Guacamole. Just the word conjures up images of vibrant green dips, bursting with fresh flavors. For many, guacamole is more than just a dip; it’s a culinary love affair. If you’re in the guac-obsessed club, you’re likely always looking for new and exciting ways to enjoy it beyond the basic tortilla chip. Good news! Guacamole is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a wide array of snacks and dishes.
Ready to elevate your guacamole game and discover the best pairings? Let’s dive into a list of delicious options that will make your taste buds sing and keep you coming back for more.
Crunchy & Classic Guacamole Companions
When you think of guacamole, crunchy dippers are probably the first things that come to mind. And for good reason! The creamy, rich texture of guacamole is perfectly balanced by a satisfying crunch.
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Tortilla Chips: Let’s start with the obvious, but don’t underestimate the power of a good tortilla chip. Whether they’re classic yellow corn, white corn, or even blue corn, tortilla chips are the quintessential guacamole vessel. For an extra layer of flavor, try lime-flavored or lightly salted chips. Explore different textures too – from thin and crispy to sturdy and scoop-shaped.
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Vegetable Sticks: Looking for a healthier and equally crunchy option? Raw vegetables are fantastic with guacamole. Think beyond just carrots and celery!
- Carrots: Sweet and crunchy, carrots provide a delightful contrast to the richness of guacamole.
- Celery: Celery’s mild flavor and crispness make it a refreshing pairing.
- Cucumbers: Cool and hydrating, cucumber sticks offer a light and fresh bite.
- Bell Peppers: Choose your color! Red, yellow, or orange bell peppers add sweetness and a satisfying crunch.
- Radishes: For a slightly peppery kick, try radishes. Their crispness is excellent with guacamole.
- Jicama: This “Mexican yam” offers a unique, slightly sweet, and incredibly crunchy texture, perfect for scooping up guacamole. Cut jicama into sticks or “fries” for dipping.
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Plantain Chips: If you’re a fan of sweet and savory combinations, plantain chips are a must-try with guacamole. Their slightly sweet and sturdy nature holds up well to the dip, creating a tropical-inspired snack.
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Sweet Potato Chips or Fries: Similar to plantain chips, sweet potato chips bring a touch of sweetness that complements the savory guacamole. For a more substantial snack, try sweet potato fries. The soft inside and crispy outside are a delightful textural contrast.
Savory & Protein-Packed Guacamole Pairings
Guacamole isn’t just for dipping! It can also be a fantastic complement to savory and protein-rich foods, adding healthy fats and flavor to your snacks or meals.
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Bacon: Yes, bacon! Crispy, salty bacon dipped in creamy guacamole might sound unconventional, but the flavor combination is surprisingly addictive. The saltiness of the bacon and the richness of the avocado create a truly indulgent snack. Turkey bacon or sugar-free bacon options are great choices too.
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Deli Meat Rolls: For a quick and protein-packed snack, roll up slices of deli meat with a dollop of guacamole in the center. Choose lean options like turkey breast, roast beef, or ham. Look for deli meats with minimal additives and sodium for a healthier choice.
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Hard-boiled Eggs: Hard-boiled eggs and guacamole are a surprisingly harmonious pairing. Try dipping egg wedges into guacamole or topping halved eggs with a spoonful of the green goodness. This combination provides healthy fats and protein, making for a satisfying and nutritious snack. Have you ever seen deviled eggs made with guacamole? That’s inspiration right there!
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Grilled or Roasted Meats: Guacamole isn’t just for snacks! It’s an excellent topping for grilled chicken, steak, fish, or shrimp. The cool and creamy guacamole adds a refreshing element to grilled meats, cutting through the richness and adding a burst of flavor.
Unexpected & Delicious Guacamole Adventures
Ready to venture outside the box? These unexpected pairings might surprise you and become your new guacamole favorites!
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Apples: Sweet and savory lovers, rejoice! Apples and guacamole are an unexpectedly delicious combination. The crisp sweetness of apples, like Honeycrisp or Fuji, is fantastic with the savory, creamy guacamole. Try sliced apples as dippers – you might be surprised how much you love it! This pairing works on the same principle as apples and cheese, or apples and peanut butter – the sweet and savory balance is simply irresistible.
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Rice Cakes: If you’re looking for a gluten-free and versatile base, whole brown rice cakes are a great option. Choose a brand that’s known for being crunchy rather than just dry and puffy. Spread guacamole on top of a rice cake for a light lunch or snack.
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Crackers and Breadsticks: Don’t limit yourself to just chips! A variety of crackers, from whole-wheat to seed crackers, and crispy breadsticks are excellent for scooping up guacamole. Experiment with different flavors and textures to find your favorites.
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Jicama Fries: We mentioned jicama sticks for dipping, but take it a step further and make jicama fries! Baked or air-fried jicama fries are a healthy and delicious alternative to potato fries and pair wonderfully with guacamole. The slight sweetness of jicama comes out even more when cooked, creating a truly unique and flavorful pairing.
Delicious guacamole platter with bacon, jicama, deli meat, plantain chips, apples, rice cakes, carrots, hard-boiled eggs, and sweet potato chips, showcasing perfect pairings for your avocado dip.
Time to Get Dipping!
Guacamole’s creamy texture and vibrant flavor make it a fantastic partner for so many different foods. From classic crunchy chips and veggies to more adventurous pairings like bacon and apples, the possibilities are endless. So next time you have a bowl of guacamole, don’t be afraid to experiment and try some of these delicious pairings. You might just discover your new favorite snack!
What are your go-to pairings with guacamole? Let us know in the comments below!
