Avocados with Sour Cream Twist
By Emma
Certified Culinary Professional
•
Recipe tested & approved
Sliced avocados dressed in a tangy, creamy mix with a hint of orange juice and smoked paprika. A simple, fresh starter or side that’s quick to whip up. Uses Greek yogurt instead of cream for a lighter taste, and lime swapped for orange juice for a subtle sweet note. A sprinkle of smoked paprika adds a smoky edge. Ready in 12 minutes, serves four, gluten-free, vegan adjustable.
Prep:
7 min
Cook:
0 min
Total:
12 min
Servings:
4 servings
#avocado
#vegan
#healthy
#quick
#appetizer
Avocados—green, creamy pockets of fat. Raw, untouched. Quick fix for anyone wanting a touch of luxury without fuss. No frying, just slicing. Simplicity at its core. Now, swap lime for orange juice, something sweeter, a twist unexpected. Greek yogurt steps in for heavy cream; lighter, tangier, with a bit of protein. Smoked paprika sneaks in, smoky, earthy, a little rebel. Mix, wait a few, layers form. No recipes, no measuring, just approximation. Salt and pepper sharpen the dull edges. Avocado meets new friends, redefined. Serve cold, a cool reprieve in a diet that needs no fire, just chill and thrill. Four plates, four smiles; in minutes, done.
Ingredients
- 50 ml (3 tsp) Greek yogurt
- 12 ml (¾ tbsp) orange juice
- 2 avocados halved and pitted
- 1 pinch smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
About the ingredients
Greek yogurt replaces the heavier cream for a lighter, tangier profile that balances richness without overwhelming. Orange juice cuts acidity with a mild sweetness versus lime’s sharpness, changing the flavor axis. Smoked paprika is not traditional but adds unexpected warmth and slight smokiness, lending depth without heat. Avocados must be ripe but firm—otherwise the base turns mushy and flavor blander. Salt anchors all flavors while freshly ground pepper wakes the palate. Adjust yogurt quantity to your creaminess preference; too much can drown avocado’s subtlety. Using fresh orange juice avoids bitterness and artificial notes. Consider fresh herbs like cilantro or chives if wanting more complexity.
Method
- 1. Combine Greek yogurt with orange juice in a small bowl. Let sit 7 minutes to let flavors mingle.
- 2. Arrange avocado halves cut side up on a serving plate.
- 3. Season avocados with salt and pepper.
- 4. Spoon the yogurt-orange mixture generously over each avocado half.
- 5. Dust with smoked paprika for a spicy smoke kick.
- 6. Serve immediately. Works as a fresh side or light starter with skewers or grilled veggies.
Cooking tips
Mix yogurt and juice first to settle tang, crucial since the orange juice’s bright flavors need time to meld with creamy yogurt. Let rest at least 5-7 minutes. Meanwhile, prep avocado halves, remove pits carefully to keep flesh intact. Season each half with salt and pepper individually for balanced taste; done before dressing to prevent bland spots. Use a spoon to dollop dressed mixture; avoid spreading to retain texture contrast. Finishing touch of smoked paprika sprinkled evenly not stirred in for visual pop and bite. Serve cold immediately to prevent avocado browning; if needed, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface to minimize oxidation. Great with skewers or grilled veggies on side, quick assembly, no cooking steps needed.
Chef's notes
- 💡 Choose ripe, firm avocados. Too soft? They'll mush. Not enough sweetness? Consider fresh orange juice over bottled. Fresh really matters. Smoked paprika? Dust lightly. Too much? Overpowers. Add fresh herbs for complexity. Cilantro? Chives? Both work. Also, rest yogurt mix? Super important. Want bright flavors? Let it mingle.
- 💡 When combining yogurt and juice? Give time. Five to seven minutes is key. That tangy bliss? Just needs patience. Avocados prepped? Cut with care. Keep halves intact. Season right before serving. Salt and pepper balance. Drowning in flavors? Avoid that. Keep it fresh and light.
- 💡 Serving cold is critical. Avocados turn brown fast. Need to delay browning? Cover tightly. Plastic wrap touching the surface? Stops oxidation. Want to make it fancier? Skewers or grilled veggies on the side. Great combo. Quick assembly. No cooking at all. Just slice and serve.
- 💡 Adjust yogurt quantity for creaminess. Less is more for avocado flavor. Avoid overwhelming. Orange juice adds sweetness. Allow it to be mild, not sharp. Smoked paprika adds depth. Do not mix in. Just sprinkle. Visually appealing? Yes. Flavorful? Absolutely. Treat this with care.
- 💡 Plate the dish well. Visuals matter. Arrange avocado halves nicely. Dressing on top? Generous, but not slathered. A balanced look. Fresh ingredients shine through. Showcase that beautiful green. Minimal fuss, maximum effect. This dish counts on simplicity and style.
