Game Day Guacamole Salsa

Last Super Bowl, my friend Sarah showed up with a plastic container of guacamole that everyone kept circling back to. When I finally asked for the recipe, she laughed and said the secret was layering fresh salsa on top instead of mixing it in. Now I cannot make it any other way, and honestly, neither should you.

I made this for a watch party last fall and watched three different people ask who brought the good stuff. There is something about that fresh salsa hitting the creamy avocado that makes people pause mid-conversation and reach for another chip. By the third quarter, the bowl was empty and someone had already Googled the recipe on their phone.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe avocados: They should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not feel mushy
• 1 lime, juiced: Fresh juice makes all the difference here, so skip the bottle
• 1 small garlic clove, finely minced: You want it small enough that nobody bites into a raw garlic chunk
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped: Soak it in cold water for 10 minutes if you want to mellow the bite
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped: Includes stems for more flavor, but chop them finely
• 1/2 tsp salt: Start here and adjust after tasting
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper: Freshly ground adds a nice warmth
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced: Roma tomatoes work great because they are less watery
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped: Same onion as above, just keep chopping
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped: Leave some seeds if your crowd likes it spicy
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped: Yes, more cilantro, it ties everything together
• 1 tbsp lime juice: Brightens up the salsa beautifully
• 1/4 tsp salt: For the salsa now
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper: A pinch goes a long way
• Tortilla chips: Get the sturdy kind, this guacamole has some heft

Instructions

Prep your avocados:

Cut them in half around the pit, twist to separate, and carefully whack the pit with your knife blade to pull it out. Scoop all that green goodness into a medium bowl.

Mash it up:

Add the lime juice first to keep everything from browning, then toss in the garlic, red onion, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Mash with a fork until it is creamy but still has some chunks left for texture.

Make the salsa:

In another bowl, combine those diced tomatoes with the onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir and let it hang out while you finish the guacamole.

Assemble the layers:

Spread your guacamole in a nice serving bowl, then spoon that fresh salsa right over the top like a colorful blanket. Serve it immediately before anyone notices you are still in the kitchen.

Pin it

My brother-in-law, who claims he does not even like guacamole, went back for thirds during the playoffs. Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones that surprise people the most.

Making It Ahead

You can prep both the guacamole and salsa separately up to 2 hours before serving, just press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole to keep air out. Wait to layer them until right before guests arrive or the salsa will make everything soggy.

Serving Suggestions

Beyond tortilla chips, this works beautifully alongside grilled fish tacos or as a topping for breakfast burritos. I have also served it with vegetable sticks for a lighter option during afternoon hangouts.

Customization Ideas

Once you have the basic technique down, you can start playing around with what you toss into the salsa. The method stays the same, but the flavors can shift depending on what is in season or what your crew likes best.

• Diced mango or pineapple turns this into something totally unexpected
• A splash of hot sauce in the guacamole base adds depth without changing the texture
• Try adding a handful of corn to the salsa when summer tomatoes are at their best

Pin it

Every time I serve this now, someone asks for the recipe. That is how you know it is a keeper.

Recipe FAQ

→ How do I keep the avocado from browning?

Use fresh lime juice mixed into the avocado to slow oxidation and cover the surface tightly to minimize air exposure.

→ Can I make the salsa spicier?

Yes, leaving the jalapeño seeds in or adding an extra jalapeño increases heat in the tomato salsa.

→ What chips work best for serving?

Tortilla chips with a sturdy texture complement the creamy mix and fresh salsa for dipping.

→ Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?

The avocado and salsa are naturally gluten-free, but check chip packaging for cross-contamination warnings.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

Prepare guacamole and salsa separately and combine shortly before serving to keep freshness and texture intact.