Pom Pom Guacamole: A Fresh Take for World Guacamole Day

So this week, on 16th September, was World Guacamole Day, and what better excuse to celebrate this creamy, crowd-pleasing dip? From brunches and picnics to impromptu aperitifs and sophisticated dinners, guacamole has become a universal must-have – the kind of dish that somehow always steals the spotlight.

This year, the World Avocado Organisation (WAO) invites us to rediscover the joy of guacamole with a recipe that’s as chic as it is delicious. Fresh, vibrant, and dotted with ruby pomegranate seeds, their Pom Pom Guacamole is perfect to share outdoors with friends or to elevate your next dinner party spread.

A Bite of History

Guacamole’s story begins in Mexico, where the word comes from ahuacamolli, meaning “avocado sauce” in Nahuatl. More than five centuries ago, the earliest versions were made simply with avocado, a little lime, and a pinch of salt or sugar. Spanish explorers quickly carried it across the Atlantic, and soon enough, it became a European favourite – before conquering tables worldwide. Today, it’s one of the most-loved (and healthiest) appetisers in the world.

Why Avocados Are More Than a Trend

Beyond their irresistible taste, avocados are little green powerhouses:

  • Heart-friendly: Full of monounsaturated fats that can help protect the heart.

  • Nutrient-packed: They offer more potassium per gram than a banana, plus magnesium, copper and vitamins C, E, K and B.

  • Skin & digestion: High in fibre and antioxidants to keep you glowing from the inside out.

  • Brain booster: Lutein, found in avocados, has been linked to sharper memory and better cognitive health.

  • Low GI: A natural way to regulate appetite and support metabolic health.

The Recipe: Pom Pom Guacamole

A playful twist on the classic, this recipe layers in zingy pickled ginger and jewel-like pomegranate seeds for freshness and crunch.

Ingredients

  • 2 avocados

  • Juice and zest of 1 lime

  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper

  • 1 garlic clove, grated

  • 1 spring onion, finely chopped

  • 4 tbsp fresh coriander, finely chopped (reserve some for garnish)

  • 1 tbsp pickled ginger, chopped

  • 1 tbsp brine from the pickled ginger jar

  • 100g pomegranate seeds (reserve some for garnish)

  • Sea salt and black pepper

Optional garnish: ½ avocado rose
To serve: Tortilla chips or even better - spread on toasted sourdough with a sprinkling of your favourite salad bits and bobs - we love some green leaves and red onions.

Method

  • Halve the avocados, remove the stone and peel. Mash with a fork – smooth or chunky, depending on your mood.

  • Add the lime juice and zest, garlic, spring onion, coriander, ginger and brine. Stir gently to combine.

  • Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper to taste.

  • Spoon into your favourite bowl, then scatter with coriander and pomegranate seeds. Top with an avocado rose if you’re feeling fancy.

  • Serve with tortilla chips, or your dip food of choice (we also love on a toasted slice of sourdough) and enjoy with good company.

This Pom Pom Guacamole is proof that a simple bowl of avocado can be both healthy and chic. Whether you’re raising a glass at aperitif hour or planning a relaxed family picnic, it’s the kind of recipe that turns any gathering into a little celebration.

Foodhood mag