If you’re looking for a festive, fun, and utterly delicious appetizer to wow your guests this holiday season, you’ve got to try this Christmas Guacamole Wreath Recipe. It’s playful, easy to make, and brings that perfect mix of creamy avocado, zesty lime, and a pop of fresh veggies that’ll have everyone coming back for more. Plus, the wreath shape adds such a cute, seasonal touch to your holiday spread that I promise it’ll be a conversation starter!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Presentation: The guacamole shaped like a wreath is a charming centerpiece that’s both pretty and practical.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for last-minute holiday hosting without stress.
- Flavorful and Fresh: Combining ripe avocados, lime juice, RO*TEL tomatoes, and fresh cilantro makes each bite bright and satisfying.
- Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this guacamole every year — I bet your guests will too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Christmas Guacamole Wreath Recipe is the fresh, simple ingredients that work beautifully together. I always recommend looking for the ripest avocados you can find — it makes all the difference in texture and flavor.
- Ripe avocados: Choose avocados that give just a little when you gently squeeze; that ensures creamy, buttery guac.
- RO*TEL Original Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies: Drained well, they add a perfect mild kick without too much heat.
- Lime juice: Freshly squeezed is best for that bright citrus zing.
- Red onion: Chopped finely for a subtle crunch and mild sharpness.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic brings earthy depth.
- Ground cumin: Just a pinch gives the guac a warm, smoky undertone.
- Fresh cilantro: Finely chopped for that signature fresh herbal note everyone loves.
- Salt: To taste — don’t be shy to season well!
- Cherry tomatoes and cilantro leaves (for garnish): They add festive color and extra flavor pops.
- Tortilla chips or vegetables: For serving and dipping, choose your favorites to keep things versatile.
Variations
I love that this Christmas Guacamole Wreath Recipe is a great base to mix things up! You can tailor it based on your preferred spice level or what you have on hand — and trust me, it still shines no matter the tweaks.
- Add some heat: I once added finely chopped jalapeños for a little extra kick, and my spice-loving friends couldn’t get enough.
- Go creamy: Mixing in a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt makes it ultra-smooth and kid-friendly.
- Make it chunky or smooth: I like it coarsely mashed for texture, but if you prefer, you can blitz it in a food processor for smoother guac.
- Swap toppings: Feel free to use pomegranate seeds or diced red bell peppers instead of cherry tomatoes for a colorful twist.
How to Make Christmas Guacamole Wreath Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Mash the Avocados
Start by pitting and peeling your ripe avocados, then toss them into a large bowl. I like to coarsely mash them with a fork or potato masher instead of blending it smooth — it gives the guac a nice, hearty texture. Be careful not to over-mash; you want some chunkiness to keep every bite satisfying.
Step 2: Mix in the Flavors
Next, add the drained RO*TEL diced tomatoes and green chilies, fresh lime juice, chopped red onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, and finely chopped cilantro. Stir everything together well. At this point, give it a taste and sprinkle in salt to make all the flavors pop. Adjust accordingly — a little more lime juice here, a pinch more salt there — until it tastes just right.
Step 3: Shape Your Wreath
This is the fun part! To create the wreath shape, place a small bowl in the center of a larger, shallow serving dish. Spoon your guacamole around the small bowl, carefully molding it into a ring. When your wreath looks good and even, gently lift away the small bowl in the center — ta-da, you’ve got a festive guac wreath ready to impress.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Finish by decorating your wreath with halved cherry tomatoes and fresh cilantro leaves. The red and green pops of color make this dish so cheery. Serve immediately with your favorite tortilla chips or crunchy veggies, and watch your family and friends dig in enthusiastically!
Pro Tips for Making Christmas Guacamole Wreath Recipe
- Choosing The Right Avocados: I learned that using slightly underripe avocados can make your guac bland and fibrous; always pick those with a little give but no bruises.
- Drain Your Tomatoes Well: I used to skip draining RO*TEL tomatoes, and the extra liquid made my guacamole watery — draining ensures a perfect consistency.
- Use a Mold for the Wreath: Using a small bowl as a mold helps form a neat, professional-looking wreath — I swear by this trick, especially when entertaining.
- Serve Fresh: The guacamole tastes best made fresh; to avoid browning, squeeze extra lime juice on top if you’re prepping a bit in advance.
How to Serve Christmas Guacamole Wreath Recipe
Garnishes
I love decorating the wreath with halved cherry tomatoes and bright cilantro leaves — they add festive red and green colors that immediately set a holiday vibe. Sometimes, I toss on some pomegranate seeds for an extra burst of flavor and sparkle. It’s all about that eye appeal and those fresh pops of taste!
Side Dishes
This guacamole pairs beautifully with crunchy tortilla chips — classic and always a hit. If you want to throw in some healthier options, sliced bell peppers, cucumber sticks, or jicama really complement the creamy guac. I often serve it alongside a holiday charcuterie board, which adds even more festive variety to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, I’ve tried serving the Christmas Guacamole Wreath Recipe on a wooden platter surrounded by mini bowls of extra toppings, like diced red onion, chopped jalapeños, or shredded cheese. Another time, I used edible flower petals around the wreath for a sophisticated look. Presentation makes all the difference when guests see the care you put in!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers — which can be rare around here — I recommend storing your guacamole tightly covered with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface to minimize browning. Keep it in the fridge and use within 1-2 days for best flavor and color.
Freezing
I don’t typically freeze guacamole because the texture changes once thawed, turning a bit watery. If you do freeze it, I suggest using it in cooked dishes later rather than as a fresh dip. But for this Christmas Guacamole Wreath Recipe, fresh is always best!
Reheating
Guacamole isn’t something you reheat, really — just serve it fresh or cold. If leftovers have sat too long, give it a quick stir and add a squeeze of fresh lime to brighten things up before serving again.
FAQs
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Can I make the Christmas Guacamole Wreath Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the guacamole mixture a few hours ahead, but I recommend shaping and garnishing the wreath just before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant. Cover tightly with plastic wrap pressed on the surface to prevent browning if making early.
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What can I use instead of RO*TEL Original Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies?
If you can’t find RO*TEL, plain diced tomatoes combined with a small amount of chopped mild green chilies or jalapeños work well. Just be sure to drain excess liquid to keep your guacamole from getting watery.
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How do I keep the guacamole from turning brown?
Lime juice helps slow oxidation, so make sure to mix it in well. Also, cover the guacamole tightly with plastic wrap pressed against the surface or store in an airtight container. Adding a thin layer of water on top before covering (then pouring off before serving) can also help.
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Can I make the wreath without a mold?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a small bowl to use as a mold, you can shape the guacamole freehand into a ring on your serving plate using a spoon or spatula. It might take a little extra patience, but it still looks great!
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Guacamole Wreath Recipe has become my go-to holiday appetizer because it’s simple, delicious, and adds such a joyful splash of color to the table. I remember the first time I made it for a family holiday party and how it instantly drew people in — it’s like everyone knows a fun, festive guacamole is a good sign the party’s going to be great. Seriously, give it a try this season; you’ll love how easy and impressive it is. Trust me, your guests will be asking for the recipe!
Print
Christmas Guacamole Wreath Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Celebrate the holidays with this festive Christmas Guacamole Wreath Appetizer. Creamy ripe avocados blended with zesty diced tomatoes, lime, and fresh herbs create a vibrant and flavorful dip shaped into a charming wreath. Perfect for holiday parties, this easy-to-make guacamole is garnished with cherry tomatoes and cilantro leaves and served with tortilla chips or fresh vegetables for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
Guacamole
- 6 ripe avocados
- 2 cans RO*TEL® Original Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies (10 ounces each), drained well
- 2 Tablespoons lime juice
- ½ cup red onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
For Garnish and Serving
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cilantro leaves
- Tortilla chips or vegetables
Instructions
- Prepare the Avocados: Pit and peel the avocados, then place them in a large bowl. Coarsely mash the avocados using a fork or potato masher until you achieve a chunky but creamy texture.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the well-drained RO*TEL diced tomatoes and green chilies, lime juice, chopped red onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, and finely chopped cilantro to the mashed avocados. Mix everything thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the guacamole mixture and add salt to your preference, mixing well to incorporate.
- Form the Wreath Shape: Place a small bowl in the center of a larger shallow bowl to act as a mold. Spoon the guacamole around the small bowl, shaping it evenly into a wreath or ring form.
- Remove Mold Bowl: Carefully lift out the smaller bowl to reveal a beautiful guacamole wreath shape resting in the larger bowl.
- Garnish: Decorate the guacamole wreath with halved cherry tomatoes and cilantro leaves to resemble holiday decorations, adding a festive touch.
- Serve: Present the wreath with tortilla chips or fresh vegetables for dipping and enjoy this quick, eye-catching holiday appetizer.
Notes
- Use ripe avocados for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
- Drain the diced tomatoes and green chilies well to avoid excess liquid in the guacamole.
- For a spicier kick, add finely chopped jalapeños.
- Prepare the guacamole close to serving time to maintain its fresh green color.
- Use a shallow bowl for easier shaping of the wreath.
- This guacamole can also be made vegan and gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 177 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
