Avocado, tomato and chilies are essential ingredients in guacamole.
Guacamole, a creamy blend of smashed avocado, onion, chili pepper and other ingredients, dates back to the culinary influences of the Aztec Indians. The ancient Mexican culture prized the avocado, the central ingredient of guacamole, as an aphrodisiac, but today the pale green fruit is recognized as a rich resource of potassium, fiber and other essential vitamins. Although it is often served as an appetizer with salted tortilla chips, guacamole goes well with a variety of foods and dishes.
Relish Trays
Skip the ranch dressing or French onion dip for a relish tray in favor of guacamole.
Balance a relish tray of carrot and celery sticks, cherry tomatoes, sliced red peppers and other fresh veggies with a bowl of guacamole. Dip the healthy snacks straight into the guacamole or provide a utensil for spooning the avocado mixture onto individual plates.
Pita Points
Mexican and Mediterranean culinary traditions blend together with a snack of pita and guacamole.
Serve nutrient-rich guacamole with whole wheat pita bread, which is high in fiber and lower in calories than chips or crackers. Slice the pita rounds into triangles, also known as pita points, for dipping.
Burritos
Guacamole adds flavor and moisture to a burrito.
Enliven a bean or beef burrito with a dollop of guacamole. Balance the spiciness of the main protein with the cool, refreshing flavors of guacamole. Add extra guacamole to moisten an otherwise dry burrito.
Sauce
Dress grilled cuts of meat, such as flank steak or chicken, with guacamole. Add color and flavor to the grilled meat with a spoon full of guacamole while also adding a serving of fruits and vegetables to balance the protein source.
Tags: guacamole Balance, relish tray