Ina Garten’s Guacamole Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish that combines the creamy texture of avocados with the crunch of fresh vegetables and a zesty lime dressing. This salad is perfect for summer gatherings, light lunches, or as a side dish for grilled meats and tacos.

What is Ina Garten Guacamole Salad?

Guacamole Salad is a deconstructed version of classic guacamole, featuring diced avocados, tomatoes, corn, and red onions tossed in a tangy lime dressing. Instead of mashing, the ingredients are left in chunks, creating a refreshing salad with bold flavors.

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Guacamole Salad

Fresh and flavorful: A mix of creamy avocados, crisp vegetables, and zesty dressing.
Quick and easy: Takes just minutes to prepare with simple ingredients.
Healthy and nutritious: Packed with fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins.
Versatile serving options: Works as a side, dip, or topping for grilled meats.
Great for gatherings: A colorful, crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Guacamole Salad

2 large ripe avocados, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh or frozen corn (thawed if frozen)
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 yellow bell pepper, diced
1/4 red onion, finely chopped
1 small jalapeño, minced (optional, for spice)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Dressing:

3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Guacamole Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

Whisk the ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and cumin.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

Chop the vegetables: Dice the avocados, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
Add the corn and jalapeño: Mix in the corn and minced jalapeño for an extra kick.
Combine in a bowl: Toss all the ingredients together in a large salad bowl.

Step 3: Toss with Dressing

Drizzle the dressing: Pour the lime dressing over the salad.
Gently mix: Toss lightly to coat without mashing the avocados.

Step 4: Serve

Garnish and enjoy: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Guacamole Salad

Grilled meats: Pairs well with grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp.
Tacos and fajitas: A perfect topping for Mexican-inspired dishes.
Tortilla chips: Serve as a chunky dip for added crunch.
Rice bowls: Complements rice and grain-based dishes.
Quesadillas: A fresh side for cheesy quesadillas or enchiladas.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Guacamole Salad

Use ripe avocados: Choose avocados that are firm yet slightly soft when pressed.
Add lime juice early: Helps prevent the avocados from browning.
Customize the spice level: Adjust jalapeño or add red pepper flakes for heat.
Serve fresh: Best enjoyed immediately to keep the avocados from becoming mushy.
Mix gently: Toss carefully to avoid breaking up the avocado pieces.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Guacamole Salad

Black bean addition: Add 1/2 cup of black beans for extra protein.
Mango twist: Toss in diced mango for a tropical touch.
Feta cheese: Sprinkle with crumbled feta for a salty contrast.
Greek-inspired version: Add cucumbers and olives for a Mediterranean spin.
Crunchy texture: Mix in toasted pepitas or sunflower seeds.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Guacamole Salad

Refrigerate leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
Prevent browning: Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before refrigerating.
Do not freeze: Avocados lose their texture when frozen.

FAQs

How do I keep avocado from turning brown in guacamole salad?

To prevent browning, toss the avocado with lime juice before mixing it into the salad. Storing the salad with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface also helps reduce oxidation.

Can I make guacamole salad ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best to add the avocado just before serving. You can chop the other ingredients and mix the dressing in advance, then combine everything right before eating.

What can I substitute for cilantro in guacamole salad?

If you don’t like cilantro, fresh parsley or green onions make great substitutes while still adding freshness to the salad.

Is guacamole salad healthy?

Yes, guacamole salad is packed with healthy fats from avocados, fiber-rich vegetables, and an antioxidant-rich lime dressing, making it a nutritious and wholesome dish.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Guacamole Salad is a fresh and flavorful dish that takes classic guacamole to the next level.

Try it today and add a vibrant touch to your meal!