Avocados create a base for the perfect summer snack, since they are easy to prepare and usually do not require cooking or baking. Any recipe that features avocados should be eaten within the same day, since they tend to turn brown once they come into contact with air (although this natural occurrence can be prolonged by adding a squeeze of lemon juice). When choosing avocados in the market, make sure to get get ones that yield a bit to pressure if you are planning to eat them within a day or so. Choose unripe avocados if you are planning to eat them later, and leave them on the counter for a few days to ripen. Here are a few quick and healthy summertime avocado-based recipes to enjoy:

1. Avocado dressing

Place a ripe avocado into a food processor or a blender to create a smooth creamy dressing. Add a squeeze of fresh lime, a teaspoon of oil and vinegar and a sprig of cilantro to add a kick to this versatile and healthy sauce. Add this dressing to anything from a crudité platter to a tasty addition to a papaya half. The options are endless, and it has way less calories than similar store-bought creamy dressings like ranch or blue cheese.

2. Stuffed avocado

For a healthy and easy snack, this delicious dressed-up version is perfect for summer parties. Scoop out the pit and a majority of the avocado “meat.” Mix with your favorite store-bought (or homemade) salsa or ceviche in a separate bowl and then pile it back into the avocado half and serve. If you want something hardier, try putting chicken salad in the center. The best part? Clean-up is simple because avocados come with their own built-in bowl. Healthy and eco-friendly makes a win-win situation.

3. Watermelon and avocado skewers

For a refreshing summer snack, these savory and sweet skewers always do the trick. Scoop out the avocado with a spoon and add the rounded pieces to a skewer, alternating with cubes of watermelon. Lay the finished skewers on a plate and sprinkle fresh lime juice and chili powder for a little kick. These colorful skewers only take a few minutes to prepare and are the perfect addition for any summer backyard BBQ.

4. BLTA Lettuce Cups

For a lighter alternative to the American classic, this healthy snack is bound to be a huge crowd pleaser at your next summer party. It will appeal to both those who are health-conscious and those who are fans of traditional BLTs. Add chopped up bacon pieces, cherry tomato slices and bite-sized avocado pieces in a leaf of lettuce and top if off with ranch dressing. For a healthier alternative, substitute the ranch with the avocado dressing that is mentioned earlier in this piece.

5. Avocado fries

Coat avocado slices with Panko flakes or bread crumbs and bake in the oven for a satisfying snack. Serve these healthier fries instead of traditional french fries for a memorable snack at your next summer get-together. For a healthier and a hassle-free version, roll the avocado slices in coconut flakes for a unique snack that is perfect for adventurous taste buds.

6. Grilled avocado

For a simple, yet delicious summer treat throw avocados on the grill for a few minutes and volia you have a yummy side to complement any seasonal BBQ. Grill mango and shrimp for a winning combination of sweet and savory before the main course. Add nuoc cham, a Vietnamese sauce on the side to dip everything in. This delicious sauce includes fish sauce, lime juice, sugar and chilies and is bound to be a memorable addition at any summer party.

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