Avocado-Cashew Wreath
A creamy, flavorful avocado and cashew spread shaped into a festive wreath, perfect for holiday gatherings. Rich in texture with hints of cheese, garlic, and herbs, ideal for serving with crackers or bread.
Ingredients
- 3 medium avocados ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 cups finely chopped cashews ⓘ
- 1 cup finely shredded sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 4 oz. can green chilies, diced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
- green food coloring if desired ⓘ
- chopped parsley for garnish ⓘ
Instructions
- In a food processor with a metal blade, mash the avocados.
- Remove and measure 2 cups of mashed avocado.
- Process the avocado and remaining ingredients in two batches.
- Mix well until blended.
- Stir in a few drops of food coloring, if desired.
- Refrigerate overnight in a bowl with the avocado pit, covered with plastic wrap directly on the spread to prevent darkening.
- Before serving, stir well.
- Spoon onto a platter in the shape of a wreath.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and strips of pimento shaped like a bow.
- Serve with crackers or bread rounds.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. If you need a nut-free option, consider substituting sunflower seeds for the cashews. For added zing, you can incorporate finely chopped jalapeños to enhance the flavor profile. This spread also works well as a dip for fresh vegetables or as a filling for sandwiches, making it versatile for various occasions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the avocado-cashew wreath with an assortment of crackers or bread rounds for a delightful appetizer. Pair it with a refreshing salad or fresh veggie platter for a light meal. It also complements dishes like Layered Ribbon Jello, making it a festive addition to any gathering, especially during the holiday season.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To prevent browning, keep the avocado pit in the spread. Avoid reheating as this dish is best served cold; simply stir and serve fresh from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Avocado-Cashew Wreath contains roughly 67 calories, with 3g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version by replacing cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and omitting Worcestershire sauce or using a vegan version. This will maintain the creamy texture while catering to vegan diets.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, you can add more or fewer diced green chilies according to your taste. For a milder flavor, you might choose to omit them entirely or use a milder pepper variety.
What should I serve with this spread?
This spread pairs wonderfully with crackers, bread rounds, or fresh vegetable sticks. For a complete appetizer spread, consider serving alongside cheese platters or fruit to balance the flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).