiful party platter everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, separating the pico de gallo from the avocados if possible to maintain texture and freshness. Use within 1-2 days for best quality.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for the avocado itself, as it becomes watery and mushy; however, you can freeze the pico de gallo separately for up to 3 months and thaw before serving.

Reheating

Gently reheat the grilled avocados in a warm oven or microwave for a few seconds if desired, but avoid overheating to maintain their creamy consistency and prevent bitterness.

FAQs

Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?

Absolutely! A grill pan on your stovetop works great and can give you similar grill marks and smoky flavor without needing an outdoor grill.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Yes! The basic recipe is naturally vegan. Just skip any cheese toppings or substitute plant-based alternatives if you choose to add cheese.

Can I prepare the pico de gallo in advance?

Yes, preparing pico de gallo a few hours ahead helps the flavors blend, making it even tastier when you assemble the dish.

What type of avocado is best for grilling?

Hass avocados are ideal because they have creamy texture and firm flesh that holds up well when grilled.

How spicy is this recipe by default?

The recipe is mildly spicy if you include jalapeño; you can adjust or omit it entirely for a gentler flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something fresh, healthy, and bursting with flavor, you have to try Grilled Stuffed Avocados with Pico de Gallo. This delightful dish brings together the creamy richness of grilled avocados with the lively zest of homemade pico de gallo, making every bite a celebration of simple ingredients done right. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep handy and share with everyone you know.

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Grilled Stuffed Avocados with Pico de Gallo

Grilled Stuffed Avocados with Pico de Gallo is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that pairs creamy, smoky grilled avocados with a fresh, zesty pico de gallo. Ideal as a light lunch, snack, or appetizer, this recipe balances nutrition and vibrant flavors for a satisfying and versatile meal option.

  • Author: Elena
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian, Vegan Optional, Keto Friendly

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 ripe but firm avocados
  • 2 medium fresh tomatoes, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pico de Gallo: Dice the tomatoes, red onion, and jalapeño (if using). Finely chop the cilantro. In a bowl, combine all these ingredients and squeeze fresh lime juice over them. Season with salt and black pepper, then gently toss to blend the flavors. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
  2. Prep and Grill the Avocados: Slice the avocados in half and carefully remove the pits. Brush the cut sides lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and promote a smoky char. Place the avocados cut-side down on a preheated grill and cook for 2-3 minutes, just enough to get grill marks and a smoky aroma without cooking through.
  3. Stuff the Avocados: Remove the avocados from the grill and spoon generous amounts of pico de gallo into the hollow where the pit was. The fresh and zesty filling will contrast beautifully with the creamy avocado.
  4. Final Touches and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle extra cilantro, a pinch of salt, or drizzle additional olive oil on top for added flavor and presentation. Serve immediately while warm, or chill slightly for a cooler bite.

Notes

  • Choose firm avocados to hold shape while grilling.
  • Grill briefly to maintain creamy texture and avoid mushiness.
  • Adjust jalapeño or hot sauce according to desired spice level.
  • Prepare pico de gallo a few hours ahead to deepen flavors.
  • Use fresh, ripe ingredients for best flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 stuffed avocado half
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: grilled avocados, pico de gallo, healthy appetizer, vegan appetizer, gluten free snack, keto-friendly avocado recipe

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