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.
I’m always one to experiment with veggie purees, and asparagus adds a nice depth to a lot of recipes. This is definitely a great spin on the traditional substitution of peas for part of the guacamole recipe!
Lol I’m imagining some smelly pee. This is a great recipe since asparagus will be in season soon! I do love guacamole and I think it’s interesting that the “moles” are named by what region in Mexico their from. I also like Mexican food, but not always in the mood for it 🙂
Xo!
Guacamole is one of my favorites – I can’t image living without it. Or swapping out asparagus for that matter…but I do love guac, and I do love asparagus, so maybe the asparagus version can’t be all that bad!
So I have a major love affair with avocados, but I’ve tried subbing out ingredients (like Isa’s edamame version) just for fun. The alternative guacs I’ve tried have been tasty, so I’d like to try this. It’s fun to mix things up sometimes. However, all these people who don’t like avocados?! What?! Just craziness.
I love that you’re doing more non-dessert recipes!
Sounds interesting to use asparagus. I love avocados and mexican food but it’s always nice to try different ingredients. Otherwise life would be boring…..
Awesome! I love a good guac with avocado but this sounds like a fun switch up!
I love mexican and I love guacamole too. But I also have made a guac using peas and I like your suggestion with aspargus! Can’t wait to try it. 🙂
What a fun twist on guac! I love asparagus but have never thought of blending it like that.
Oh honey… you don’t like guac?!? Do you like avocados?? I could probably eat avocados (or guacamole!) every day, YUMMERS. And I’ve never eaten it in Texas but San Diego has some dang good Mexican food also 😉 I’m interested to try this dip, thank you, I love your savory postings!
I don’t :(.
Someone suggested trying them in a smoothie, so I might have to try that.
You want to like avocado?? Try this smoothie:
Apples,
Spinach,
Beetroot,
Cucumber,
Avocado
Seriously it is good!! Doesn’t matter how much of each – just see what works for you – it should be a deep pink-red colour. Let me know if you try it 🙂
Jade C.
Just be sure to COOK or steam the spinach first, as the oxalic acid found in raw spinach can cause gall bladder and kidney problems. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) can contain up to 6,580 parts per million. Cooking doe not eliminate it, but does reduce it.