Guacamole is a delicious dip that is commonly served with tortilla chips. However, tortilla chips are not the only option for dipping into that creamy avocado goodness. There are many tasty and healthy alternatives that pair perfectly with guacamole and can help make your snack or meal more interesting.
In the opening paragraphs below, we will answer some quick questions about guacamole dip alternatives:
Why look for tortilla chip alternatives?
While tortilla chips are a tasty classic pairing, they are high in calories, salt, and fat. Finding healthier dippers can help make your guacamole snack more nutritious.
What makes a good guacamole dipper?
A good guacamole dipper should have a shape and texture that can scoop up the dip well. Crisp, crunchy foods work best. The flavor should complement the rich, creamy guacamole but not overpower it.
What nutrients should I aim for in guac dippers?
Look for dippers with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats rather than ones high in salt, sugar, and saturated fat. Vegetables, fruits, and whole grains make great choices.
Vegetables
Crunchy, fresh vegetables add vitamins, minerals, fiber, and hydration to your guacamole snack. Here are some of the best veggie dippers:
Carrots
Baby carrots are the perfect vehicle for scooping up guacamole. They have a very crunchy texture and mild sweet flavor.
Bell Peppers
Strips of red, yellow, or orange bell pepper have a satisfying crunch. Their sweetness offsets the richness of the guacamole.
Jicama
Jicama slices are super crunchy with a lightly sweet, nutty flavor. This root vegetable contains prebiotic fiber.
Celery
Celery stalks and sticks give you that fantastic crunch you want in a dipper with the added health benefits of vitamin K, fiber, and antioxidants.
Cucumbers
Cucumber slices or spears have a mild, refreshing flavor. This vegetable is low in calories and high in hydration.
Broccoli Florets
These mini broccoli trees have a satisfying crunch and nutty, slightly sweet taste. They pack a big nutritional punch with vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate.
Cauliflower Florets
Cauliflower brings more crunchy goodness with all the nutrition of cruciferous vegetables. The mild flavor works perfectly with creamy guacamole.
Radishes
These crunchy root vegetables have a peppery bite that balances the richness of the guacamole. They contain antioxidants like anthocyanins.
Snap or Snow Peas
Whole snap peas or snow peas are super crisp and sweet. Leave them uncooked for a healthier raw veggie crunch.
Zucchini or Yellow Squash
Raw slices or sticks of zucchini or yellow squash make a hydrating, low-calorie dipper with a very satisfying crunch.
Asparagus
For a fancy feel, use raw asparagus spears as an elegant dipper. Asparagus is high in vitamin K and folate.
Kale Chips
For extra crunch appeal, bake your own kale chips and dip them into the guacamole. They get a crisp texture with great nutrition from the dark leafy greens.
Green Beans
For additional green goodness, dip some raw or blanched green beans. Be sure to cool them first for that crunchy texture.
| Vegetable | Nutrition | Flavor |
|---|---|---|
| Carrots | Vitamin A, vitamin K | Sweet |
| Bell peppers | Vitamin C, vitamin B6 | Sweet |
| Jicama | Fiber, vitamin C | Sweet, nutty |
Fruits
Fruits like apples, berries, and melon can make a sweet complement to the savory guacamole. Their fiber content helps slow digestion and makes them better choices than chips.
Apples
Apple slices have that satisfying crunch and sweetness. They go great with the creamy guac thanks to their high fiber content.
Pears
Sliced pears are another crisp, sweet option that ups your fruit and fiber intake compared to tortilla chips.
Strawberries
Whole strawberries lend bright color and sweetness in every bite of guacamole. They are packed with vitamin C.
Blueberries
Fresh blueberries burst with juicy flavor and supply antioxidant power from anthocyanins. Raspberries or blackberries work great too.
Melon Cubes
Watermelon, honeydew, or cantaloupe cubes provide a sweet hydration boost. Melons are rich in vitamin C and vitamin A.
Pineapple
Cubes of tangy-sweet pineapple give you that tropical flair. Pineapple supplies the enzyme bromelain, which aids digestion.
Mango
Mango chunks complement the other tropical fruit flavors in guacamole. They contain carotenoids like vitamin A.
Cherries
Add some vitamin C and anthocyanin antioxidants by dipping sweet, tart cherries into your guac. This is a fun colorful combination.
Kiwi
Kiwi slices give you bright color and flavor for a vitamin C boost. The little black seeds add visual interest too.
| Fruit | Nutrition | Flavor |
|---|---|---|
| Apples | Fiber, vitamin C | Sweet, tart |
| Berries | Vitamin C, anthocyanins | Sweet, tangy |
| Melons | Vitamin C, vitamin A | Sweet |
Whole Grains
Whole grain crackers, chips, and flatbreads give you fiber, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Look for ones made without refined flour.
Brown Rice Cakes
These crunchy discs make a lightweight base for guac with way less fat and calories than corn chips. Sprinkle them with spices.
Popcorn
Air-popped popcorn is a whole grain that makes a fun finger food for scooping guacamole. Sprinkle nutritional yeast on top for extra flavor.
Corn Tortillas
Baked or pan-fried corn tortilla wedges have great Southwestern flavor with guacamole. Choose a healthy version without hydrogenated oils.
Blue Corn Tortilla Chips
Blue corn tortilla chips are slightly healthier than white and have fun color. Look for low-salt versions or make your own.
Whole Grain Crackers
Try fiber-rich whole grain crackers like rye crispbreads or flax crackers for crunchy dipping. Check the label for whole grains and low sodium.
Pita or Naan
Toasted wedges of whole wheat pita or naan bread make sturdy dippers with a Middle Eastern flair. Pick unsweetened versions.
Celery Root Chips
These nutritious root vegetable chips have an earthy flavor. Roast celery root slices until crispy for homemade baked “chips.”
| Whole Grain | Nutrition | Flavor |
|---|---|---|
| Brown rice cakes | Fiber, manganese | Neutral |
| Air-popped popcorn | Fiber, polyphenols | Nutty |
| Corn tortillas | Fiber, magnesium | Corny |
Protein-Packed
Adding protein boosts staying power and nutrition in your guacamole snack. Here are some high-protein dipper ideas:
Edamame
Shelled edamame beans give you fiber along with plant-based protein. The green color looks great with guacamole.
Lentil Crackers
Look for fiber-rich crackers made with lentil flour. You’ll get substantial protein and nutrients compared to regular crackers.
Roasted Chickpeas
Crunchy, roasted chickpeas are a savory high-protein snack that pairs perfectly with creamy guacamole. Spice them up with your favorite flavors.
Nuts
Almonds, walnuts, pecans, and other nuts add nutrition like protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Toast them for extra crunch.
Seeds
Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and hemp hearts contain protein, magnesium, and other vital nutrients. Sprinkle them on guacamole or toast lightly.
| Protein Source | Nutrition | Flavor |
|---|---|---|
| Edamame | Fiber, plant protein | Earthy |
| Lentil crackers | Fiber, protein | Nutty |
| Roasted chickpeas | Protein, fiber | Nutty, savory |
Unexpected Twists
Think outside the chip bag and try these unexpected dippers that bring fun flavors and textures to your guac experience:
Jicama Tortilla Chips
Swap starchy tortilla chips for thin slices of crunchy raw jicama. Sprinkle with lime juice and chili powder for “tortilla” flavor.
Pickled Vegetables
Try crunchy pickled veggies like carrots, cauliflower, or radishes to bring tangy flavor to your guac snack.
Mini Bell Peppers
Use mini bell pepper halves as unique vessels for scooping and containing guacamole.
Endive Leaves
Curled endive leaves act as petite edible guac spoons with bitter flavor contrast.
Swiss Cheese Cubes
Skewer cubed Swiss cheese for a toothpick appetizer twist. The nutty cheese flavor plays off the smooth avocado.
Wonton Crackers
Crispy baked wonton wrappers give you a flaky, crunchy surface for scooping guacamole.
Crunchy Chickpeas
For an Indian twist, coat boiled chickpeas in rice flour and spices, then bake until crispy. They hold up well when dunked.
Seaweed Snacks
Crunchy roasted seaweed sheets make a surprisingly delicious match for creamy guacamole. The umami, salty flavor balances the avocado richness.
| Dipper | Texture | Flavor Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jicama chips | Crispy | Citrus, chili |
| Pickled veggies | Crunchy | Tart, tangy |
| Mini peppers | Crunchy | Sweet |
Conclusion
Guacamole makes a great snack or party dip, but it doesn’t need to be limited to greasy corn chips. With a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein options, you can create a more satisfying and nutritious guacamole experience.
Crunchy, fresh produce like carrot and celery sticks, bell pepper strips, or jicama slices make delicious dippers that add fiber, vitamins, minerals, and hydration. Berries, apples, pineapple, and other fruits bring sweetness and nutrition without extra fat and salt. Whole grain crackers, corn tortillas, or air-popped popcorn give you fiber and healthy carbs instead of empty calories.
Edamame, roasted chickpeas, lentil chips, nuts, and seeds amp up the protein and nutrition in your snack. And don’t be afraid to get creative with unique textures from seaweed or flavors from spiced nuts and pickles. With all these healthier possibilities, there’s no reason tortilla chips should have a monopoly on your guac!