Guacamole - or simply "guac" - is a beloved dip that compliments Mexican cuisine. But thanks to the increase in popularity worldwide, it is also able to be paired with many other dishes.
Guac is usually an upcharge when eating out. However, the good news is that guacamole can easily be made at home!
While guacamole and avocados continue to be a popular trend, is guacamole actually healthy? Discover if guacamole is good for you and how to make guacamole with this customizable and crowd-pleasing best guacamole recipe.
Easiest & Best Guacamole Recipe
Yield: 4 servings
Guacamole nutrition per serving: 100 calories, 8g fat, 1g protein, 7g total carb, 4g fiber
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
• 2 ripe avocados
• 2 whole small limes, juiced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, diced
• 2 Tbsp finely diced red onion
• 1/4 to 1/2 jalapeno pepper, de-seeded and minced
• 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tomato chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh with a spoon. Place in a bowl.
2. Using a fork, roughly mash the avocado. Feel free to leave chunky or make it smoother depending on preference.
3. Add remaining ingredients and mix together with a fork or spoon.
Best if served immediately, but it can be stored for up to three days in the refrigerator. Feel free to adjust more or less of the ingredients depending on how spicy or chunky you like your guacamole!
Is Guacamole Good For You?
Guacamole, while not a low-fat or calorie food, can be considered a "good for you" food. Avocados have many health benefits, as they are high in heart-healthy fats and a good source of many vitamins and minerals. In fact, according to a 2005 study, avocados may help increase the absorption of antioxidants from salsa and salad.
A serving of guacamole is around 100 calories, so slathering it on everything can quickly add up. However, eating it as part of a balanced diet can definitely be good for you.
What else makes guacamole good for you? The avocados, garlic, pepper, onion, cilantro, and optional tomato all provide antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, as well as fiber. Four grams of fiber per serving is about 15% Daily Value (DV) and can help anyone reach daily recommended fiber intake.
Making homemade guacamole can help ensure guacamole does not have too much sodium or other preservatives added. Pre-made guacamole from restaurants or bought from stores could be higher in sodium.
4 Ways to Use Guacamole
After you make your guacamole, what do you do with it? Guacamole will not last long in your refrigerator but there are many delicious ways to enjoy it fresh. Use for a quick breakfast staple for busy mornings, feature when hosting a festive party, and so much more!
1. Top All the Tacos
Whether making weeknight tacos for the family or celebrating with a Cinco de mayo party, guac is one of the best toppings for tacos.
Guacamole can be as traditional or versatile as desired, making the flavor of tacos quite flexible. If feeling adventurous, add toppings such as parmesan, fresh mango, and pineapple!
Guacamole can truly be a great addition to breakfast tacos or burritos for a filling and nutritious start to the day.
2. Smear on Sandwiches and Toast
If tacos or burritos are not on the menu, guacamole can still be enjoyed as a spread for a lunchtime sandwich. Or, simply spread it on toast for breakfast!
While avocado toast gets much of the current focus as a trendy breakfast, guacamole toast can be just as nutritious, adaptable, and delicious! Pair with scrambled or hard-boiled eggs and top toast with tomato slices to make a balanced breakfast with guacamole.
3. Add to Salads
As mentioned, adding guacamole to salads can not only be delicious but also help increase the absorption of antioxidants from other vegetables in your salad. Add a tablespoon (or two) to your salad either in addition to or in place of your usual dressing.
4. Use as a Desirable Dip
Besides the classic tortilla chips and guac, which can easily add up to a higher-calorie snack, guacamole can be paired with any veggies you have on hand.
Use guacamole as a dip paired with any fresh cut-up veggies. Pairing with carrots, bell pepper strips, jicama, or cherry tomatoes are a fun and yummy way to get in more veggies and a filling snack.
Healthy, Fun Spins on Guacamole
Traditional guacamole can easily be considered the best guacamole recipe. However, it can be fun to change up guacamole once in a while! These fun spins are nutritious, mouth-watering, and can help feature other fruits and veggies.
Higher Protein Guacamole
If you are looking to eat a higher protein diet, add a spin on traditional guacamole by making edamole, edamame guacamole. This will keep the green color of guacamole, and blending the ingredients gives it the same creamy look and texture. The protein will go from just one gram per serving to a whopping 10 grams per serving!
Another option to boost protein for guacamole is to add a few tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt to the guacamole recipe. This will not only bump up the protein content but will also help make it even creamier.
Add a Pop of Color (and Texture)
Besides adding chopped tomatoes, another summer vegetable could pair well with guacamole: sweet corn. Corn guacamole can be made by simply adding cut grilled corn from the cob into the guacamole mixture.
During the winter months, add a festive pop of red and green by adding some pomegranate arils (seeds) or dried cranberries.
Easy Guacamole Recap
Guacamole is traditionally a staple in Mexican cuisine. However, guacamole's uses have spread to other dishes such as salads, sandwiches, breakfast toast, or as a healthy dip.
Guacamole, especially homemade, can be considered good for you. Most guacamole nutrition specs include heart-healthy fats, fiber, and many nutrients from the avocado.
Guacamole can easily be tailored to preferences for consistency, spice, and even optional, fun additions. Edamame, Greek yogurt, corn, pomegranate, and dried cranberries are unique ideas to try!
