Welcome to the world of grilled avocados – a simple yet profoundly delicious summer recipe that promises to elevate your barbecue experience. Forget everything you thought you knew about avocados; once they hit the grill, their creamy texture transforms into a smoky, warm, and utterly irresistible delight. Perfect for any summer gathering, grilled avocados are not just a side dish; they’re a revelation.
Grilled Avocados: A Summer Barbecue Game Changer
Grilled avocados have quickly become a staple in our summer kitchen, and it all started with a simple experiment. A few weeks ago, I decided to toss an avocado on the grill, curious to see how my husband, John, would react. To my delight, and honestly, to my surprise, he absolutely adored it! Now, it’s a constant request, and once you try them, you’ll understand why.
These smoky, creamy gems are incredibly easy to prepare, making them an ideal last-minute addition to any barbecue spread. Every person we’ve served them to has raved about their unique flavor and satisfying texture. It’s truly astonishing how a few minutes over the flame can transform a simple avocado into such a memorable treat.
Take a closer look at that perfection: the gentle char on the edges, the slightly melted cheese nestled in the center. The magic begins with a simple preparation. I like to make a few shallow slices into the avocado flesh before grilling. This allows the olive oil and any other seasonings to really penetrate and flavor the avocado from the inside out.
After scoring, a generous drizzle of high-quality olive oil goes a long way. For an extra layer of flavor and indulgence, I often fill the avocado’s hollow with a touch of shredded cheese and sprinkle some Parmesan on top. Just a couple of minutes on a hot grill, and you’ll have a warm, savory, and incredibly satisfying avocado dish ready to be devoured.
John’s preferred method? Eating them straight off the barbecue with a fork! But they’re also fantastic served alongside tortilla chips – especially if you have an extra soft avocado, which becomes wonderfully scoopable. During those hot summer months, there’s nothing quite like the joy of barbecuing, and these grilled avocados prove that the grill is capable of so much more than just meats.
While I’ve made grilled avocados before, typically with just olive oil and a dash of cheese, for this particular recipe, I wanted to infuse them with the vibrant, fresh flavors of the Mediterranean – a style my husband truly adores.
Discover the Irresistible Charm of Greek Grilled Avocados
The combination of fresh, creamy avocado with the salty tang of feta, the briny kick of Kalamata olives, the sweet intensity of sun-dried tomatoes, and the subtle earthiness of artichoke hearts is simply divine. Drizzled with a good olive oil, these flavors create a harmonious symphony that is both refreshing and deeply satisfying. This particular blend turned out to be an absolute winner, delivering a taste experience that feels both gourmet and comforting.
The vibrant, fresh flavors of these Greek-inspired avocados make them an ideal appetizer or side dish for a warm summer evening. The crumbled feta cheese on top adds that perfect final touch, rounding out the profile with its characteristic salty creaminess. It’s a simple recipe that yields impressive results, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a wholesome, flavorful meal.
Why Grilling Avocados is a Must-Try
Grilling transforms the avocado in magical ways. The high heat creates a slightly caramelized, smoky exterior while the interior becomes even softer and creamier. This process enhances the avocado’s natural richness and adds a depth of flavor that you won’t get from eating it raw. It’s an unexpectedly delightful experience that elevates this popular fruit (yes, it’s botanically a fruit!) to a whole new level.
Beyond the incredible taste, grilled avocados are incredibly versatile. They can be served as a standalone appetizer, a unique side dish, or even as a light vegetarian main course when paired with a fresh salad or some crusty bread. They also make an excellent base for a smoky guacamole or a flavorful topping for tacos and grilled meats. The possibilities are truly endless.
Choosing and Preparing Your Avocados for the Grill
For grilling, you’ll want avocados that are ripe but still firm. Overly soft avocados can become mushy on the grill, while unripe ones won’t achieve that desirable creamy texture. Gently squeeze the avocado; it should yield slightly to pressure but not feel soft or watery. Hass avocados are generally the best choice due to their rich, buttery flesh.
To prepare them, simply slice each avocado in half lengthwise and carefully remove the pit. A sharp knife can be used to make shallow crosshatch cuts into the flesh without piercing the skin. This not only helps the seasonings absorb better but also makes it easier to scoop out the delicious grilled avocado once it’s cooked. Brush each half generously with olive oil to prevent sticking and to encourage a beautiful char.
The Art of Grilling: Technique and Timing
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F or 190-200°C). For best results, place the avocado halves cut-side down directly on the grill grates. You’ll want to achieve those enticing grill marks and a slight caramelization. Cook for about 2-4 minutes, or until you see distinct char marks and the flesh begins to soften. Then, carefully flip them over. If you’re adding cheese or other toppings, now is the time to add them to the hollow of the avocado.
Allow them to grill for another 2-3 minutes on the skin side, or until the toppings are warmed through and the avocado is heated. The total grilling time will typically be between 5-10 minutes, depending on your grill’s temperature and the ripeness of the avocado. The goal is to warm the avocado and infuse it with smoky flavor, not to cook it until it’s completely soft. You want it still somewhat firm to hold its shape.
Greek Grilled Avocados Recipe
Greek Grilled Avocados
How to make delicious Greek grilled avocados on the barbecue.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 2 ripe, but firm avocados
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (sun-dried tomato infused if possible)
- 1/4 cup chopped Artichoke Hearts
- 1/4 cup chopped Sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/4 cup halved Kalamata Olives
- 1/4 cup crumbled Feta Cheese
Instructions
- Carefully slice each avocado in half lengthwise and remove the pit. Make shallow crosshatch cuts into the avocado flesh with a knife to allow flavors to penetrate.
- Generously drizzle the avocado halves with olive oil. If you have sun-dried tomato infused olive oil, it will add an extra layer of Mediterranean flavor.
- Evenly distribute the chopped artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and halved Kalamata olives into the hollow of each avocado half.
- Generously sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top of each avocado, ensuring it’s nestled among the other ingredients.
- Place the prepared avocado halves cut-side down directly on a preheated medium-high barbecue (around 375-400°F or 190-200°C) for 2-4 minutes, until distinct grill marks appear and the flesh softens slightly.
- Carefully flip the avocados to the skin side up. Grill for another 2-3 minutes, or until the toppings are warmed through and the feta is slightly softened. Keep a close eye to prevent ingredients from getting too toasted or the avocado from becoming mushy.
- Remove from the grill and serve immediately as a delicious appetizer or side dish.
Recipe originally shared on July 24, 2012, and updated for enhanced flavor and preparation tips.
More Grilling Adventures: Great Barbecue Recipes to Explore
If you’ve enjoyed these grilled avocados, you’re sure to love experimenting with other barbecue delights. The grill offers endless possibilities for creating incredibly flavorful meals. Here are some of our other favorite recipes perfect for your next cookout:
Grilled Shrimp with Avocado Butter
Balsamic Chicken Skewers
Jalapeno Beer Brats
Carne Asada Street Tacos
Bruschetta Chicken Pizza
Don’t miss all of our easy vegetable side dish recipes to complete your meal.
Discover More Culinary Adventures
Beyond the grill, our kitchen is always cooking up something new and exciting! Explore a wide array of recipes designed to inspire your next meal:
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We hope you enjoy this fantastic Greek Grilled Avocado recipe as much as we do. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when treated with a little heat and creativity, can produce extraordinary flavors. Happy grilling!