Fab Zesty Guacamole Salad Recipe by Ina Garten for Picnics

Summer gatherings buzz with excitement when Ina Garten’s guacamole salad recipe hits the table.

Fresh ingredients dance together in a vibrant culinary celebration.

Creamy avocados mingle with crisp vegetables, creating a tantalizing harmony of flavors.

Each bite promises a zesty adventure that sparks conversation and delights taste buds.

The recipe brings a refreshing twist to classic salads, offering a perfect blend of textures and seasonings.

You’ll love how simple ingredients combine to create something extraordinary.

Get ready to impress everyone at your next meal with this irresistible salad that screams pure deliciousness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients for Ina Garten Guacamole Salad

• Grape Tomatoes: Sweet burst of freshness that adds vibrant color and juicy texture to the salad.
• Black Beans: Hearty protein powerhouse that brings rich earthiness and satisfying substance.
• Red Onion: Sharp, crisp element that provides delightful zingy undertones and crunchy bite.
• Yellow Pepper: Crisp vegetable delivering sunshine-like sweetness and beautiful golden color.
• Jalapeño Peppers: Spicy kick that awakens taste buds with subtle heat and zesty character.
• Lime Zest: Bright citrusy essence that elevates overall flavor profile with aromatic complexity.

• Olive Oil: Silky base that binds ingredients and contributes smooth, rich Mediterranean essence.
• Lime Juice: Tangy liquid that brightens flavors and adds refreshing acidic balance.
• Garlic: Pungent aromatic that deepens savory notes with intense, robust flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning duo that enhances and harmonizes all ingredient interactions.
• Cayenne Pepper: Fiery spice that introduces warm, subtle background heat.

• Avocados: Creamy, buttery centerpiece that transforms salad into luxurious, indulgent experience.

Tools You’ll Need for Ina Garten Guacamole Salad

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients and tossing the salad.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Knife: Needed for chopping vegetables and zesting lime.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure salt, pepper, and cayenne.
• Measuring cups: Useful for precise olive oil and lime juice amounts.
• Zester or grater: Helps create fine lime zest for extra flavor.

How to Make Ina Garten Guacamole Salad Step-by-Step

• Veggie Celebration Fresh Produce Assembly

Gather a vibrant mix of colorful grape tomatoes, hearty black beans, zesty red onion, spicy jalapeño peppers, bright yellow peppers, and tangy lime zest into a spacious mixing bowl.

• Flavor Explosion Dressing

Craft a lively liquid blend by whisking together robust olive oil, zingy lime juice, aromatic garlic, bold cayenne pepper, and a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Pour this dynamic mixture over the vegetable medley and toss with enthusiasm.

• Creamy Avocado Finale

Just moments before serving, gently fold in creamy chunks of ripe avocado. The salad shines best at room temperature, allowing all the flavors to mingle and dance together. Give a quick taste and adjust seasonings if needed for a perfect balance of freshness and zest.

Tips and Variations for Ina Garten Guacamole Salad

• Swap out jalapeños for milder poblano peppers or add diced serrano for extra heat, creating a personalized spice level that suits your taste buds.
• Toss in grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie meat, or crispy tofu cubes to transform this side dish into a complete and satisfying meal.
• Prepare the vegetable base and dressing up to 4 hours in advance, then add fresh avocados just before serving to prevent browning and maintain perfect texture.
• Sprinkle fresh cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, or toasted pumpkin seeds on top for added crunch and layers of authentic Mexican-inspired flavor.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface to minimize avocado oxidation, keeping the salad fresh for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.

How to Serve Ina Garten Guacamole Salad Creatively

• Pair with Crispy Tortilla Chips: Scoop up this zesty guacamole salad with crunchy tortilla chips for a delightful texture contrast and added crunch.
• Serve as Fresh Taco Topping: Spoon this vibrant salad over warm tacos or burritos to add a burst of fresh flavors and creamy avocado goodness.
• Create a Hearty Lunch Bowl: Transform the salad into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, quinoa, or brown rice for a protein-packed, satisfying lunch option.
• Enjoy as Summer Party Appetizer: Bring this colorful dish to potlucks or backyard gatherings as a crowd-pleasing starter that's sure to impress guests with its bold, fresh ingredients.

Storage Advice for Ina Garten Guacamole Salad Leftovers

• Refrigerate Immediately: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, keeping the avocados separate until serving to prevent browning.
• Quick Freshness Tip: Add avocados just before eating to maintain their vibrant green color and prevent oxidation.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Chop vegetables and mix dressing in advance, storing separately to save time when assembling the salad.
• Serving Recommendation: Enjoy the salad at room temperature within 4 hours of preparation for optimal flavor and texture.

Vibrant Ina Garten Guacamole Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s guacamole salad brings zesty Mexican flavors to classic summer produce. Fresh ingredients combine with creamy avocados and tangy lime, creating a refreshing side dish you’ll crave at backyard gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 ripe Hass avocados, seeded, peeled, and ½-inch diced
• 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 (15-oz/425 g) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and ½-inch diced
• ½ cup small diced red onion
• ¼ cup (60 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice (2 limes)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) good olive oil
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) minced jalapeño peppers, seeded (2 peppers)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp freshly grated lime zest
• ½ tsp minced garlic
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ tsp ground cayenne pepper

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Instructions

1. Vegetable Prep: Dice grape tomatoes, rinse black beans, finely chop red onion, mince jalapeño peppers, grate lime zest, and cube yellow bell pepper into a spacious mixing bowl.
2. Dressing Creation: Whisk extra virgin olive oil, lime juice, kosher salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and cayenne pepper in a separate bowl until thoroughly combined and emulsified.
3. Flavor Fusion: Pour the vibrant dressing over the vegetable mixture, gently tossing to ensure complete coating and flavor integration, allowing ingredients to marinate and develop depth.
4. Avocado Finishing: Moments before serving, delicately fold in ripe avocado cubes to preserve their pristine texture and prevent discoloration, creating a luscious, creamy element.
5. Final Touch: Let the salad rest briefly at room temperature to allow flavors to harmonize, perform a quick seasoning adjustment if necessary, and serve immediately for optimal freshness and taste.

Notes

• Prevent Avocado Browning: Add avocados at the last minute to maintain their vibrant green color and creamy texture.
• Balance Spice Levels: Adjust jalapeño and cayenne pepper according to personal heat tolerance for a customized flavor experience.
• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Let the salad rest briefly at room temperature to allow ingredients to blend and develop a deeper, more complex taste.
• Serve Fresh: Consume immediately after preparation to enjoy the crisp vegetables and bright, zesty dressing at peak freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg