Barbecues sizzle with avocado versatility

An easy way to make your backyard barbecues sizzle is to include avocados in the menu.

Whether sliced, diced or grilled, avocados can add freshness and creamy goodness to warm weather entertaining.

The nutty flavor of avocados is even more tempting when paired with a variety of grilled meats and side dishes. Make great-tasting entrees by topping hamburgers and bratwursts with guacamole or adding avocado slices to carnitas and steak. Create the satisfying side dishes by mixing diced avocados into premade salsas or homemade salads.

A flavorful complement to grilled meats is the Creamy Avocado Potato Salad. This twist on a classic salad invokes the lazy days of summer with easy preparation and fabulous flavor. Simply combine chunks of potato, celery and onion with dressing before folding in avocados and cilantro to create a delectably fresh salad concoction.

Creamy Avocado Potato Salad

2 cloves garlic, crushed

¼ -cup mayonnaise

1 Tbsp olive oil

1/6 -cup fresh lemon juice

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

2 avocados, peeled, pitted, cubed

6 medium red potatoes, diced and cooked

1/3 -cup celery, diced

1/3 -cup sweet onion, chopped

1/6 -cup cilantro, chopped

Cilantro sprigs or celery leaves for garnish

To make dressing, mix lemon juice, salt, pepper and garlic. Stir in mayonnaise and olive oil. Reserve.

Combine potato, celery, onion and mix in reserved dressing. Just before serving, gently fold in avocado and cilantro. Garnish each serving with cilantro sprigs or celery leaves as needed. (Yields 8 servings)