Creamy Avocado Lime Dip

# What You'll Need:

01 - 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted

02 - 1 small garlic clove, minced

03 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped

04 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

05 - 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)

06 - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste

07 - 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

01 - In a medium mixing bowl, mash the avocados with a fork until mostly smooth, leaving some small chunks for texture.

02 - Add the minced garlic, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño if using, salt, and pepper to the mashed avocados.

03 - Stir until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

04 - Transfer to a serving dish and serve immediately with tortilla chips, vegetable sticks, or as a topping for tacos and sandwiches.

01 -

It comes together in less time than it takes to find a parking spot at the grocery store.
The lime juice cuts through the richness of the avocado in a way that makes you want to keep reaching for more.
You can adjust the heat and herbs to match whoever's eating it, from picky kids to spice-loving friends.
It tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did.

02 -

If your avocados aren't ripe enough, the dip will be lumpy and bland no matter how much you mash.
Adding the lime juice right after mashing slows down oxidation and keeps the dip green longer.
A tablespoon of Greek yogurt makes it extra creamy, but it's no longer vegan, so I only add it when I know my crowd.

03 -

Use a fork instead of a food processor so you control the texture and don't accidentally turn it into baby food.
Taste your lime before adding all the juice, some limes are sweeter or more bitter than others and you might need to adjust.
If you don't have jalapeño, a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce will give you the heat without the fresh pepper flavor.