Smoky Avocado Fajitas (Meatless): A Flavorful and Satisfying Mexican Dish

These Smoky Avocado Fajitas are a delicious and satisfying meatless alternative to traditional fajitas. Packed with smoky flavors and fresh ingredients like avocado, bell peppers, and onions, this dish brings all the excitement of fajitas without the meat. The smoky touch from the liquid smoke flavoring and fajita seasoning makes these fajitas a favorite for everyone, even meat-lovers. Quick, easy, and full of flavor, they are perfect for your next taco night or family dinner.

Quick Benefits

• Meatless but Flavorful: These fajitas are a great meatless option without sacrificing taste or texture. The smoky avocado adds richness and depth of flavor.
• High in Fiber: With avocados, bell peppers, and onions, this dish is rich in fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you full.
• Rich in Healthy Fats: The avocados provide heart-healthy fats that are good for overall health and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the level of smokiness and spice to suit your tastes. The fajitas are also versatile, so feel free to add other veggies or toppings.

Essential Ingredients

• Water (1 ⅓ cups): Forms the base of the marinade, helping to distribute the seasoning evenly.
• Olive Oil (3 tablespoons): Adds richness to the marinade and helps with grilling.
• Liquid Smoke Flavoring (2 tablespoons, optional): Gives the fajitas a smoky flavor that mimics grilled meat.
• Fajita Seasoning (2 packages, 1 ounce each): Adds authentic Southwestern fajita flavor to the veggies.
• Avocados (4 large, peeled, pitted, and sliced into ½-inch wedges): The star ingredient, providing creaminess and a subtle, rich flavor.
• Bell Peppers (4 large, stemmed, seeded, and sliced into ½-inch wedges): Adds crunch, sweetness, and vibrant color to the fajitas.
• Onion (1 extra large, sliced into rings and separated): Adds savory flavor to balance the sweetness of the bell peppers.
• Flour Tortillas (12, 6 inches): The base for the fajitas, used to wrap up all the flavorful fillings.

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together water, olive oil, liquid smoke, and fajita seasoning. Pour the marinade into a resealable plastic bag.
2. Marinate the Vegetables: Add the avocado, bell peppers, and onion to the bag, making sure they are evenly coated. Seal the bag and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour to overnight, turning occasionally to ensure the vegetables soak in the flavor.
3. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C). Stack the tortillas and wrap them in aluminum foil. Place them in the oven to warm.
4. Grill the Vegetables: Preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grate. Drain the marinade from the vegetables and transfer them to a plate, separating the avocados from the peppers and onions.
   • Grill the Peppers and Onions: Place the bell peppers and onions in a single layer on the grill. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes, turning as needed, until they are tender. Transfer them to an oven-proof pan and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.
   • Grill the Avocados: Place the avocado wedges in a single layer on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes, turning once, until browned.
5. Assemble the Fajitas: Remove the tortillas from the oven. Fill each tortilla with the grilled avocado and onion mixture. Fold or roll up the tortilla to create the fajita.

Health Benefits

• Good Source of Fiber: The combination of avocado, bell peppers, and onions makes these fajitas a great source of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps control blood sugar levels.
• Packed with Healthy Fats: Avocados are a great source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for reducing inflammation and supporting heart health.
• High in Vitamin C: The bell peppers and onions provide a good amount of Vitamin C, which supports immune health and collagen production.
• Rich in Potassium: Avocados and bell peppers are also rich in potassium, which is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.

Serving Suggestions

• Toppings: Garnish the fajitas with sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
• Side Dish: Serve with Mexican rice, black beans, or a side salad for a complete meal.
• Add Hot Sauce: For those who enjoy a spicy kick, drizzle with your favorite hot sauce or extra gochujang.
• With Guacamole: Pair these fajitas with a side of fresh guacamole for an extra creamy texture and flavor.

Creative Variations

• Use Corn Tortillas: For a gluten-free version, swap out the flour tortillas for corn tortillas.
• Add More Veggies: Experiment with other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or sweet potatoes to add variety and nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: If you like things spicier, add diced jalapeños or chili peppers to the vegetable mix before grilling.
• Vegan Cheese: For a fully vegan version, use vegan cheese or skip the cheese altogether.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any leftover fajitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat Properly: Reheat the vegetable filling in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
• Freeze for Later: To freeze, wrap individual servings of the vegetable mixture in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Pro Tips

• Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Grill the vegetables until they are tender but not mushy. Overcooking can lead to a soggy filling.
• Marinate Longer for More Flavor: If you have the time, marinate the vegetables overnight to allow the flavors to deepen.
• Warm the Tortillas: Warm the tortillas before filling them to ensure they are pliable and easier to roll.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these fajitas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the vegetable filling and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Warm it up before serving and assemble the fajitas when ready.

Can I make these fajitas spicy?
Absolutely! You can add more red pepper flakes to the marinade, or even add chopped jalapeños or chili peppers to the vegetable mixture before grilling.

Can I substitute the liquid smoke?
If you don’t have liquid smoke, you can skip it or replace it with a smoky chipotle sauce for a similar flavor.

Can I make this recipe without avocados?
Yes, you can replace the avocado with grilled or sautéed mushrooms, or you can add extra bell peppers or zucchini for a different texture.

Smoky Avocado Fajitas are a delicious and satisfying meatless meal that’s full of flavor. Whether you’re following a plant-based diet or just looking for a healthy, flavorful dish, these fajitas will become a favorite at your table!

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