Citric Acid Free Paleo Smoky Paprika Guacamole Veggie Cups
Creamy, smoky, and loaded with fresh flavor, this guacamole is the kind of dip that disappears fast at any gathering. Smoked paprika and cumin give the mashed avocado a deep, almost campfire-like warmth, while a hit of fresh lime juice and cilantro keeps everything bright and lively. The real genius here is the serving vessel — bell pepper strips and hollowed cucumber rounds replace chips entirely, making this a naturally grain-free, whole-food snack that looks stunning on a platter. For anyone avoiding citric acid, the lime juice used here is freshly squeezed from a whole lime, so there are no processed additives or preservative acids hiding in the mix. Store-bought dips and packaged snack foods are notorious for sneaking in citric acid as a preservative, which makes a from-scratch approach like this one genuinely worth the extra few minutes. Every ingredient is straightforward and easy to verify, giving you full control over what goes into the bowl. Serve it immediately after assembling so the veggie cups stay crisp and the guacamole stays vibrant.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the guacamole
- 3 ripe avocados
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 1 lime)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste
- 1 roma tomato, seeded and finely diced
- 3 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
For the veggie cups
- 2 large bell peppers (any color), cut into 1 ½-inch wide strips or rings
- 1 large english cucumber, cut into 1-inch thick rounds
For serving
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Cut the bell peppers into 1½-inch wide strips or rings, trimming away the seeds and white pith to create shallow, scoop-shaped cups. Using a small melon baller or teaspoon, hollow out the center of each cucumber round, leaving a ¼-inch base intact to form a cup. Arrange all veggie cups on a serving platter.
- 2
Place the avocado flesh in a mixing bowl and mash with a fork to your preferred texture — leave it slightly chunky for the best result.
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