Camping and cooking often bring out the best of both worlds: the rugged beauty of the outdoors and the creativity of simple, delicious meals. Avocados are a surprising yet ideal ingredient to bring along on these adventures. They’re loaded with nutrients, easy to prepare, and can be incorporated into meals without any special tools or elaborate techniques. Whether you’re a camping pro or a weekend adventurer, these avocado-based recipes will keep you fueled and satisfied.
Why Avocados Are a Perfect Camping Food
Avocados have a lot going for them as a camping staple. First, they’re packed with healthy fats, which are crucial for providing sustained energy during long hikes or active days outdoors. They’re also a great source of fiber, potassium, and vitamins C, E, and K. Avocados are filling and versatile, making them suitable for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snacks.
Unlike many fresh fruits, avocados don’t require refrigeration when they’re still firm. If you pack them in different stages of ripeness, you can enjoy them throughout your trip without worrying about spoilage. Plus, their thick skin protects the fruit, making them durable for travel. Here’s how to make the most of avocados at camp.
3 Easy Avocado Recipes for Camping
Campfire Avocado Toast
Avocado toast might be the ultimate millennial classic, but it’s also a fantastic camping meal that’s both quick and satisfying. You only need a few ingredients, and if you’re cooking over a campfire, the bread can be toasted on a grate or skillet.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado
- Bread slices (whole grain or sourdough work well)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes, cherry tomatoes, or lime juice
Instructions:
- Place bread slices on a campfire grate or in a skillet and toast until golden brown.
- While the bread is toasting, slice the avocado in half and remove the pit. Scoop the avocado flesh into a bowl and mash it with a fork.
- Spread the mashed avocado on the toasted bread. Add salt and pepper to taste, and sprinkle with red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.
- Enjoy your toast on its own or top it with sliced cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness.
Tip: If you’re planning multiple avocado toasts during your trip, bring a few extra seasonings, like garlic powder or chili powder, to mix up the flavors.
Stuffed Avocados with Black Beans and Corn
Stuffed avocados are a great option for lunch or dinner and don’t require cooking. They’re high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, which makes them a perfect refuel meal after a hike.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado
- ½ cup black beans (canned, rinsed, and drained)
- ¼ cup corn kernels (canned or fresh)
- Optional: diced tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit. Scoop out a little bit of the avocado to make room for the filling.
- In a bowl, mix together the black beans, corn, and optional ingredients like tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice.
- Spoon the mixture into the avocado halves, filling each half generously.
- Season with salt and pepper, and enjoy!
Tip: For added flavor, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cheese if you have a way to keep it cool.
Avocado Breakfast Wraps
Start your day with an energy-boosting avocado breakfast wrap. These wraps are packed with protein and healthy fats, keeping you fueled for a day of exploring.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1-2 eggs (optional, can be substituted with beans for a plant-based option)
- 1 whole-grain tortilla
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: hot sauce, spinach leaves, or shredded cheese
Instructions:
- If you have a skillet, cook the egg over the campfire until desired doneness. For a plant-based option, skip the egg and use black beans instead.
- Slice the avocado and place it on the tortilla.
- Add the egg (or beans), then season with salt, pepper, and any other toppings you prefer, like hot sauce, spinach, or cheese.
- Roll the tortilla tightly and wrap it in foil if you want to warm it up near the fire. Otherwise, enjoy it as-is.
Tip: Pack tortillas in a sturdy container to avoid squishing, and bring pre-washed spinach or baby greens for an easy addition.
How to Store and Ripen Avocados While Camping
One of the best ways to enjoy avocados over multiple days is by packing them at various stages of ripeness. Here’s a quick guide to ripening and storing:
- Choose Avocados at Different Stages: Pack a mix of firm, almost ripe, and ready-to-eat avocados to cover several days of meals. Firm avocados will ripen slowly and give you fresh fruit throughout your trip.
- Keep Ripe Avocados Cool: If you have ripe avocados and want to prevent them from over-ripening, keep them in a cooler or shaded spot.
- Use Ripening Tricks: Need to speed up the ripening? Place an avocado in a bag with a banana or apple overnight, which releases ethylene gas to help ripen the avocado faster.
Your New Favorite Camping Food
Avocados are a fantastic addition to any camping trip. They’re portable, nutritious, and versatile, making them ideal for the active lifestyle that camping demands. From avocado toast to stuffed avocado bowls and breakfast wraps, these simple recipes will keep you fueled and satisfied without much hassle. Next time you’re packing for a trip, don’t forget to throw in a few avocados—they might just become your new favorite camping food.
