When it comes to perfect food pairings, Tilapia and avocado are the ideal match. Aside from the taste benefits of mixing the creaminess of a ripe avocado with Tilapia’s firm texture, these two nutritional powerhouses also complement each other from a healthy eating standpoint. Tilapia is an excellent source of protein while avocado is full of monounsaturated “good” fat, both of which are important macronutrients to regularly incorporate into our diets.

There are so many ways to pair fresh Tilapia with avocado, so whether you prefer to grill, bake or pan fry your fillets, now’s the time to get a little experimental in the kitchen.

Blackened Tilapia with Cucumber Avocado Salsa

Awaken your taste buds with this spice-heavy blackened Tilapia served with a cucumber avocado salsa. Spices like garlic powder and cumin will expertly season Tilapia fillets while also providing a dose of health perks, as both spices contain anti-inflammatory properties. The fresh cucumber avocado salsa offers the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it the ideal choice to elevate your fish.

Try the recipe: Blackened Tilapia with Cucumber Avocado Salsa from The Garlic Diaries.

Grilled Tilapia with Chunky Avocado Salsa

With the warm weather upon us, it’s prime time to put your backyard grill to good use. After grilling your Tilapia fillets to perfection, serve them alongside this chunky avocado salsa. Zesty and a little spicy, this salsa brings together avocado, red onion and hot peppers to accentuate the charred flavors of your grilled fillets. The recipe is simple and plates beautifully, making it ideal for serving at a barbecue or summer event.

Try the recipe: Chunky Avocado Salsa from Laylita.

Baked Tilapia Fish Tacos with Homemade Guacamole

Fish tacos are a universal crowd pleaser, and are therefore a great choice for gatherings with friends and family. Best of all, since they’re an easily customizable dish, you can simply lay out all the ingredients buffet style and let your guests build their own flavor combinations. Simply bake the Tilapia fillets in the oven for 15–20 minutes, and assemble the guacamole and other toppings while you wait. If you want to impress your guests even further, serve a pitcher of lime margaritas—the ultimate drink pairing for fish tacos.

Try the recipe: Baked Tilapia Fish Tacos from Home Cooking Memories and Homemade Guacamole from Taste of Home.

Tilapia Bowl with Chipotle Avocado Crema

Protein bowls are typically a very nutritious meal option. Throw together a healthy Tilapia bowl, layering your dish with quinoa, black beans, corn, cilantro and seasoned Tilapia fillets. Add a dollop of smokey chipotle avocado crema, and you have one tasty and nutritionally satisfying meal.

Try the recipe: Grilled Tilapia Bowl with Chipotle Avocado Crema from Joyful Healthy Eats.

Chimichurri Grilled Tilapia and Avocado Skewers

Another great recipe that will make use of your barbecue is this unique chimichurri grilled Tilapia. The Tilapia is best grilled in parsels after being coated in a concoction of red wine vinegar, garlic, shallots, jalapeno and parsley, while the skewers made from bell pepper, pineapple, avocado and red onion can be cooked directly over the flame. Add a side of fresh corn on the cob, and you have yourself a bright, healthy and refreshing meal.

Try the recipe: Chimichurri Grilled Tilapia and Avocado Skewers from The Healthy Fish.

Chili Lime Baked Tilapia with Avocado Crema

Although an avocado crema topping is always tasty, the cumin lime marinade is the real star of this recipe. The marinade is made from lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper, and works perfectly with the mild natural flavor of Tilapia. Enjoy with a fresh crema made from blended avocado, fresh cilantro, lime juice and yogurt.

Try the recipe: Chili Lime Baked Tilapia with Avocado Crema from Tasty.

Whether you’re whipping up a creamy avocado side dish or simply adding fresh avocado slices to your Tilapia, you can’t go wrong with this ultimate summer pairing.

Get more mouthwatering avocado dish ideas with 5 Easy Avocado Sides to Bring to Your Next Barbecue.

Photo Credits: The Defined Dish, The Garlic Diaries, Home Cooking Memories, The Healthy Fish