Everyone loves a good plate of guac and chips—but sticking with old avocado and tortilla chips can get stale. Luckily, there are tons of delicious ways to spice up your “go to” guac dip, and these are all packed with nutrition and flavor.
We could go on and on about the benefits of avocados—that avo’ craze is real. As it’s high in heart-healthy fats, magnesium and potassium to fight muscle soreness, and protein to boost satiety and keep you full longer, there’s no reason not to dip into a bowl of guacamole for a satisfying snack.
And, what’s more, you can always use this spread for toast toppings, salad dressing, and even soups. Here, food bloggers share their favorite recipes you’ll want to stash in your repertoire.
MANGO
Chicago Chef and food blogger Laura of A beautiful Plate shares her tips for adding a fruity, citrusy zest to standard guacamole.
Simply adding in ripened mango, as well as crunchy jicama, onion, and cilantro, it amplifies the flavor and gives this dish a summery spin. You can also squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice on top for more acidity.
A tip: Cut the mango before peeling, unless you’re looking to lose a finger. And, place mango (and even avocado) in a brown paper bag to speed the ripening process.
JALAPENO
Looking for something spicy? Try this guacamole recipe from food blogger Natasha at Salt & Lavender featuring—you guessed it—jalapeno.
What’s more, you can even toss in the seeds to take the level of spiciness even further. And, by adding in chopped jalapeno, you’re increasing your metabolism, which can aid in weight loss and management (another bonus beyond mere taste, of course).
A tip: A good avocado should have a green coloring on top, not brown. And, it should give a little if you gently pull.
GRAINS
Did you ever think to add some grains to your standard guacamole recipe? It’s definitely worth considering.
Lauren Harris-Pincus, MS, RDN, author of The Protein-Packed Breakfast Club suggests adding hemp hearts to guacamole spreads, along with black beans, to create a protein-rich and dense dip to quench your hunger.
Hemp hearts are high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats, so not only are you adding a rougher, grainier texture to your dip, but you’re also reaping even greater health benefits, she says.
Another option? Try quinoa, buckwheat, kamut, or bulgur. And, if you want to keep standard guacamole but want a bit of grains on the side, consider spreading it on a slice of toast.
HOT SAUCE
Sometimes condiments can really elevate the flavor profile of your dish, and when it comes to guac, a few drops of hot sauce can take your recipe from basic to boom.
“To spice up my standard guac recipe, I add red pepper flakes, sriracha, buffalo sauce or harissa for an extra kick (and a few extra calories burned thanks to the additional heat),” says Harris-Pincus.
CHICKEN SAUSAGE
While any type of meat or protein (like tofu) will do, adding in BBQ chicken sausage to standard guac can make for a sweet and smoky combination that’s unique and filling—appealing to all those crazy carnivores out there, too.
Here, personal trainer and blogger at Suzlyfe, Susie Lemmer shares her recipe for this beefed up, spicy avo’ dip.
With lean, skinless chicken meat and a few spices, like onion, cumin, red pepper, garlic and jalapeño, it’s going to need a glass of water by its side for a cool down.
And, with just 15 minutes of a wait, it’s easy to whip up when you’ve got an avocado hankering.
We’d love to hear your favorite ways to use our favorite green fruit, the avocado. Please share below!