Zesty Guacamole🥗 Side

Name: Zesty Guacamole
Prep time: 20 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 4 ripe avocados, halved, seeded and peeled; 1/3 cup red or white onion, finely chopped; 1/2 bunch cilantro leaves, finely chopped; 2 tsp lime zest; 3 tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed; 1 jalapeño pepper, finely diced, optional; 1 clove garlic, finely grated; kosher salt, to taste; black pepper, to taste; 1 Roma tomato, seeded and diced, optional

This is the ultimate avocado dip formula featuring perfectly ripe avocados combined with jalapeño, garlic, tomato, onion, cilantro, and both lime juice and zest. Incredibly delicious and bursting with flavor!

By Priya Patel, Recipe Curator

Prep: 20 minServes: 8

vegetarian vegan gluten-free quick Mexican appetizer dip

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There's a reason guacamole disappears within minutes at any gathering—when it's made with fresh, quality ingredients and just the right balance of flavors, it becomes absolutely irresistible. The secret lies in using avocados at their peak ripeness and adding lime zest along with the juice, which brings a bright, aromatic dimension that elevates this dip far beyond basic mashed avocados.

The key to perfect texture is knowing when to stop mashing. You'll want to leave some chunky pieces of avocado for visual appeal and textural contrast, rather than creating a completely smooth paste. When adding your jalapeño, taste a small piece first—heat levels vary dramatically from pepper to pepper. If you're serving a crowd with mixed spice preferences, consider reserving half the batch before adding the jalapeño, then stirring it into just one portion.

To keep your guacamole from browning if you need to make it slightly ahead, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to eliminate air exposure, though this dip truly shines when served immediately after preparation. Consider setting out extra lime wedges, crumbled cotija cheese, or toasted pepitas on the side so guests can customize their chips. This guacamole also makes an excellent topping for tacos, burrito bowls, or grilled fish, transforming simple weeknight meals into something special.

Ingredients

4 ripe avocados, halved, seeded and peeled
1/3 cup red or white onion, finely chopped
1/2 bunch cilantro leaves, finely chopped
2 tsp lime zest
3 tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed
1 jalapeño pepper, finely diced, optional
1 clove garlic, finely grated
kosher salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
1 Roma tomato, seeded and diced, optional

Nutrition (Per 8 servings)*

120

Calories

Protein

Carbs

11g

Fat

Fiber

10mg

Sodium

* AI-estimated values only — not a substitute for professional nutrition labeling.

Instructions

Place avocados in a medium bowl; using a large fork, mash until chunky or desired consistency is reached.
Stir in onion, cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, jalapeño and garlic; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Stir in tomatoes, if using.
Serve immediately.