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.
I 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!
This 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!
I 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.
Thank 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 🙂
I love this recipe! I look forward to trying it.
I 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!
whaaaat? so interesting!
How 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…
Oohh, 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.
I 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
I 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. 🙂
Sounds really good!!
Your 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??
Honestly, I don’t even remember how I came up with this one… I’ve been making it for like ten years!
I follow you on facebook.
Gotta tell ya, i’m not fond of guacamole, but i LOVE real mexican food!!
This 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!
THANK 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.
I 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 🙂
What 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 🙂
Awesome! 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…
You 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?!
Mmm oh roasted asparagus is amazing! Especially with a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar… or sesame oil… or… 🙂
Hi Katie! Thanks for the awesome giveaway! I love your blog!
This is awesome! I’m allergic to avocados (it makes me super sick!) but I LOVE Mexican food. I’m totally trying this!
Avocado is super healthy to begin with, no need to sub!
Hi Olga, Katie subbed with asparagus simply because she doesn’t like avocados!
Yes, 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!
I 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.
GENIUS, 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.
YES!!! 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!!
I’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!
Emily, 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 🙁
I 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!!
So 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!
Mmmm… Yummy looking! I have made pea guacamole. I will have to try it with asparagus!
Ahhhh I love guacamole! But this looks pretty interesting, I might have to try it out since I love asparagus!
I 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)
This sounds interesting. One questions though, I am allergic to peas, what could I sub in their place?
Sorry, I don’t know.
you could maybe try subbing soy beans?
I’d stay away from soy as it causes even MORE problems with allergies.
This 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.
Awesome recipe, I can’t wait to try it!! My husband is Mexican and allergic to avocado’s 🙁 We love Mexican food though 😀
I 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).
Haha 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!
That’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.
Thanks 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
Can you use Greek yogurt as the mayo-y part?
Sorry, I haven’t tried it.
Get.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
Has 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?
I do know Veganaise and Nayonaise are cholesterol-free :).
Very 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.
Wow that sounds AWEsome. I love the idea of using peas in there and anything with cilantro is a win in my book!
I 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!
I 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!
So 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 ;).
I just liked your facebook page!
l have been subscribed to your blog for a few days now, and LOVE it.
Don’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!
This is nuts! I know I would not like this, lol, but I think it’s an awesome recipe!
cant wait to try this (and subscribed by email!)
2nd comment for subscription 🙂
3rd comment for subscribing by email. I almost bought asparagus today but put it back down. Really wish I hadn’t!
Seriously 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?
ooooh good idea! I love avocado so much, I don’t if I could completely give it up.
I like Mexican food, especially when it’s spicy. I don’t care for avacado but love asparagus. Can’t wait to try this.
I’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!
Lol 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!
Guacamole 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!
So 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.
I love that you’re doing more non-dessert recipes!
Sounds interesting to use asparagus. I love avocados and mexican food but it’s always nice to try different ingredients. Otherwise life would be boring…..
Awesome! I love a good guac with avocado but this sounds like a fun switch up!
I 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. 🙂
What a fun twist on guac! I love asparagus but have never thought of blending it like that.
Oh 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!
I don’t :(.
Someone suggested trying them in a smoothie, so I might have to try that.
You 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.
Just 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.