Need a new snack to bust out of an afternoon rut? One that corresponds with all those new year's best intentions such as eating more plants or eating joyfully?
This raw, vegan, gluten–free avocado lime mousse will take you to the tropical paradise of your grandest dreams and fill you up with health and happiness. Big promises, I know; but this recipe is that good.
We found that 2011 was certainly the year of the avocado for us on The Kitchn, and I'm happy to keep the trend alive. Growing up in Southern California, I lived under an avocado tree for many years and ate a few spoonfuls of the green goodness daily. I didn't even know how lucky I was until I moved far away from the precious, healthful fruits. Now I indulge myself by buying a few every week and waiting for them to ripen (hurry hurry!) on my frigid windowsill.
This particular recipe is very easy, something of a simplified version of a raw mousse I sampled at a local restaurant up here in Portland. With only a few ingredients and a little time resting in the fridge, I can transport myself to sunnier climes no matter the dreary rain surrounding my home in the Pacific North West. A smear of this pudding always hits the spot, be it an afternoon snack (my favorite variation as seen here) or on a spoon after dinner.

serves 2
1 large Hass avocado (or two smaller varieties)
juice from 1 lime
zest from 1/2 lime
3 tablespoons raw agave nectar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
unsweetened, shredded coconut for garnish
rice cakes
In a medium sized bowl, mash the avocado with the back of a fork until smooth (you can also use a food processor if you are so inclined; I don't mind a few lumps so opted for the fork). Stir in lime juice, zest, agave, vanilla and salt until combined. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for about an hour (it's much better cold). Spread on rice cakes and sprinkle on coconut.
Related: Sweet, Easy and Raw: Avocado Cacao Mousse
(Images: Leela Cyd Ross)
Peeler by Normann C...

Comments (12)
Mmm! I've been doing something similar for a tasty GF treat. Mine isn't as fancy, I just mash up a ripe avocado, squeeze a little lemon or lime (or both), add salt, stir it all together and eat it on a rice cake or some rice crackers.
I love love love avocados!
I love avocado with a little hot sauce and sea salt sprinkled over.
That looks simply perfect right now.
I love your table!
Oh this does look very good! Is it a sweet or savory mousse? Either way i bet that its delicious!
I can't wait to try this - sounds delicious!
It looks delicious, but, technically, it isn't a mousse since it doesn't have any air or foam (from egg whites and/or whipped cream). More like a spread.
I would call that vanilla guacamole.
Ditto kittythedog. Mashed avocado? lime juice? salt? Definitely guac — what makes it a mousse?
Nice to see more sweet avocado dishes showing up! The inclusion of coconut sounds like a wonderful idea.
We must all me on the same health-kick. My favorite post-workout snack is to arrange on a piece of warm toast— sliced avocado and a sprinkle of sea salt. I like the Ezekiel 4:9 Sesame Sprouted Grain bread. YUM!
We love to make a guacamole mashed and put on raw breads.
http://www.veganrawfood.net/