Ina Garten’s Zesty Guacamole Salad Recipe for Summer Fun

Guacamole salad bursts with vibrant colors and zesty flavors that dance across your palate.

Mexican-inspired ingredients blend together in a spirited culinary celebration of fresh produce and bold seasonings.

Summer gatherings find their perfect companion in this lively dish that transforms simple components into something extraordinary.

Crisp vegetables mingle with creamy avocado, creating a harmonious balance of textures and tastes.

Tangy lime and aromatic spices elevate each forkful into a delightful sensory experience.

Nutritious and satisfying, this salad offers a delectable alternative to traditional side dishes.

Bright and refreshing, it promises to become a standout at any meal: dive in and savor every bite!

Guacamole Salad Twists to Explore

• Southwestern Fiesta Salad: Replace black beans with grilled corn and add crispy chorizo crumbles for a bold, spicy Mexican-inspired version.
• Herb Garden Guacamole Salad: Incorporate fresh cilantro, mint, and chives to elevate the herb profile and create a more vibrant, aromatic dish.
• Mediterranean Fusion Salad: Swap jalapeños with kalamata olives, add crumbled feta cheese, and use za'atar seasoning for a Mediterranean-style transformation.
• Protein Power Salad: Mix in grilled chicken or shrimp to make the salad a complete meal with added protein and extra flavor complexity.

Guacamole Salad Wrap-Up

Culinary mavens adore Ina Garten’s guacamole salad for its explosive flavor profile.

Mexican-inspired ingredients dance together in perfect harmony, creating a sensational dish that whispers summer memories.

Zesty lime and robust peppers elevate this salad beyond ordinary expectations.

Color and texture interplay across each delightful bite, promising pure satisfaction.

Fresh ingredients guarantee a memorable dining experience that connects people through shared pleasure.

Foodies, this recipe demands celebration – grab your forks, share the deliciousness, and spread passionate culinary love with everyone eager to savor such remarkable simplicity.

Why Guacamole Salad Is So Addictive

• Bursting with Freshness: Packed with vibrant grape tomatoes, crisp yellow peppers, and zingy red onions, this salad delivers an explosion of garden-fresh flavors in every single bite.
• Protein-Packed Punch: Black beans provide a hearty protein boost, transforming this from a simple side dish into a satisfying and nutritious meal that keeps you full and energized throughout the day.
• Zesty Flavor Explosion: The combination of lime zest, lime juice, cayenne pepper, and jalapeños creates a tangy, spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds and adds excitement to a traditional salad experience.
• Super Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps of chopping, whisking, and tossing, this recipe comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings when you need a delicious dish fast.

What Goes Into This Creamy, Crunchy Dish

• Grape Tomatoes: Bright red color brings juicy sweetness and fresh pop to the salad.
• Red Onion: Sharp flavor adds crisp texture and zesty bite.
• Yellow Pepper: Provides sweet crunch and vibrant color to the mix.
• Black Beans: Hearty protein source with creamy texture and earthy taste.
• Jalapeño Peppers: Adds spicy kick and exciting heat to the salad.

• Lime Zest: Bright citrus aroma that enhances overall freshness.
• Lime Juice: Tangy liquid that balances and brightens the salad flavors.

• Avocados: Rich, buttery fruit that creates smooth and luxurious texture.

• Olive Oil: Smooth base that helps blend and coat all ingredients.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides deep, savory undertone.

• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer for all ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Warm, slightly spicy seasoning that adds depth.
• Cayenne Pepper: Intense heat that provides extra spicy dimension.

How to Toss a Flavor-Packed Guacamole Salad

Step 1: Gather Fresh Ingredients

• Grape tomatoes
• Black beans
• Red onion
• Jalapeño peppers
• Yellow pepper
• Lime
• Avocados

Step 2: Chop and Combine Vegetables

• Grape tomatoes
• Black beans
• Red onion
• Jalapeño peppers
• Yellow pepper

Gently mix the vegetables to create a colorful medley.

Step 3: Whisk Zesty Dressing

• Olive oil
• Fresh lime juice
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Minced garlic
• Cayenne pepper

Blend the ingredients until well incorporated.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

Pour the whisked dressing over the chopped vegetables. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure each piece is coated with the vibrant, spicy mixture.

Step 5: Final Touch with Avocados

Just before serving, slice or cube ripe avocados and gently fold them into the salad. This prevents browning and maintains their creamy texture.

Step 6: Taste and Serve

Do a quick taste test, adjusting seasoning if needed. Serve at room temperature for the best flavor experience.

Tips for Preventing Brown Avocados

• Prep Like a Pro: Cut all vegetables to the same bite-sized pieces, around 1/4 to 1/2 inch, to create a consistent and visually appealing salad.
• Avocado Timing Trick: Slice and add avocados at the last minute to preserve their bright green color and prevent unsightly browning.
• Gentle Mixing Magic: Use a wide spatula or soft tongs to fold ingredients together, keeping the delicate avocado chunks intact and maintaining the salad's rustic charm.
• Salt Boost Strategy: Sprinkle salt on diced vegetables before mixing to help release their natural flavors and enhance the overall taste profile.
• Herb Fresh Factor: Chop fresh cilantro or parsley right before adding to ensure maximum flavor and vibrant green color in the final dish.

Best Ways to Store Without Sogginess

• Seal Tightly: Transfer guacamole salad into a glass container with a secure, airtight lid to prevent browning and preserve crisp vegetable textures. Glass containers create a better seal than plastic and help maintain freshness longer.
• Layer Strategically: Place a sheet of plastic wrap directly on the salad's surface before closing the container, which minimizes air exposure and prevents avocado from oxidizing quickly. This technique helps maintain vibrant colors and prevents discoloration.
• Quick Consumption: Enjoy the salad within 24 hours for optimal taste and texture, as vegetables will gradually lose their crispness and avocado might start breaking down after this period. Fresh ingredients are key to experiencing the salad's authentic, bright flavors.

Ina Garten Guacamole Salad Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ina Garten’s guacamole salad combines zesty Mexican flavors with fresh ingredients. Creamy avocados mingle with crisp vegetables, creating a delightful side dish that brings Southwest charm to your table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fresh Produce:

• 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and ½-inch diced
• ½ cup small diced red onion
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) minced jalapeño peppers, seeded (2 peppers)
• ½ teaspoon freshly grated lime zest
• 2 ripe Hass avocados, seeded, peeled, and ½-inch diced
• ½ teaspoon minced garlic

Protein and Beans:

• 1 (15-ounce/425 grams) can black beans, rinsed and drained

Dressing and Seasonings:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) freshly squeezed lime juice (2 limes)
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) good olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing vessel, combine diced grape tomatoes, rinsed black beans, finely chopped red onion, minced jalapeño peppers, freshly grated lime zest, and diced yellow bell pepper.
2. Create a vibrant dressing by whisking together extra virgin olive oil (30 milliliters), freshly squeezed lime juice, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, minced garlic cloves, and a pinch of cayenne pepper in a separate small bowl.
3. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture, gently tossing to ensure each ingredient is evenly coated and infused with the zesty flavors.
4. Just before serving, carefully fold in ripe, cubed avocados to prevent browning and maintain their creamy texture.
5. Allow the salad to rest momentarily at ambient temperature, which helps the flavors meld and develop a harmonious taste profile. Perform a final seasoning check, adjusting salt and pepper if needed, then serve immediately.

Notes

• Dicing matters big time for consistent bites and beautiful presentation throughout the entire dish.
• Freshness is key, so add creamy avocado slices right before you’re ready to serve to keep that vibrant green color intact.
• Handle the mixture with care, using light folding motions to preserve delicate ingredient structures and prevent unwanted mushing.
• Chilling the salad for 15-20 minutes before serving allows flavors to meld together beautifully and enhances overall taste profile.
• Experiment with different herb combinations like cilantro or parsley to personalize your salad’s final flavor punch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 200 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg