Chunky with a citrus-ey accent or both lime and orange juice plus a hit of spice and just enough girth to make any chip happy, it’s the perfect combo to welcome some spring weather with a few salty corn chips and a nice cold beverage.
If it weren’t for guacamole serving as my avocado gateway, the jury is out on whether I would ever have become an avocado fan. Now, they’re one of my favorite things to eat, so how could it be there was a time I didn’t like them?
Just like artichokes, it wasn’t until I was in my late teens that I finally gave in to even trying avocados. I have no idea where my aversion stemmed from. Maybe I just had an aversion to fruits and veggies that started with the letter A?
There are as many guacamole recipes out there in the world as there are stars in the sky and we all have our favorite, and this chunky homemade version is mine.
My husband came up with this guacamole recipe years ago and it was one of the first recipes I published here on the blog when I announced the first issue of FoodieCrush magazine along with some of my favorite things. But after making this guacamole time and time again, my photos and this post were in need of an update.
Our chunky guacamole is a quick and easy solution to be served at everything from tail gates to wedding showers to easy to pull together Taco Tuesdays. Because who doesn’t love a dip with a chip into amazing guacamole?
But first off, you need to start with near-perfectly ripe avocados.
How to Pick a Ripe Avocado
The almighty avocado. It’s one of nature’s most complete foods thanks to good for you fats, essential fatty acids and phytochemical plus vitamins. It’s a nutritional powerhouse and pretty much has it all going on but choosing a ripe avocado can be a guessing game. If your fruit isn’t ripe enough and you’ll never be able to mash them. Too ripe and the avocado flavor is bitter and the texture mealy. So how to tell if you have a ripe avocado?
- First, gently squeeze an avocado and feel for just a bit of softness and give.
- Then, take a look at the brown nub of the stem and pluck it off. If the stem comes off easily and shows green underneath, the avocado is ripe and ready to eat.
- If it shows brown under the stem, the avocado is likely too ripe and could have dark spots inside.
- If the stem is stubborn and won’t budge, the avocado isn’t ready yet.
About the Recipe
We use a combination of avocados that have been creamed smoother and a few more that are in larger chunks to get just the right ratio per scoop.
Chopped white onion and jalapeño add the heat and bite with a little diced tomato mixed in, with smoked paprika and chili powder sprinkled in to add a smoky, Mexican-flavored bite.
What gives our guacamole a special taste is the addition of fresh orange juice along with lime juice for a creamy, citrusy scoop.
If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a comment below or take a photo and tag me on Instagram with #foodiecrusheats.
- 5 avocados, chopped
- ⅓ cup white onion, diced
- ⅓ cup tomato, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeno, seeds and veins removed and finely diced
- 1 small orange, juiced (1/4 cup)
- 1 lime, juiced (1/8 cup)
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ⅛ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Kosher salt to taste
- Mash three of the avocados in a medium bowl. Add two more chopped avocados to the bowl with the chopped, onion, tomato, garlic and jalapeno. Squeeze the orange and lime juices over the avocado mixture and add the chili powder, smoked paprika and salt. Mix welll. Add more of the juice mixture to taste. Serve with tortilla chips, sliced fresh vegetables or as a topping for a tasty sandwich.
#eatseasonal June
As we have for the past few seasons, Becky of The Vintage Mixer has posted her list of what’s in season to eat now and from that list, has amassed a group of us who are posting #eatseasonal recipes today. Some are some are sweet, some are savory and they’re all in season now.
Rhubarb & Orange Frangipane Galette by Simple Bites
Roasted Strawberry Yogurt Pops by Completely Delicious
Greek Three Bean Salad by Flavor the Moments
Cherry-Rhubarb Pie Bars by Floating Kitchen
Strawberry Lime Chopped Salad by Vintage Mixer
Minty Sweet Pea Hummus by She Likes Food
Simply Strawberry Pie by Joy Food Sunshine
French Green Lentil and Quinoa Salad by Letty’s Kitchen
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What a great post..Dara is looking stellar!
LR 4…please LMK what you think of it and the biggest differences you notice between it and LR 3, which I cant live a day without.
The 5D Mark III…yeah, I know. I need to start playing the lottery, first.
I love everything in this post!
The guac, Dara, Kristen, the magazine, Maria’s book, that guac, the guac, and the guac. Oh! And Mark Bittman. I want to get a beer with him.
I’m loving the chunkiness of the guacamole. I can’t get enough of those stinkin’ avocados.
As far as the format of the magazine – I really liked it the way you did it last time. Having an online version with flippable pages is great and convenient. That way it won’t land in the stack of magazines I always have growing in my house.
Delicious!
Holy cow, girl – you have been busy!! First of all, this guac looks amazing. I have a huge soft spot for guac and can’t get enough of it. And for the mag, I love the online format, and if I had an iPad or nook, I think that would be my first choice. I’m a sucker for print, but I can understand that it would probably be pretty expensive to print, so I’m good with the online copy. Can’t wait for a new issue!
Your guacamole recipe looks amazing. I can taste all the flavors. I loved your magazine. I couldn’t tell you for sure which way would work best but I think any online version is very user friendly. I’d like to be able to do this myself but haven’t quite figured out how yet. Not enough hours in the day for me.
Mark Bittmans book sounds interesting, I haven’t seen it yet. I’ll definitely check it out.
You have so many amazing things going on, Heidi! So many congrats to you and I can’t wait to see what comes next, including another issue of Foodie Crush magazine! I loved the e-version but I think any format would be wonderful. Your work is truly inspiring!
Do you deliver any of this food??
I’m a Guac-aholic and this looks amazing. I think Cinco-de-Mayo will certainly be a good time:-)
I’ve never done orange in guacamole before. You’ve got me intrigued! And good thing I’m making guac tonight! I’ll have to give it a try (as long as I have an orange in the fridge).
omg you are too fabulous for words!
I whipped a little guac to go with my lunch yesterday! Love avocado’s, so versitile and good for ya.
Wow, so many great projects! Look at you go. I’m definitely looking forward to the next Foodiecrush magazine in July– I wish it wasn’t so far away. I liked the format from last time, I’ll just be viewing it on the regular old internet. I might be interested in purchasing a hard copy, but that might depend on the cost. I would be a fun option though.
Love that guac recipe! And I can’t wait for more info on Maria’s cookbook 🙂
I think I could dive head-first into a bowl of that guacamole right about now… it just screams of sunshine and fresh summery flavours, both of which I’m desperately craving at the moment.
BTW, Kirsten and Dara are two of my very favourite bloggers. So lovely to see them featured, and with such beautiful photos to boot!
So glad Smudge is into avocados now! Sounds like you have a fun weekend planned! Good for you! And can I just tell you AGAIN that you are amazing! Cause you are! You have so many fun projects going on! I am excited for the next issue of FoodieCrush! I love the online magazine format, but I will read FoodieCrush in any format. It is the best foodie magazine ever! And yahoo for Cookie Cravings! Can’t wait to start selling our book…and to announce that fun giveaway! Loved reading this post, it made me happy! It is so great to see your success and I love how you always inspire and share the foodie love! You are the best!
Heidi, my dear, you are a powerhouse of energy and creativity. You are seriously an inspiration, my friend and I feel just as lucky to have you in my life. Thanks so much for the mention (and your gorgeous photos – you make me look good). I need to check out that Mark Bittman book for more healthy eating ideas! Plus, the guac will be made in my house soon – it would be perfect scooped over some tilapia.
I loved the first issue, and yes, I would view it on an IPad. It would be beautiful in print format, but I’m cutting down on magazines that I have to store or throw away. The online version is just perfect for me.
I really enjoyed the interview with Kristen! After connecting online for a long time, it was great to see her in person and hear her voice!
Thanks for the guacamole recipe! We feature avocado recipes on our Facebook/Avocados.Direct page, so I have posted a link there. Living on an avocado ranch presents it’s own set of challenges: always having fresh ripe avocados and needing more delicious ways to enjoy them!
You are one incredible woman!!! I don’t know how you do it all. I’m loving all of your projects. Do you sleep? XO
Let’s just say my sleeping pattern has dramatically changed over the past year 🙂 Building a business I a lot like having a newborn with plenty of work that gives lots of joy.
So much goodness all in one blog entry!! I love it all … 😉
This Guac is cooler than pop rocks!! – – I love a good Guacamole and lately I’ve been on a bit of a citrus kick so these are peerrfect!
The guacamole looks delicious! I always seem to have a batch of guacamole in the refrigerator ready for me to dip into. Its my same old, same old recipe so on my next batch I am anxious to give this a try. I loved the debut issue of your magazine. I copy of it on iPad or Nook would be fabulous too even though I loved it just the way it was. Can’t wait for the next issue! 🙂
Great and thanks for your feedback! If you have an iPad, you can view it on the device. But, I’m assessing whether to optimize the magazine in a format more accessible and easily views in the iPad. Thanks!!
Now I am seriously craving guacamole! Just added avocados to my Costco list for tomorrow. Sounds like you are crazy busy; I guess that is a good thing. Thanks for the shout-out for my slow cooker blog, and fun seeing all the things you’re up to!
Costco is the BEST place to buy avos!
Ok, wow, big post!
Yes, I can’t wait for the next issue of Foodie Crush! I thought the first format was wonderful! It was so easy to click-through to read. That said, I’m a bit old fashioned (hello, I’m 27, heh), but I would love a printed-out version. I would pay $3-4/issue for it, too.
Congrats on all the great news! 🙂
So much goodness in one post!!!
Love all of the bloggers you mention! Kristen’s blog was one of the first I ever read. And guac! LOVE, love, love! I’m a little obsessed with it at the moment. 😉
I’m with you. Always obsessed with avocados!
I would love it in nook form! I wasn’t able to see the first one so it would awesome to see it on my nook!!
Have you tried to view it recently? I upgraded the application so you shoul now be able to.
That guacamole is looking really yummy! Can’t wait for the next issue!
I love magazines on my IPad (that way I can keep it around wherever I go!)
Love this guac- looks amazing!
i’d love to be able to read the magazine in a downloadable PDF format.
Thanks for your comment. You actually can download a PDF of the mag for the Issuu page where the magazine lives. Follow the link and it will lead you to it http://www.issuu.com/foodiecrush/docs/foodiecrush-issue01c
Click on the far right icon with the down arrow to download it.
Looks like I better add that option to my site
Yum, I never thought of putting paprika in my guac, but I will now!
I’m excited to see your next issue! I’m a print girl, but I know just what an extra pain (and expense) that would be to produce. I have an ipad around here somewhere, but I never seem to use it.
I’m a print addict too. But doing a full-scale mag on paper is expensive when I can’t afford to do a big run of them. So on-demand might be my only option at this point.
yea, I cannot imagine being able to afford to self-publish a print mag… Not to mention gathering all high res images and pre-pressing that baby… publication design is maybe rewarding to some but the production work that’s involved is really the worst… (in my opinion :).
I’ll read your magazine regardless – I have no problem viewing via Issue.
What a fun post! Inspirational line-up of creative people and projects — love your photography. And I’d never turn down a bit of chunky guac especially smeared on a sandwich or rolled up in some lettuce. The stuff is addicting!
Wow! You are one busy lady. Have fun with Smudge this weekend. I liked reading the magazine online just like the first gorgeous one. Looks like a must try guacamole.
Heidi, I always feel so invigorated, energized and inspired when I read your blog. I love to read about what projects you have in the works. I really enjoyed reading the online version of Foodiecrush Magazine, and I would definitely keep reading it in that format. But I would also be very excited to read it on my iPad. I take my iPad with me often when I’m going to be somewhere for an extended period of time and will need things to read. Thank you for keeping us all posted! xo
Avacado and I have a wonderful relationship, but your recipe made me re-think the way I make guac! I love that you keep this recipe chunky and the orange twist. This looks delicious…I want it on my eggs tomorrow morning!
Love this post! I enjoyed the first issue of Foodie Crush, it would be awesome if I could view it on my Kindle Fire!
Avocados are now on the grocery list! As for Foodie Crush magazine, I like it online.
Hi, Heidi!
Thanks for sharing the Chunky Citrus Guacamole recipe! I saved and printed your recipe. Your instruction is really clear and easy to follow. I can’t wait to make it by myself! 🙂
I’d like to read the magazine from my iPad so I can bring it anywhere, since I’m travelling a lot.
I do love the flippable format you used! And thank you so much for supporting The Food Matters Project, it means the world to us!
Thank you so much for including The Food Matters Project in your post, Heidi! I’m eagerly awaiting the next issue of FoodieCrush, and I’d gladly pay $10 or more for a physical copy (would that be enough?). And lastly, that guac looks incredible. I never thought to add chunks of citrus!
Amazing! All of it!
Made guacamole with a dash of lemon a day before and here is another citrusy treat! Love the foodie friends pictures….they are gorgeous.
What happy news- all of it! Good for you for making a healthy change. Dara’s story really inspired me too. I’ve been diligent about exercising, and I’m totally avoiding carbs and sugar too… but just on my own. The pounds are a droppin’! Good luck!!
This is a wonderful post. I loved each of the photographs, and the recipe specially.
Thanks for sharing.
-Amy
Would LOVE to hold the magazine in my hands! I love reading it no matter what, but would prefer to hold it so I can keep it close by without having my computer and it makes it easy to take pages out to put in my “special” home made recipe book.
Good luck ,Great post,y love you.Thanks for the info it had cleared out too many things in my mind. Your recommendations are really good.
Guac Rules! Thank you for this delicious recipe, will share with other avocado lovers in our FB Page/Recipes and Tips App with an incoming link. #iloveavocados
How did I ever miss this post from MARCH??!! Anyway, just saw this awesome guar on Pinterest so here I am 🙂
Lookin for fantastic low fat recipes?
OMG! I had a time when I didn’t love avocados either and that’s seems so crazy to me now! Love this guacamole with all the extras! Sounds amazing! XOXO!
I could live on guacamole! I learned that trick to test for avocado ripeness a few years ago (looking under the brown “nub”) and it has definitely helped me waste less $$ on not-so-great avocados! 🙂 I am definitely going to try this recipe, the idea of adding orange juice sounds SO yummy!
I never ate avocados growing up and now guacamole is one of my favorite things on the planet! I’ve never tried using orange juice in it, and I love that you added those warm spices. Great tips on picking out the perfect avocado too…I will have to try the stem trick!
I’ve never added orange juice to my guacamole, but since we’re such avocado fanatics here, I’ll be adding it to the next batch (probably tomorrow, lol!)
I could eat the entire bowl in one sitting. Love the orange addition. Pinning!
Love that you made guacamole refreshing! I would eat SOOO much of this!
I love that citrus kick, what a killer guacamole recipe!`
I bet this tastes amazing! I’ll be finding out this week as it’s on the list!
I’m pretty sure it took guacamole to get me to be an avocado fan too! I love the citrus in here, it’s perfect for summer dipping!
Amazing article thanks or sharing..