Surprise… this isn’t guacamole!
It sure looks like guacamole. But the secret ingredient in this avocado-free dip is… asparagus?!
Yes, it’s true! And you can use it any way you’d use regular guacamole: as a dip for chips or veggies, spread on a sandwich, as a sauce for pasta or baked potatoes, or plain with a spoon. High in fiber and vitamins, it’s a great way to take advantage of all the nutritional benefits asparagus has to offer.
View Asparagus Guacamole Nutrition Facts
Avocado-Free Guacamole
(Makes about 1 and 3/4 cups)
- 8 oz asparagus (34-36 skinny spears, ends trimmed)
- 1 cup plus 2 tbsps peas (or 5 oz frozen, thawed)
- 2 tbsp mayo, such as Vegenaise, OR homemade Greek yogurt
- Juice of 1/2 a lime
- 1 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp diced red onion (omit if desired)
- optional 2 tsp dry cilantro
- optional sweetener if desired
Steam the asparagus just until soft, then combine all ingredients except onion, and blend in a food processor until very smooth. Stir in onion. Refrigerate until cold. (Or you can steam the asparagus in advance and chill them so your dip will be cold after blending.)
Nutrition facts for the recipe are linked at the beginning of this post.
[email protected] says
8th March 2012 at 3:08 pmI love Mexican food (I used to live in Texas and miss it now), and I LOVE guacamole. These are two reasons I’ll be trying out this recipe! I love the creativity. YUM!
Ally says
8th March 2012 at 3:13 pmThis looks amazing! I love avocados and guacamole…but they don’t always love my waistline. I can’t wait to give this substitute recipe a try. Thank you!
Surati says
20th July 2014 at 7:44 pmI will try this, even tho’ I am a lover of avocados, I try to maintain the B-Blood Type Diet, and B’s are not supposed to have avo’s. So thanks for the alternative. And I am certain this is going to be terrific & I won’t even miss the avo.
Amanda says
17th September 2014 at 11:05 pmThank you so much for posting this! Over the years I have developed a deathly allergy to avocados. This gives me hope to have something similar back in my life that I use to eat, but not able to anymore 🙂
Dena @ 40 Fit in the Mitt says
8th March 2012 at 3:18 pmI love this recipe! I look forward to trying it.
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles says
8th March 2012 at 3:19 pmI have done the pea thing before but never tried using asparagus! That is a great idea- I bet it would be even more acacado’like. You’re a thinker!
Katie @ OhShineOn says
8th March 2012 at 3:20 pmwhaaaat? so interesting!
Ali @ Peaches and Football says
8th March 2012 at 3:21 pmHow funny! Pea and asparagus guacamole – I love it!
I also love Mexican food. We have a couple places here but nothing that screams ‘really authentic’ to me since a burrito tastes the same as an enchilada which tastes the same as taco, etc…
Jade C says
8th March 2012 at 3:23 pmOohh, interesting recipe.
I’ve been looking for more dip-like recipes lately, experimenting myself quite a lot!! This one looks pretty good – and green!! 😛
I may give this a spin later, after the 4 or 5 that I have already lined-up!!
Jade C.
Lauren B. says
8th March 2012 at 3:23 pmI am crazy about Mexican food and LOVE Guac- I usually make it on a weekly basis. I live in Ca, which I would argue has some pretty darn good Mexican food, too! I may have to try this recipe out sometime, but maybe mix some avocados in there too! Mmmm
Samantha says
8th March 2012 at 3:26 pmI love Mexican food too…but I stick more to like yam/spinach style combos myself. So not really the traditional fare. It really depends on the restaurants. Some make their food inexcusably heavy and unhealthy…considering it should be really easy to make something based in rice and beans reasonably healthy.
I could eat a ton of guacamole if it is done right, but I love asparagus as well so I am excited to try this.
Glad to see the site survived yesterday! That was a crazy amount of comments. 🙂
Kira says
8th March 2012 at 3:28 pmSounds really good!!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
8th March 2012 at 3:29 pmYour a genius!! I love gaucamole, but I’m allergic to avocado! I have to make this! Sounds amazing! How do you come up with thtis stuff??
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
8th March 2012 at 5:06 pmHonestly, I don’t even remember how I came up with this one… I’ve been making it for like ten years!
anne harris says
8th March 2012 at 3:35 pmI follow you on facebook.
Gotta tell ya, i’m not fond of guacamole, but i LOVE real mexican food!!
Yellow Haired Girl says
8th March 2012 at 3:42 pmThis looks great! I will always hold real guacamole (and ALL Mexican food) near and dear to my heart, but this is great. I’ve seen recipes for asparagus guac …. and I’m glad I’ve been able to see actually make it!
Sarah the official CCK drooler says
8th March 2012 at 3:47 pmTHANK YOU!!! I HATE guacamole. And my mom makes it a lot. including yesterday. I dunno… i don’t like avocado that much either (except in a dessert!). But hey, now they can have their guac and i’ll have mine. You could call this mock-guac! I am at my most creative in the morning, apparently.
Arielle says
8th March 2012 at 3:53 pmI wouldn’t say mexican food is my favorite cuisine, but I definitely enjoy it. And I looooove avocados/gaucamole! But I’m still tempted to make your version 🙂
Stephanie @ Legally Blinde says
8th March 2012 at 3:54 pmWhat a unique idea! I love asparagus, but I never ever would have thought to prepare it like this. Can’t wait to try it out! I do like regular guacamole, a LOT, and Mexican food – as long as it’s not spicy 🙂
Cassandra Bishop says
8th March 2012 at 4:07 pmAwesome! I don’t like avocados, so this is great! When I tried guacamole, it was store-bought, I’ve never had homemade. I also love mexican food. It’s hard finding a healthy alternative though because all the restaurants have crazy amounts of cheese and sour cream. I’ve never gotten around to making my own either…
char eats greens says
8th March 2012 at 4:12 pmYou are such a trickster. I had to scroll down right away to see what was making this guacamole so strikingly similar. You are inventive. I might need to try this. I might need to buy asparagus first. And I also, might need to roast some asparagus before making this because who doesn’t love asparagus in all forms?!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
8th March 2012 at 5:07 pmMmm oh roasted asparagus is amazing! Especially with a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar… or sesame oil… or… 🙂
Analise Jenson says
8th March 2012 at 4:13 pmHi Katie! Thanks for the awesome giveaway! I love your blog!
Kiasa says
8th March 2012 at 4:18 pmThis is awesome! I’m allergic to avocados (it makes me super sick!) but I LOVE Mexican food. I’m totally trying this!
olga says
8th March 2012 at 4:20 pmAvocado is super healthy to begin with, no need to sub!
Holly - InspirationBeauty says
8th March 2012 at 4:34 pmHi Olga, Katie subbed with asparagus simply because she doesn’t like avocados!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
8th March 2012 at 5:09 pmYes, sorry for the confusion! I’m definitely a big proponent of getting lots of healthy fats… but I just can’t seem to make myself like avocado. I keep trying, though!
Nancy says
8th March 2012 at 9:05 pmI love the idea of using some asparagus and some avocado for a dip for veggies, etc. I do love avocados — probably too much. This adds a nice variety of nutrients! Can’t wait to try the flavor.
Sally @ sallys baking addiction says
8th March 2012 at 4:28 pmGENIUS, Katie. Pure genius! I’ve seen subbing all peas for the avocados, but not throwing asparagus in the mix too. Guac reminds me of summertime.. and it’s 70 degrees where i am today, so this is perfect.
Nicole K. says
8th March 2012 at 4:32 pmYES!!! I just picked up asparagus a couple days ago and am always looking for new dip/spread ideas. I love avocado but my body currently is having a hard time digesting fats, so this recipe is perfect! Pretty sure a batch of this will be made by the end of the day. THANK YOU!!
Emily says
8th March 2012 at 4:36 pmI’m not a fan of giving up guacamole solely because of it’s fat and calorie content (avocados are wonderful for us!), but I’ve been having excruciating stomach aches whenever I eat my beloved fruit (it is a fruit, right?).
This recipe couldn’t have come at a better time. Thanks!
Stacy says
6th June 2012 at 12:11 pmEmily, you may want to check into having an allergy/intolerance. ITs like that for me too. Feels like you’re trying to digest glass shards 🙁
Mary says
8th March 2012 at 4:38 pmI love avocado, but this is intriguing mainly because this one made with asparagus and peas probably wouldn’t turn dark like “the real stuff”!!!! A real plus if you want to make it ahead!!
Jeannette says
8th March 2012 at 4:39 pmSo Excited to try this! I’ve tried guaco many times but I can’t seem to develop a taste for avocados. I love asparagus so I’m so gonna be attempting this tonight!!! Only difference is I’ll be cooking the onions (have a friend who’s allergic to raw onions) and maybe try adding some roasted tomatoes!
Vicky (Sweet and Healthy Living) says
8th March 2012 at 4:42 pmMmmm… Yummy looking! I have made pea guacamole. I will have to try it with asparagus!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
8th March 2012 at 4:52 pmAhhhh I love guacamole! But this looks pretty interesting, I might have to try it out since I love asparagus!
Carina @ veggie gourmet kitchen says
8th March 2012 at 5:00 pmI love avocados, but sometimes it is hard to get ripe ones- This is really bad because when I want guacomole I want it now :)!
I will definetly try your version as soon as I get my hands on asparagus (they don’t have season yet over here)
Tina says
8th March 2012 at 5:18 pmThis sounds interesting. One questions though, I am allergic to peas, what could I sub in their place?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
8th March 2012 at 6:31 pmSorry, I don’t know.
jo @ including cake says
8th March 2012 at 11:33 pmyou could maybe try subbing soy beans?
Steve Johnson says
2nd September 2013 at 7:39 pmI’d stay away from soy as it causes even MORE problems with allergies.
Kristy says
8th March 2012 at 5:21 pmThis looks so good and I have all those ingredients in my fridge. I think I know what’s for my snack today! By the way, I don’t know if I’m late to the game getting your latest recipe/blog entries emailed to me or if this is a new thing you’re starting, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!! Nothing better than seeing a yummy new idea when I open my emails.
Keren says
8th March 2012 at 5:27 pmAwesome recipe, I can’t wait to try it!! My husband is Mexican and allergic to avocado’s 🙁 We love Mexican food though 😀
Rana says
8th March 2012 at 5:52 pmI really do like Mexican food but cannot stomach cilantro. I always leave it out. Yes, I know that means I’m missing the “Mexican” in the dishes, but, hey, I just can’t eat it (or digest it, I should say).
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
8th March 2012 at 6:34 pmHaha me too!! That’s why I put it as optional. Apparently, according to one of my friends, some people have a gene where it makes cilantro taste like dish soap…
I don’t know if it’s true, but he was a science major lol. Plus it would explain my abhorrence of the spice!
Andrea says
9th March 2012 at 7:06 amThat’s true! I love cilantro, and I also love the NYTimes, so I happen to see this when it was posted:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/14/dining/14curious.html?_r=1&emc=eta1
It explains the gene dilemma.
Rana says
13th March 2012 at 6:11 pmThanks Andrea! This DOES explain it. My parents cannot put it in their mouths either and I would do as Julia Childs’ said “pick it out and throw it on the floor” except maybe not the throwing it on the floor part, I’d probably just put it on the edge of my plate and not make direct eye contact. LOL
Alyssa says
8th March 2012 at 5:53 pmCan you use Greek yogurt as the mayo-y part?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
8th March 2012 at 6:31 pmSorry, I haven’t tried it.
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
8th March 2012 at 5:55 pmGet.out! This is awesome because from now until May I eat copious amounts of asparagus to get my yearly fill. I’m in love. <3
Kristy says
8th March 2012 at 5:57 pmHas anyone tried Veganaise and what are the best brands? I’ve been wanting to try it, but am a little worried of it tasting weird. And is it a healthier alternative to regular Mayo?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
8th March 2012 at 6:32 pmI do know Veganaise and Nayonaise are cholesterol-free :).
katie @KatieDid says
8th March 2012 at 6:23 pmVery cool idea! I’ve had pea hummus before- peas instead of chickpeas, which this reminds me of. And Loveddd it. It’s all about the spices anyways! But I do have a love for avocados so I don’t think regular guac is out of my rotation.
Anna @ The Guiltless Life says
8th March 2012 at 6:35 pmWow that sounds AWEsome. I love the idea of using peas in there and anything with cilantro is a win in my book!
Emily @ Glitz Glam Granola says
8th March 2012 at 6:36 pmI absolutely love Mexican food! Though I have to admit, the chips and salsa and margaritas are really my favorite part!! But I’ve never been a fan of avocados or guac so this sounds fabulous to me!! Can’t wait try it!
Jamie @ Don't Forget the Cinnamon says
8th March 2012 at 6:45 pmI never used to be a mexican fan but the past month I’ve been craving it like crazy!! In fact, I made enchiladas for my family last night…with guac!! I do love guacamole! But, I would very much like to give your alternative recipe a try!
Ali says
8th March 2012 at 6:52 pmSo creative, and looks delicious. I know the whole point is avocado free, but I love those things and so many great nutrients. So, I’m going to throw one in with the recipe and see what happens! Thanks for the inspiration ;).
Tina Matteson says
8th March 2012 at 6:53 pmI just liked your facebook page!
Tina Matteson says
8th March 2012 at 6:54 pml have been subscribed to your blog for a few days now, and LOVE it.
Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning says
8th March 2012 at 7:06 pmDon’t like guac?!?! I don’t think I can read this blog anymore!!! 🙂
Your dip looks awesome, and just like guacamole! I am jealous that you can be this creative with your SAVORY recipes too!
StoriesAndSweetPotatoes says
8th March 2012 at 7:14 pmThis is nuts! I know I would not like this, lol, but I think it’s an awesome recipe!
Kathryn says
8th March 2012 at 7:30 pmcant wait to try this (and subscribed by email!)
Kathryn says
8th March 2012 at 7:31 pm2nd comment for subscription 🙂
Kathryn says
8th March 2012 at 7:31 pm3rd comment for subscribing by email. I almost bought asparagus today but put it back down. Really wish I hadn’t!
[email protected] of Sugar Free says
8th March 2012 at 3:13 pmSeriously Katie? Omg.
But I LOVE avocado!!! So I don’t know if I’ll completely sub the avo…maybe add asparagus to the mix to create more volume and still have the healthy fats from the avocado?
Shelley says
8th March 2012 at 3:46 pmooooh good idea! I love avocado so much, I don’t if I could completely give it up.
Debbie says
8th March 2012 at 8:24 pmI like Mexican food, especially when it’s spicy. I don’t care for avacado but love asparagus. Can’t wait to try this.
Justine Duppong @ Life With Cheeseburgers says
8th March 2012 at 3:25 pmI’m always one to experiment with veggie purees, and asparagus adds a nice depth to a lot of recipes. This is definitely a great spin on the traditional substitution of peas for part of the guacamole recipe!
Katharina says
8th March 2012 at 3:28 pmLol I’m imagining some smelly pee. This is a great recipe since asparagus will be in season soon! I do love guacamole and I think it’s interesting that the “moles” are named by what region in Mexico their from. I also like Mexican food, but not always in the mood for it 🙂
Xo!
faith @ For the Health of It says
8th March 2012 at 3:30 pmGuacamole is one of my favorites – I can’t image living without it. Or swapping out asparagus for that matter…but I do love guac, and I do love asparagus, so maybe the asparagus version can’t be all that bad!
Bianca- Vegan Crunk says
8th March 2012 at 8:31 pmSo I have a major love affair with avocados, but I’ve tried subbing out ingredients (like Isa’s edamame version) just for fun. The alternative guacs I’ve tried have been tasty, so I’d like to try this. It’s fun to mix things up sometimes. However, all these people who don’t like avocados?! What?! Just craziness.
Rande McDaniel @ The Vegetable Centric Kitchen says
8th March 2012 at 3:42 pmI love that you’re doing more non-dessert recipes!
Vita @ Juicer Depot says
8th March 2012 at 8:48 pmSounds interesting to use asparagus. I love avocados and mexican food but it’s always nice to try different ingredients. Otherwise life would be boring…..
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
8th March 2012 at 8:48 pmAwesome! I love a good guac with avocado but this sounds like a fun switch up!
Moni'sMeals says
8th March 2012 at 3:53 pmI love mexican and I love guacamole too. But I also have made a guac using peas and I like your suggestion with aspargus! Can’t wait to try it. 🙂
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
8th March 2012 at 4:02 pmWhat a fun twist on guac! I love asparagus but have never thought of blending it like that.
Brandie says
8th March 2012 at 4:39 pmOh honey… you don’t like guac?!? Do you like avocados?? I could probably eat avocados (or guacamole!) every day, YUMMERS. And I’ve never eaten it in Texas but San Diego has some dang good Mexican food also 😉 I’m interested to try this dip, thank you, I love your savory postings!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
8th March 2012 at 5:10 pmI don’t :(.
Someone suggested trying them in a smoothie, so I might have to try that.
Jade C says
10th March 2012 at 5:51 pmYou want to like avocado?? Try this smoothie:
Apples,
Spinach,
Beetroot,
Cucumber,
Avocado
Seriously it is good!! Doesn’t matter how much of each – just see what works for you – it should be a deep pink-red colour. Let me know if you try it 🙂
Jade C.
Steve Johnson says
2nd September 2013 at 7:53 pmJust be sure to COOK or steam the spinach first, as the oxalic acid found in raw spinach can cause gall bladder and kidney problems. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) can contain up to 6,580 parts per million. Cooking doe not eliminate it, but does reduce it.