Surprise… this isn’t guacamole!
It sure looks like guacamole. But the secret ingredient in this avocado-free dip is… asparagus?!
Yes, it’s true! And you can use it any way you’d use regular guacamole: as a dip for chips or veggies, spread on a sandwich, as a sauce for pasta or baked potatoes, or plain with a spoon. High in fiber and vitamins, it’s a great way to take advantage of all the nutritional benefits asparagus has to offer.
View Asparagus Guacamole Nutrition Facts
Avocado-Free Guacamole
(Makes about 1 and 3/4 cups)
- 8 oz asparagus (34-36 skinny spears, ends trimmed)
- 1 cup plus 2 tbsps peas (or 5 oz frozen, thawed)
- 2 tbsp mayo, such as Vegenaise, OR homemade Greek yogurt
- Juice of 1/2 a lime
- 1 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp diced red onion (omit if desired)
- optional 2 tsp dry cilantro
- optional sweetener if desired
Steam the asparagus just until soft, then combine all ingredients except onion, and blend in a food processor until very smooth. Stir in onion. Refrigerate until cold. (Or you can steam the asparagus in advance and chill them so your dip will be cold after blending.)
Nutrition facts for the recipe are linked at the beginning of this post.
Avocado is super healthy to begin with, no need to sub!
Hi Olga, Katie subbed with asparagus simply because she doesn’t like avocados!
Yes, sorry for the confusion! I’m definitely a big proponent of getting lots of healthy fats… but I just can’t seem to make myself like avocado. I keep trying, though!
I love the idea of using some asparagus and some avocado for a dip for veggies, etc. I do love avocados — probably too much. This adds a nice variety of nutrients! Can’t wait to try the flavor.
GENIUS, Katie. Pure genius! I’ve seen subbing all peas for the avocados, but not throwing asparagus in the mix too. Guac reminds me of summertime.. and it’s 70 degrees where i am today, so this is perfect.
YES!!! I just picked up asparagus a couple days ago and am always looking for new dip/spread ideas. I love avocado but my body currently is having a hard time digesting fats, so this recipe is perfect! Pretty sure a batch of this will be made by the end of the day. THANK YOU!!
I’m not a fan of giving up guacamole solely because of it’s fat and calorie content (avocados are wonderful for us!), but I’ve been having excruciating stomach aches whenever I eat my beloved fruit (it is a fruit, right?).
This recipe couldn’t have come at a better time. Thanks!
Emily, you may want to check into having an allergy/intolerance. ITs like that for me too. Feels like you’re trying to digest glass shards 🙁
I love avocado, but this is intriguing mainly because this one made with asparagus and peas probably wouldn’t turn dark like “the real stuff”!!!! A real plus if you want to make it ahead!!
So Excited to try this! I’ve tried guaco many times but I can’t seem to develop a taste for avocados. I love asparagus so I’m so gonna be attempting this tonight!!! Only difference is I’ll be cooking the onions (have a friend who’s allergic to raw onions) and maybe try adding some roasted tomatoes!
Mmmm… Yummy looking! I have made pea guacamole. I will have to try it with asparagus!
Ahhhh I love guacamole! But this looks pretty interesting, I might have to try it out since I love asparagus!
I love avocados, but sometimes it is hard to get ripe ones- This is really bad because when I want guacomole I want it now :)!
I will definetly try your version as soon as I get my hands on asparagus (they don’t have season yet over here)
This sounds interesting. One questions though, I am allergic to peas, what could I sub in their place?
Sorry, I don’t know.
you could maybe try subbing soy beans?
I’d stay away from soy as it causes even MORE problems with allergies.