Vibrant Vegan Guacamole with Fresh Veggie Sticks

Nothing says “fiesta” quite like a bowl of creamy guacamole surrounded by an array of colorful veggie sticks. This vegan twist on the classic guacamole recipe replaces traditional dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives, ensuring a delightful and guilt-free snacking experience. With the richness of avocados and the crunch of fresh vegetables, this appetizer is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a nutritious addition to any gathering.

How Long Does It Keep and Can You Make It in Advance?

Vegan guacamole, when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, can typically maintain its freshness for up to 2-3 days. However, avocados are sensitive to oxidation, which can cause the guacamole to turn brown. To extend its shelf life and preserve that vibrant green color, you can take a few precautions. First, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole to minimize air exposure. Second, storing it with the avocado pit in the container can help reduce browning. If you plan to make guacamole in advance for a gathering or event, consider preparing all the ingredients ahead of time but only mashing the avocados and mixing everything together shortly before serving. This will ensure the freshest, most vibrant guacamole for your guests to enjoy.

Special Equipment for the Recipe

Good news for home cooks—this vegan guacamole and veggie sticks recipe doesn’t require any special equipment! You can create this delicious, plant-based appetizer with basic kitchen tools like a cutting board, a knife for chopping veggies, a mixing bowl, and a serving platter. No fancy gadgets or appliances are necessary. This simplicity not only makes the recipe accessible to everyone but also ensures that you can enjoy fresh, homemade guacamole and veggie sticks without any hassle. So, gather your essentials, and let’s get started on this delightful dish!

Serving Size and Portion Measurement

Each serving of this vegan guacamole and veggie sticks recipe provides a generous portion for snacking or appetizer purposes. On average, one serving of guacamole is approximately 1/2 cup (120ml), while the veggie sticks typically consist of a variety of sticks from carrots, celery, bell peppers, cucumber, and radishes, totaling around 1 cup (240ml) of mixed sticks. These measurements ensure that each serving is not only flavorful and satisfying but also provides a healthy dose of plant-based goodness. Adjust the serving sizes according to your preferences and the number of guests you’re serving. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures of this delightful dish!

Vegan Guacamole with Fresh Veggie Sticks

Recipe by Connor GoodaleCourse: SnacksDifficulty: Easy

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

25

minutes

Cooking timeminutes

Calories

150

kcal

Ingredients

• For the Guacamole:

• 3 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted

• 1 small red onion, finely diced

• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1-2 tomatoes, diced

• 1-2 jalapeño peppers, seeds and membranes removed, finely chopped (adjust to taste)

• Juice of 2 limes

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• For the Veggie Sticks:

• Carrot sticks

• Celery sticks

• Bell pepper strips (assorted colors)

• Cucumber sticks

• Radish slices

Directions

• In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe avocados until you achieve your desired level of creaminess.
• Add the diced red onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, and chopped jalapeño peppers to the mashed avocados.
• Squeeze in the lime juice, ensuring the acidity balances the flavors of the ingredients.
• Incorporate the fresh cilantro into the mixture and gently fold all the ingredients together.
• Season the guacamole with salt and pepper, adjusting to your taste preferences.
• Transfer the guacamole to a serving bowl, and if not serving immediately, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to minimize browning. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
• For the veggie sticks, wash and peel the carrots, then cut them into sticks. Wash and trim the celery, bell peppers, cucumber, and radishes, and cut them into suitable dipping sizes.
• Arrange the veggie sticks on a platter around the guacamole bowl for an enticing presentation.

Notes

• Choose Ripe Avocados: The key to a creamy and flavorful guacamole lies in using perfectly ripe avocados. Look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure when squeezed. If they’re too hard, the guacamole will lack creaminess; if too soft, they might be overripe. To check for ripeness, remove the small stem at the top – if it’s green underneath, the avocado is ready to use; if it’s brown, it might be overripe.
• Balance Heat and Flavor: Jalapeño peppers add a wonderful kick to your guacamole, but the level of heat can vary. To achieve a balanced flavor, consider taste-testing the jalapeño before adding it. If it’s particularly spicy, use less or remove the seeds and membranes to reduce heat. Adjust the amount of jalapeño according to your heat tolerance, so that it enhances the guacamole’s flavor without overpowering it.
• Optimize Texture with Technique: Guacamole’s texture can make or break the experience. While mashing the avocados, aim for a slightly chunky consistency with bits of avocado remaining, giving it a satisfying texture. Mix in the other ingredients afterward to avoid overmixing the avocados, which can result in a mushy dip. The balance of creamy and chunky textures adds depth to each bite.
• Enhance Presentation and Freshness: Elevate the presentation by reserving a few diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro to sprinkle over the top of the guacamole just before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness. Additionally, for parties or gatherings, consider placing the guacamole bowl on a larger platter filled with crushed ice. This helps maintain its vibrant color and keeps it cool throughout the event.
• Diversify Veggie Sticks: While carrot, celery, bell pepper, cucumber, and radish are classic choices for veggie sticks, don’t hesitate to experiment with other vegetables too. Jicama, zucchini, and blanched asparagus can also make delicious and unique additions. Offering a variety of textures and flavors will make the veggie stick platter even more exciting and appealing to your guests.