Guacamole. Is there anything it doesn’t make better? This vibrant, creamy dip, made from mashed avocados, lime juice, cilantro, onion, and chili, has become a global favorite. But while most of us are familiar with the classic pairing of guacamole and tortilla chips, its versatility extends far beyond the snack aisle. This article will explore the delicious world of guacamole pairings, uncovering the best foods to complement its unique flavor profile, and hopefully inspire you to experiment beyond the usual suspects. Guacamole’s creamy texture and vibrant flavors make it an exceptional complement to a diverse array of dishes, from classic Mexican fare to unexpected global cuisines, truly demonstrating what food goes well with guacamole.
The Classic Companions: Guacamole’s Tried-and-True Partners
The Inevitable Tortilla Chips
Let’s start with the obvious: tortilla chips. This is the quintessential guacamole pairing, and for good reason. The salty crunch of the chips perfectly complements the creamy smoothness of the guacamole, creating a delightful textural contrast. But even within the world of tortilla chips, there’s room for exploration. White corn chips offer a clean, classic taste, while yellow corn chips provide a slightly sweeter flavor. Blue corn chips add a visual appeal and a subtle earthy note. And for those looking for a bit more excitement, flavored tortilla chips, like lime or chili-lime, can enhance the guacamole experience. For a healthier twist, consider plantain chips or sweet potato chips; their subtle sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory guacamole, expanding what food goes well with guacamole, even in the chip category.
Tacos and Burritos: A Match Made in Mexican Heaven
Guacamole is an essential component of many Mexican dishes, particularly tacos and burritos. It adds a creamy richness and a burst of fresh flavor that elevates these dishes to new heights. When it comes to tacos, carne asada, carnitas, and fish tacos all benefit from a generous dollop of guacamole. The creamy coolness of the guacamole helps to balance the often spicy flavors of the fillings, creating a harmonious blend of tastes and textures. In burritos, guacamole acts as a sort of glue, holding all the ingredients together while adding a layer of creamy deliciousness. Furthermore, guacamole’s healthy fats create a more satiating and satisfying meal, really amplifying what food goes well with guacamole when considering a full meal experience.
Quesadillas: Creamy, Cheesy Perfection
The combination of melty cheese, warm tortillas, and creamy guacamole is simply irresistible. Quesadillas are a blank canvas for flavor, and guacamole adds a touch of freshness and complexity that takes them to the next level. Whether you’re filling your quesadilla with chicken, steak, or mushrooms, guacamole will enhance the flavor of the fillings. The creaminess of the guacamole also complements the richness of the cheese, creating a truly decadent and satisfying snack or meal. Consider adding some pico de gallo for an added burst of freshness and texture, making what food goes well with guacamole even more dynamic.
Beyond the Border: Unexpected Guacamole Pairings
Grilled Meats: A Cool Contrast
Guacamole isn’t just for Mexican food. It can also be a fantastic accompaniment to grilled meats. The cool and refreshing nature of guacamole provides a welcome contrast to the smoky, savory flavors of grilled steak, chicken, or fish. Imagine a perfectly grilled piece of salmon topped with a dollop of guacamole – the richness of the salmon is balanced by the bright, fresh flavors of the guacamole. Or consider a juicy skirt steak marinated in a blend of herbs and spices, served with a side of guacamole for dipping. The possibilities are endless, allowing the versatility of what food goes well with guacamole to truly shine.
Eggs: A Breakfast Upgrade
Start your day with a healthy and flavorful boost by adding guacamole to your eggs. Whether you prefer scrambled eggs, omelets, or breakfast burritos, guacamole will add a creamy texture and a vibrant flavor that will wake up your taste buds. Guacamole also provides a dose of healthy fats, which will keep you feeling full and satisfied throughout the morning. Try guacamole toast with a fried egg for a simple yet satisfying breakfast, or add it to your favorite breakfast burrito for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess. This pairing is a prime example of what food goes well with guacamole in the morning.
Salads: A Creamy Dressing Alternative
Tired of the same old salad dressings? Try using guacamole as a creamy and flavorful alternative. Guacamole can be used as a dressing on its own, or it can be mixed with a little lime juice and olive oil to create a thinner, more pourable dressing. Guacamole pairs particularly well with salads that contain grilled corn, black beans, and tomatoes. A Southwest salad with grilled chicken, black beans, corn, and a generous dollop of guacamole is a healthy and delicious meal. The possibilities are endless. Exploring these options clearly illustrates what food goes well with guacamole beyond the typical boundaries.
Burgers: Adding a Southwestern Twist
Elevate your burger game by adding a layer of guacamole between the patty and the bun. The guacamole adds a creamy texture and a Southwestern flavor that will make your burger truly memorable. Top your burger with bacon, pepper jack cheese, and grilled onions for a truly decadent experience. The combination of the savory burger, the creamy guacamole, and the spicy pepper jack cheese is simply irresistible. This simple addition can completely transform a standard burger, showcasing what food goes well with guacamole when you need a little kick.
Seafood: A Refreshing Companion
Guacamole is a surprisingly delicious pairing with seafood. It provides a cool and refreshing contrast to the delicate flavors of shrimp ceviche, grilled fish, and seafood tacos. The creaminess of the guacamole also complements the texture of the seafood, creating a delightful culinary experience. Whether you’re enjoying a light and refreshing ceviche or a hearty seafood taco, guacamole will elevate the dish to new heights. This pairing highlights that what food goes well with guacamole isn’t limited to just meat-centric dishes.
Guacamole as a Condiment/Topping: Creative Applications
Nachos: Taking Them to the Next Level
Transform your nachos from ordinary to extraordinary by adding a generous dollop of guacamole. The creamy texture and fresh flavor of guacamole add a layer of richness and complexity that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s a fantastic addition to any nacho setup, providing both texture and flavor depth.
Baked Potatoes: A Healthy and Flavorful Topping
Skip the butter and sour cream and top your baked potato with guacamole instead. Guacamole is a healthy and flavorful alternative that will add a dose of healthy fats and nutrients to your meal. The creamy texture of the guacamole also complements the starchy texture of the potato, creating a satisfying and delicious combination. It is a great way to lighten up a traditionally heavy dish, while still maintaining robust flavor, further proving what food goes well with guacamole.
Sandwiches/Wraps: Adding Moisture and Flavor
Guacamole can be used as a spread on sandwiches and wraps, adding moisture and flavor. It’s a great alternative to mayonnaise or other condiments, and it’s packed with healthy fats and nutrients. Whether you’re making a turkey sandwich, a veggie wrap, or a grilled chicken panini, guacamole will add a touch of deliciousness.
Pizza: A Surprisingly Delicious Twist
While it might sound unconventional, guacamole can be a surprisingly delicious topping for pizza. The cool and refreshing flavors of the guacamole provide a welcome contrast to the warm, cheesy pizza. It works particularly well with vegetarian pizzas or pizzas topped with grilled chicken. The key is to add the guacamole after the pizza has been baked, so it doesn’t get too warm. This unexpected combination truly highlights what food goes well with guacamole can mean exploring outside the box.
Tips for Making the Perfect Guacamole (and Pairing it!)
The key to a perfect guacamole starts with using ripe avocados. Look for avocados that are slightly soft to the touch but not mushy. Avoid avocados that are too hard or have dark spots. Once you have your avocados, it’s important to balance the flavors. Lime juice is essential for preventing browning and adding a touch of acidity. Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients. Cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous note. And onion adds a bit of sharpness. For those who like a little heat, chili peppers can be added to taste. Adjust the amount of each ingredient to suit your personal preferences.
Freshness is key when it comes to guacamole. The best guacamole is made fresh just before serving. This ensures that the flavors are at their peak and that the guacamole doesn’t have a chance to brown. When serving guacamole, consider the temperature and the garnishes. Guacamole is best served slightly chilled. Garnishes like cilantro sprigs and lime wedges can add a touch of visual appeal.
Conclusion
As we’ve explored, guacamole is far more than just a dip for tortilla chips. Its creamy texture, vibrant flavors, and nutritional benefits make it a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of dishes. From classic Mexican fare to unexpected global cuisines, guacamole has the power to elevate any meal. Now that you know the secrets of what food goes well with guacamole, it’s time to experiment with different pairings and discover your own favorite combinations. Share your favorite guacamole pairings in the comments below!
Ultimately, guacamole is a food that brings people together. Its delicious flavor and versatility make it a welcome addition to any gathering. So, grab some avocados, gather your friends and family, and enjoy the simple pleasure of a perfectly prepared bowl of guacamole. The enduring appeal of guacamole and its ability to elevate any meal is undeniable, and expanding our knowledge of what food goes well with guacamole only enhances our appreciation for this culinary staple.
