Cottage Cheese Herb Stuffed Avocados (Printable)
Creamy herb cottage cheese filling in ripe avocados. Fresh, protein-rich appetizer ready in 15 minutes.
# List of ingredients:
→ Avocados
01 - 2 large ripe avocados
→ Cottage Cheese Filling
02 - 1 cup cottage cheese
03 - 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
04 - 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
05 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
06 - 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
07 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
08 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
09 - 1/4 tsp sea salt
→ Optional Garnish
10 - 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
11 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste
12 - Additional chopped fresh herbs
# Steps:
01 - Halve the avocados and carefully remove the pits. Using a spoon, gently scoop out a small amount of the flesh to create a slightly larger cavity for the filling. Reserve the scooped avocado flesh.
02 - In a medium mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, minced garlic, chives, parsley, dill, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt. For extra creaminess, mash in the reserved avocado flesh. Mix until well combined and evenly distributed.
03 - Spoon the cottage cheese mixture evenly into the avocado halves, mounding slightly above the surface for an attractive presentation.
04 - Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with additional fresh herbs and a light sprinkle of black pepper, if desired.
05 - Serve immediately as an appetizer or light lunch. Best enjoyed fresh to prevent avocados from oxidizing.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This comes together in fifteen minutes flat, which saved me countless times when unexpected guests appeared at my door.
- The protein from cottage cheese keeps you full without that heavy feeling traditional stuffed appetizers often bring.
02 -
- Avocados oxidize quickly, so cut them right before you plan to serve and toss the reserved flesh with a drop of lemon juice.
- Cottage cheese can be pulsed in a food processor for a smoother texture if the curdled look bothers you or your guests.
03 -
- A pinch of red pepper flakes added to the filling gives a gentle heat that wakes up all the other flavors.
- Choose avocados with the stem nub still attached, as ones missing it often have brown spots inside.