When preparing a Mexican dish or party platter, you may be faced with the choice of serving avocado guacamole or avocado salsa.
While you may be tempted to use these terms interchangeably, these are two very different dips.
Since they are both dips with avocados being the main ingredient, it’s perfectly understandable for you to question what the differences are between these dips.
While either dip may be appropriate for many dishes, there are several differences that you should be aware of.
Avocado Salsa Vs. Avocado Guacamole
Avocado guacamole is much thicker than avocado salsa. Additionally, the two dips are made differently and contain different ingredients. Technically speaking, avocado guacamole is considered to still be fruit, while avocado salsa is a dip containing avocados. While either option works great when paired with tacos or tortilla chips, avocado guacamole can also be used as a spread due to its thick and creamy density.
Avocado Guacamole is Thicker than Salsa
Originating from Mexico, avocado guacamole has gained popularity throughout much of the world.
Guacamole is basically still pure avocado that has been combined with salt and lime juice and mashed up using a fork or potato masher.
Despite their Mexican origin, avocados are available in over 500 varieties, including domestically grown avocados harvested in Florida and California.
Technically considered to be a fruit, avocados are an excellent vegan-friendly alternative that can simply be sliced and added to a main dish, but most often they are mashed to create the beloved avocado guacamole.
Perfectly ripened avocados are ideal for creating the best tasting guacamole that has a smooth and buttery texture which works great as a spread.
If you have ever tried guacamole and salsa, you will have automatically noticed the difference in density and consistency.
Although salsa is available in thicker varieties, it will never have the same creamy texture as guacamole.
Avocado Salsa is Made Differently than Guacamole
While you can easily purchase store-bought guacamole, it’s easy to make it yourself at home.
All that’s needed is an avocado, salt, lime juice, and a fork.
If you really want to add an authentic touch, you can use a molcajete to mash up the avocado, which is a traditional Mexican mortar and pestle that works great for making guacamole.
On the other hand, avocado salsa is made with a combination of ingredients, such as avocados, tomatoes, pineapples, cilantro, onion, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes.
Although you can also purchase pre-made avocado salsa at the grocery store, making it at home is almost as simple as making guacamole.
Just combine the ingredients listed above and throw them in a blender.
If you want a thinner salsa, you can add a little bit of water and voila! You have homemade avocado salsa!
Avocado Guacamole is Used for Different Dishes
Sure, both avocado salsa and avocado guacamole will work great on tacos, burritos, and as a nacho dip, but traditionally, salsa is used for these purposes.
For instance, if you are looking for the best dip to serve alongside tortilla chips at an upcoming party, you will most likely want to go with avocado salsa.
Salsa is also used more frequently as a topping for taco dishes.
However, if you are a huge guacamole lover, avocado guacamole can also be used as a topping or dip.
Mainly, it depends upon your personal preferences.
Now, this doesn’t mean that avocado salsa and avocado guacamole can be used interchangeably for all dishes.
It’s doubtful that you have ever witnessed a person butter their toast with salsa!
Salsa is primarily used as a dip or topping on southwest-style salads, and its uses aren’t nearly as diverse as those of avocado guacamole.
Avocado guacamole has been used as a butter substitute on bagels and toast, as well as a mayonnaise substitute on sandwiches.
It’s also been used in making soups, deviled eggs, and loaded mashed potatoes.
Many people use avocado guacamole as a tarter sauce substitute for seafood dishes or as a topping on vegan patties.
Frequently Asked Questions About Avocado Salsa vs Guacamole
What’s the Difference Between Avocados and Guacamole?
Avocados are a fruit that is still in its purest form and contains no additives. It’s often sliced and eaten in the same way that you would eat any other type of fruit, even though avocado slices are often used as garnishment or as a side dish. While the natural guacamole recipe only includes avocados, salt, and lime juice, there are many guacamole recipes that contain additional ingredients. Also, guacamole is mashed, whereas avocados are whole or sliced.
What are the Health Benefits of Guacamole?
Avocados contain high levels of potassium, antioxidants, vitamins, and monounsaturated fats, which are essential for a healthy heart. If you use additional ingredients in making guacamole or avocado salsa, you will likely reap even more health benefits. Lime juice is suspected to aid in smooth digestion, tomatoes contain heart-healthy antioxidants, cilantro fights inflammation, and onions are rich in probiotics and vitamins B and C.
Should Avocado Salsa be Refrigerated?
Avocado salsa should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated. While the lime juice will act as a preservative, homemade avocado salsa still only lasts for approximately three to five days but is still safe to eat if it begins to turn brown.
Conclusion
Although there are several differences between avocado salsa and avocado guacamole, either choice works wonderfully as a topping or dip.
Regardless of which one you prefer, you’ll still enjoy a tasty side that is chock full of health benefits.