Holy Guacamole
Holy Guacamole is a vibrant and flavorful dip featuring ripe avocados, fresh herbs, and crunchy vegetables. Its creamy texture combined with zesty salsa and almonds makes it perfect for parties, snacks, or casual gatherings, appealing to both veggie lovers and those craving a hearty, fresh appetizer.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled & diced ⓘ
- 1-1/2 Tbsp. lemon juice
- 1 or 2 cloves of garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1/4 c. red pepper, diced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. salsa ⓘ
- 1-1/2 Tbsp. slivered almonds, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. green onions, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cilantro (optional) ⓘ
- sour cream for garnish ⓘ
Instructions
- Mash 1 avocado in a bowl.
- Mix the mashed avocado with lemon juice, cilantro, minced garlic, dried basil, and salt.
- Stir in the remaining diced avocado.
- Add red pepper, salsa, sliced green onions, and coarsely chopped almonds.
- Mix everything thoroughly and serve with garnish if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, blend the avocados instead of mashing. If you prefer a little heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can substitute lime juice for lemon juice if desired. If you have fresh herbs like parsley or oregano, they can be great alternatives to cilantro. Serve with tortilla chips or as a spread in Tortilla Roll-Ups for a delightful twist.
Serving Suggestions
This guacamole is perfect as a dip with tortilla chips or fresh veggies. It pairs beautifully with 7 Layer Mexican Pie or can be used as a topping for tacos or nachos. Try serving it alongside Chili Rellenos Bake for a complete meal. You can also spoon it over grilled chicken or fish for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover guacamole in an airtight container, pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface to minimize air exposure and browning. It can be refrigerated for up to 2 days, though it's best enjoyed fresh. If you need to reheat any dish containing guacamole, do so gently in the microwave, but note that guacamole is typically served cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holy Guacamole contains roughly 139 calories, with 6g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (107% of the Daily Value), iron (38% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 814mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
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 guacamole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the guacamole a few hours in advance. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed against the surface to prevent browning. Adding a layer of lime or lemon juice on top can also help preserve its vibrant color.
What can I use instead of sour cream for garnish?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, consider using a dollop of coconut yogurt or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You could also garnish with additional chopped cilantro or a few slices of jalapeño for a spicy kick.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat, you can mix in diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even some hot sauce to taste. For a smoky flavor, try adding chipotle powder or smoked paprika. Adjust the spice level according to your preference to create the perfect balance.
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).