Guacamole is a popular avocado-based dip that is commonly served with tortilla chips as an appetizer. However, guacamole does not have a very long shelf life and tends to brown quickly after it is made. So what should you do if you end up with leftover or old guacamole? Is it still safe to eat and if so, what is the best way to use it up?
Is old guacamole safe to eat?
The good news is that guacamole can usually keep for 2-3 days in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container. The avocados and lime juice help prevent oxidation and browning. As long as there is no mold growth, old guacamole is still safe to eat.
However, the quality and flavor will deteriorate over time. The color will become dull brown and the taste will become less vibrant. The texture also tends to become more watery and less creamy. So while old guacamole won’t make you sick, it won’t taste nearly as good as fresh.
How to store guacamole properly
To get the longest shelf life out of homemade guacamole, it’s important to store it correctly:
- Place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the guacamole before sealing the container. This prevents air from getting to the guacamole and oxidizing it.
- Make sure the container is airtight. A good option is a container with a tight-fitting lid.
- Store in the refrigerator immediately after making, not left out at room temperature.
- Use within 2-3 days for best quality.
With proper storage techniques, you can keep leftover guacamole fresh long enough to use it up.
Uses for old guacamole
So you have some leftover guacamole that’s past its prime. No need to toss it out! There are plenty of ways to use up that old guac:
1. Guacamole spread
Old guacamole still has a nice avocado flavor that makes a great spread. Use it on sandwiches, burgers, wraps, and toast just like you would fresh guacamole. The flavor may not be as vibrant, but it’s still tasty. Spread some on a turkey sandwich or veggie wrap for an easy guac fix.
2. Mix into dips and spreads
Blend old guacamole into cream cheese, sour cream, or Greek yogurt to make a tasty chip dip. The guac boosts the flavor and adds creaminess. For a healthy veggie dip, mix guacamole with hummus or spinach dip. The guacamole also combines nicely with artichoke dip or bean dip.
3. Salad topper
You can still use less-than-fresh guacamole as a topping for salads. The chunks of avocado and flavor work great on top of leafy greens, grains, veggies, and more. Try it on a taco salad, quinoa bowl, or layered Greek salad.
4. Sauce for fish or chicken
Jazz up basic proteins by serving with guacamole on top. Simply spoon some guac over cooked fish, chicken, or pork for an easy sauce. Bake, grill, or pan-seer your protein, then dollop the guac on at serving time.
5. Quesadilla or taco filler
Stuff a quesadilla or taco with old guacamole plus fillings like chicken, cheese, beans, etc. The guac adds moisture and flavor to the otherwise dry tortilla interior. Just don’t overfill them with guac or they may get soggy.
6. Nacho topper
Pile some tortilla chips on a baking sheet and sprinkle with cheese. Bake until melted then top with guacamole. Old guac still adds plenty of flavor and richness atop cheesy nachos. Add chopped tomatoes, onions, olives or whatever else you like.
7. Burrito or taco boost
Add some old guac into your next burrito or taco for extra creaminess. Just a couple tablespoons blended into the other fillings gives a nice flavor and texture pop. And the other spices and flavors help mask any decline in the guac.
8. Enchilada sauce
For a quick enchilada sauce, blend about 1 cup of guacamole with 1 cup of salsa verde or roasted tomatillo salsa. Pour over chicken enchiladas and bake as usual for flavorful green enchiladas.
9. Breakfast upgrade
Wake up breakfast by topping eggs, toast, or breakfast tacos with your leftover guac. The rich avocado flavor is delicious any time of day. Use it wherever you’d normally enjoy avocado.
10. Potato topper
Baked potatoes get a tasty upgrade loaded with guacamole and cheese or sour cream. Guacamole also shines in twice-baked potatoes, potato skins, fries, and tater tots.
11. Blender into smoothies
Add a few spoonfuls of that not-so-fresh guacamole into your next smoothie. The avocado gives creaminess while sneaking in extra nutrients and healthy fats. Banana, berry, and spinach smoothies work nicely.
12. Mix into mashed avocado
Place old guacamole in a bowl and mash with a fork until smooth. Then mix in some fresh mashed avocado to improve the texture. Add lime juice, cilantro, tomatoes or other mix-ins to freshen up the flavor.
13. Fry some chips
Got some stale leftover tortilla chips? Recrisp them in the oven with a little guac on top. The hot oven helps melt the guac into a yummy topping for your revived chips.
14. Use in place of mayo
Slather your old guac on a sandwich instead of traditional mayo for a flavor and nutrition upgrade. Try it on BLTs, tuna sandwiches, burgers, etc.
15. Make guacamole deviled eggs
For an inspired twist on classic deviled eggs, use guacamole instead of mayo to fill them. Add some spices and hot sauce for extra flavor.
16. Swap into wraps and rolls
Smear a layer of guacamole in place of traditional condiments in any wrap or roll-up. Try it in summer rolls, egg rolls, cabbage rolls, or nori seaweed wraps.
17. Boost store-bought dips
Liven up hummus, artichoke dip, or other ready-made dips by blending in a few spoonfuls of leftover guacamole. The guac gives a rich, fresh pop of flavor.
18. Make guacamole soup
For a unique Mexican-inspired soup, blend 1-2 cups of guacamole with chicken or veggie broth. Garnish with tortilla strips, chili powder, and cilantro.
19. Stir into omelets
As your omelet cooks, add a few dollops of old guac right into the eggs. Let it melt and cream into the omelet for extra richness and flavor.
20. Top pizzas
Next pizza night, spoon on some guacamole after the pizza comes out of the oven. It’s tasty on veggie pizza, Mexican-style pizza, or just plain cheese.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many clever ways to use up leftover guacamole and avoid throwing it out. Even if the guacamole has started browning or losing its fresh flavor, it still adds creamy avocado goodness when blended into dips, spread on sandwiches, added to tacos and eggs, or garnishing anything from soup to pizza.
With proper storage and creative usage, you can get the most out of leftover guacamole. Just use it up within 2-3 days for safety and quality. Follow the storage tips to maximize its lifespan. Then put old guac to work enhancing other foods with its signature richness. Your cooking will get an easy flavor boost while you reduce food waste. Get ready to make the most of that extra guac!