This protein guacamole recipes checks all the boxes. It’s an easy after school snack, a healthy dipping sauce for kids, and a great addition to any healthy family dinner recipe. With the quick addition of chickpeas, guacamole can also be a great protein source!
As a dietitian, I always want to pack in as much nutrition as possible into our favorite foods. This version of guacamole is loaded with extra fiber and protein, but has the same great flavor!
How do you make protein guacamole?
This recipe has all the class guacamole ingredients, plus some! So grab your lime juice and avocados, and feel free to add red onion, garlic powder, or cilantro as your child’s palette expands.
Chickpeas
This recipe has mashed chickpeas mixed into the avocado. I have found that chickpeas change the texture and flavor of guacamole the least, but feel free to use any variety of beans you’d like!
The chickpeas give this guacamole nearly double the amount of fiber and protein. Fiber and protein are incredible important for kid’s development and growth. They also happen to be two of the most common nutrient deficiencies in children.
If your little one is struggling to eat enough protein, check out my High Protein Foods for Picky Eaters (Complete Guide).
Olive oil
Olive oil helps makes this guacamole smooth in texture and high in healthy fats! Making guacamole slightly thinner than you might think can make it easier for kids to eat and use as a dipping sauce. The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons, but feel free to use as much as you need for your desired texture.
Healthy Fats
Whether your child is a toddler or adolescent, many of them need help squeezing in extra calories! Almost every time I have a child struggling to meet their calorie needs, I recommend dipping EVERYTHING. It boost calories, but also flavor! (which makes kids want to eat more).
Here are my other favorite high calorie dips:
Protein Guacamole FAQ
Does guacamole have protein?
A classic guacamole recipe has 3 grams of protein per serving. Which isn’t nothing, but doesn’t contribute significantly to your kid’s daily protein needs. The protein guacamole in this recipe has 7 grams of protein per serving. More than double!
What protein goes well with guacamole?
Although there is already some protein hidden in this guacamole, you can always pair more protein with it. My favorites are chicken fajita meat, fish to make a taco, or turkey in a lunch wrap. If you’re starting solids, opt for a softer protein like cottage cheese.
What pairs with avocado to make a complete protein?
To make a complete protein from vegetarian sources, you want to combine a nut or legume with whole grains. Because this protein guacamole has chickpeas, simply pair with a whole grain to form a complete protein! Rice, whole grain bread, quinoa, or crackers.
Foods to Serve with High Protein Guacamole
Because the guacamole has covered our protein needs for the meal, focus on adding a quick carbohydrate source for dipping! Any non-starchy vegetable, tortilla chips, pita chips, or on top of bread for easy avocado toast.
This guacamole also pairs well with any traditional Mexican cuisine such as tacos, fajitas, flautas, or taquitos. The perfect dip or spread for any dish!
High Protein Guacamole
Ingredients
- 1 can (15.5 oz) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), unsalted
- 6 avocados
- 2 limes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- optional spices to your child's taste (salt, pepper, garlic, cumin, paprika, jalapeno). This is a great recipe to introduce new spices slowly!
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the chickpeas with a fork or potato masher. Mash until they form a puree (you may also use a food processor here – or your kid's hands!)
- Once the chickpeas are mashed completely, add in the peeled avocados. Mash again until all of the avocados are incorporated
- Add in the juice of 2 limes, olive oil, and optional spices
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What’s your fav method of cutting up avocados ? I think salted jicama would be great with this recipe
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