Super Bowl Guacamole Pico

Last Super Bowl, my friend Sarah brought over a grocery bag full of avocados and announced we were making guacamole from scratch. I'd always bought the pre-made stuff, but watching her mash those ripe avocados with nothing more than lime juice and salt changed everything. The difference was like night and day—fresh, creamy, and alive with flavor.

My brother in law came over for the playoffs and literally hovered over the bowl until I shooed him away. Now every time we have people over, someone asks if Im making that guacamole again.

Ingredients

• 4 ripe avocados: They should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not feel mushy
• 1 small lime, juiced: Fresh lime juice is non negotiable for that bright, authentic flavor
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Start here and adjust to taste since salt preferences vary
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds a subtle earthy backbone that people notice but cant quite place
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Freshly ground makes a noticeable difference
• 1 small garlic clove, minced: One small clove is plenty—you want a whisper, not a shout
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped: Include some tender stems for extra flavor
• 2 medium ripe tomatoes, diced: Roma tomatoes work beautifully since theyre less watery
• 1/4 medium red onion, finely diced: Soak the diced onion in cold water for 10 minutes if raw onion is too sharp
• 1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced: Leave some seeds in if your crowd likes heat
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped: Use the cilantro stems—they pack the most flavor
• 1 tablespoon lime juice: This marries the pico de gallo flavors together
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Helps draw out the tomato juices for a juicy pico de gallo

Instructions

Mash the avocados:

Cut each avocado in half and remove the pit. Scoop the flesh into a large bowl and mash with a fork until mostly smooth with some small chunks remaining for texture.

Season the guacamole base:

Add lime juice, salt, cumin, black pepper, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro. Stir everything together and taste, adjusting the seasoning if needed.

Make the pico de gallo:

In a separate bowl, combine diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Mix gently to avoid bruising the tomatoes.

Assemble the layers:

Spoon the guacamole into a serving bowl and spread it evenly. Top with the pico de gallo, distributing it across the surface.

Serve immediately:

Set out with tortilla chips or fresh vegetables and watch it disappear.

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This recipe became my go to after I served it at a neighborhood block party and three different neighbors asked for the recipe. Now its the one dish I know will disappear first.

Make Ahead Strategy

The pico de gallo actually tastes better after sitting for an hour, so make it first. Prepare everything else right before serving to keep the guacamole at its freshest.

Serving Ideas

Beyond tortilla chips, try warm plantain chips, radish slices, or even cucumber rounds. I once served it with homemade chicharrones and it was magical.

Perfecting Your Technique

A fork gives you the best texture—potato mashers tend to overwork it into baby food consistency. And always add lime juice right after mashing to prevent oxidation before you even finish seasoning.

• Room temperature avocados mash more easily than cold ones
• Taste your jalapeño before adding—heat levels vary wildly
• The guacamole needs more salt than you think it should

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Every time I make this for game day, the bowl gets scraped clean. Thats the best review you can ask for.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep the avocado from browning?

Pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the avocado mixture helps slow oxidation and maintain a fresh green color.

→ Can I adjust the heat level in the pico de gallo?

Yes, swapping jalapeño for serrano pepper increases spiciness, while reducing or removing peppers lowers heat.

→ What can I use instead of tortilla chips for dipping?

Fresh vegetables like cucumber slices, carrot sticks, or bell pepper strips make excellent dippers as a lighter option.

→ How do I balance flavors in the guacamole?

Taste as you mix and adjust lime juice, salt, and cumin for a harmonious bright and savory balance.

→ Is this suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets?

Yes, all ingredients are plant-based and naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for vegan and gluten-free preferences.