It’s National Guacamole Day!

Chances are, you don’t need an excuse to dig into a bowl of guacamole with your favorite chip. This dip is enjoyed year-round but is especially popular as a summer snack and on Cinco de Mayo. That’s why you might be surprised to learn that National Guacamole Day actually rolls around each fall!

When is National Guacamole Day? That’s easy – it always falls on September 16. If you’re ready to go green this September and give this dish the attention it deserves, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn more about the health benefits of guacamole and some of our favorite recipes.

Health Benefits of Guacamole

We don’t need to tell you that the first and most important ingredient for guacamole is avocado. That’s why many of the health benefits of guacamole are the same as this green and naturally creamy fruit.

A single, 3.4-ounce (often about half a medium-sized avocado) is packed with Vitamin K, Folate, Vitamin C, and Potassium (even more than what’s in a banana!), among other nutrients. It’s also a high-fat food, in fact, 77% of the total calories in it are from fat! But even though it’s one of the naturally fattiest foods in existence, the majority of it is oleic acid. This monounsaturated fatty acid is also what you find in olive oil, and can help reduce inflammation, and is considered a heart-healthy fat.

This also means that guacamole, when eaten in moderation, is a great, healthy snack. It’s often much lower in calories than other dips, sauces, and condiments and the amount of fiber and fat in avocados make this a very filling appetizer or side. Guacamole can be one of the healthiest dip options around when it is made with fresh veggies (like cherry tomatoes and jalapeno), herbs like cilantro, and a fresh squeeze of lime. However, be cautious of any pre-made dips that may contain added ingredients like sour cream, mayo, or preservatives.

Guacamole Recipes and Tips

When it comes to guacamole, it seems like everyone has their own favorite recipe or go-to brand. But whether you want to up your dip game or make this side for the very first time, we have some tips for how to make guacamole that can help!

There are a handful of guacamole ingredients that are included in nearly every recipe, they are:

• Ripe avocados, for obvious reasons
• Fresh chopped cilantro
• Chopped, raw white onion (or red)
• Seeded and diced jalapeno (if you like spice)
• Squeeze of lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

Of course, that’s a basic, easy guacamole recipe. But you can also elevate this dip with the addition of extra veggies, spices, and even seasonal fruits. Here are just a few ways to add a little something extra to a baseline guacamole recipe:
Make it tropical with the addition of sweet pineapple or even fresh mango. The addition of these fruits is perfect for a summertime guac.

Add in cherry tomatoes for a more bright, acidic bite as well as some more color. Roasted corn is another great savory summer addition.

Fall is also pumpkin season, and the addition of roasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) pairs great with chunky guacamole.

Adding cheddar cheese to your guacamole is surprisingly satisfying. Try it for yourself!

Bacon makes everything better! Adding chopped-up bacon bits is a great way to add some crunch and extra savory goodness.

If you really love spice, add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to your guacamole for an added kick.

Spices like garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, or even paprika can add another dimension of flavor.

There are really no rules when it comes to making the perfect guac. Try out some of these flavor combinations to create your own guacamole recipe that satisfies your taste buds!

And, of course, avocados can be used for a lot more than just guacamole. Check out other fun recipes that showcase avocados!

But after you’ve made a bowl of this treat, do you know how you’ll eat it? While tortilla chips and guacamole are a classic pair, there are also plenty of creative ways to enjoy this dip. Here are just a few to consider:

• Make guacamole the star of your veggie plate. Simply cut up carrots, peppers, celery, and more, and enjoy dipping them into your homemade, heart-healthy dip.
• Top your burger with the avocado spread. It pairs great with tomatoes, lettuce, and can replace cheese or mayo.
• Of course, don’t forget to use it as a side during taco (or enchilada) night.
• Craving some sushi too? Try your hand at making a sushi burrito where guacamole is still the star.
• We’ve all heard of avocado toast (and don’t get us wrong – it’s definitely delicious!). Elevate your game by adding guacamole to your favorite breakfast sandwich or grilled cheese for an even better bite!
• Create your own burrito bowl at home with guacamole right on top.

Snap Kitchen also offers many meals that go great with a side of guac, like our Chicken Burrito Bowl or Chicken Tinga with Fire-Roasted Corn. See our full list of meals that you can enjoy on  National Guacamole Day so you don’t need to worry about cooking on this very important day.

Want to learn more about this tasty and versatile superfruit? Curious about other holidays you can celebrate with Snap? Check out the Snap Kitchen blog for more!