Game Day Guacamole Salsa

The first time I brought this guacamole to a Super Bowl party, my friend Sarah literally hovered over the bowl the entire first quarter. She kept asking what I put in it, and when I finally revealed the fresh salsa layer, her eyes lit up like she had just discovered a secret.

Last year during playoffs, I made triple batch and still ran out halfway through the fourth quarter. Now I always make double what I think I need because people somehow find their way to the guacamole table even if they swore they were not hungry.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe avocados: Look for ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure but still feel firm. Overripe avocados turn into mush instead of creamy perfection.
• 1 lime juiced: Fresh squeezed matters here. Bottled juice has this weird aftertaste that ruins the bright citrus note.
• 1 small garlic clove: Mince it as finely as possible. Nobody wants an overwhelming raw garlic chunk surprise.
• 1/4 cup red onion: Soak the chopped onion in cold water for 10 minutes if you want to mellow the sharp bite.
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro: Some people say it tastes like soap but it adds that unmistakable fresh brightness that guacamole needs.
• 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper: Season generously but taste as you go. Cold foods need slightly more seasoning than hot ones.
• 2 medium tomatoes: Remove the watery seeds before dicing. Nobody wants soggy guac.
• 1 jalapeño: Wear gloves when chopping. Learned this the hard way before a date once.
• 1 tbsp lime juice: This ties the salsa flavors together and helps those tomatoes release their juices slightly.

Instructions

Prep the avocados:

Cut each avocado lengthwise around the pit, twist to separate halves, and carefully remove pits with your knife. Scoop flesh into a medium bowl using a large spoon.

Mash the base:

Add lime juice, garlic, onion, cilantro, salt, and pepper directly to the avocados. Mash with a fork until mostly creamy but still with small chunks of avocado visible throughout.

Make the salsa:

In a separate small bowl, combine diced tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until everything is evenly distributed.

Layer it up:

Spread your guacamole into a serving bowl using the back of a spoon. Spoon the salsa mixture evenly over the top, creating this beautiful red on green presentation.

Get dipping:

Serve immediately with sturdy tortilla chips that can handle the weight of both layers. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld together.

Save

My cousin refuses to eat guacamole any other way now. She says the regular stuff feels incomplete, like missing the punchline to a joke you were really enjoying.

Making It Ahead

You can prep both components separately up to 4 hours before serving. Keep the guacamole pressed tightly with plastic wrap directly against the surface to prevent browning, and store the salsa in a separate container. Layer them just before guests arrive.

Chip Strategy

Thick restaurant style chips work best here because they need to be strong enough to scoop through both layers. Flimsy grocery store chips will snap and leave your guests disappointed.

Serving Like A Pro

Set up your guacamole station with both mild and spicy options nearby. Some people want heat and others prefer gentle flavors. Keep a small bowl of extra lime wedges on hand for guests who like to customize their dip.

• Offer a spoon alongside the chips so guests can mound it properly
• Small bowls for individual portions prevent double dipping incidents
• Make fresh guacamole midway through if your party runs longer than 3 hours

Save

Watch this disappear faster than you ever thought possible and enjoy being the person who made the best thing at the party.

Common Questions

→ How do I keep the guacamole from browning quickly?

To slow browning, add fresh lime juice and cover tightly with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to limit air contact.

→ Can I adjust the heat level of the salsa?

Yes, remove the jalapeño seeds for milder heat or leave them in for a spicier kick tailored to your taste.

→ What can I add to the salsa for a sweeter flavor?

Diced mango or pineapple pieces added to the salsa create a delightful sweet contrast to the tangy and spicy notes.

→ What is the best way to mash the avocados?

Use a fork or potato masher to gently mash the avocados, aiming for a creamy texture with some small chunks for added bite.

→ How should I serve this guacamole and salsa combination?

Serve immediately in a bowl with a layer of fresh salsa on top, accompanied by crunchy tortilla chips for dipping.