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Table Side Guacamole with Crudités inspired by Jimmy's Harborside
Inspired by Jimmy's Harborside

Table Side Guacamole with Crudités

Appetizer Vegetarian Vegan Gluten-free Dairy-Free
This fresh, hand-prepared guacamole features ripe Haas avocados mashed to the perfect consistency with a balanced blend of lime, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Unlike traditional versions, this recipe includes crisp carrot and celery sticks for dipping alongside the expected tortilla chips, adding a refreshing crunch and making it suitable as a light starter.
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 0 mins
Total Time 20 mins
Servings 6

Ingredients

  • 4 large Haas avocados (Ripe but still slightly firm)
  • 2 tbsp Lime juice (Freshly squeezed)
  • 1/4 cup Red onion (Finely diced)
  • 2 medium Roma tomatoes (Seeded and diced)
  • 1 small Jalapeño pepper (Seeded and minced)
  • 1 clove Garlic (Minced)
  • 3 tbsp Fresh cilantro (Chopped)
  • 1/4 tsp Ground cumin
  • 1 tsp Salt (Kosher or sea salt)
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper (Freshly ground)
  • 4 medium Carrots (Peeled and cut into sticks)
  • 4 stalks Celery (Cut into sticks)
  • 4 cups Tortilla chips (Restaurant-style, thick cut)

Tools You'll Need

  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Fork for mashing
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Citrus juicer or reamer
  • Vegetable peeler
  • Serving bowl
  • Large platter for serving

Chef's Tip

The key to great guacamole texture is hand-mashing with a fork rather than using a food processor or blender. This creates a chunky-smooth consistency where some avocado pieces remain intact, adding textural interest and preventing the dip from becoming pasty.

Instructions

  1. Prepare avocados: Cut avocados in half lengthwise and remove pits. Scoop flesh into a medium bowl.
  2. Mash avocados: Using a fork, mash avocados to desired consistency, leaving some chunks for texture.
  3. Add acidity: Immediately fold in lime juice to prevent browning.
  4. Add aromatics: Fold in diced red onion, tomatoes, jalapeño, and garlic.
  5. Season: Add cilantro, cumin, salt, and pepper. Gently fold to combine, being careful not to over-mix.
  6. Taste and adjust: Adjust seasonings if needed, adding more salt or lime juice to taste.
  7. Prepare vegetables: Arrange carrot and celery sticks on a serving platter.
  8. Serve: Transfer guacamole to a serving bowl and serve immediately with vegetable sticks and tortilla chips.

Plating

Serve the guacamole in a molcajete or rustic stone bowl if available, otherwise a medium-sized serving bowl works well. Place in the center of a large platter and surround with colorful arrangements of carrot sticks, celery sticks, and tortilla chips. For added visual appeal, garnish the guacamole with a few cilantro leaves, a thin slice of jalapeño, and a light sprinkle of red onion on top.

Storage & Reheating

Guacamole is best enjoyed immediately after preparation. If necessary, it can be refrigerated for up to 4 hours by placing plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent browning. The vegetable sticks can be prepared several hours ahead and stored in cold water to maintain crispness, then drained and patted dry before serving.

About This Recipe

Jimmy's Harborside's table side guacamole was a popular starter that departed from tradition by incorporating fresh vegetables for dipping alongside chips. The restaurant's version was prepared at the table for dining entertainment. This adaptation preserves the fresh, chunky texture and bright flavors of the original while adding the signature vegetable accompaniments that made it unique.

How did it turn out?

We'd love to hear about your experience making this recipe!