Fresh Guacamole with a Twist: Orange Juice Instead of Lime

Sneak Peek: This fresh guacamole recipe ditches the usual lime or lemon juice for a splash of fresh orange juice, giving it a unique, subtly sweet twist. It’s chunky, flavorful, and completely customizable—no raw onions here (unless you want them)!

FRESH GUACAMOLE with orangePin

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Who doesn’t love a little secret ingredient that takes a classic recipe to the next level? If you’re a guacamole fan, this one’s for you! Instead of lime or lemon juice, this recipe uses fresh orange juice for a slightly sweeter, more balanced flavor.

I picked up this trick from the servers at Boudro’s, a fantastic spot on the San Antonio Riverwalk. Trust me—it works!

Happy Cooks Speak Up:

Just made this. It was really excellent. Topped it of with a beer of my choice. Thanks for the recipe! — Chris

What’s the Best Way to Buy Avocados?

Avoid bruised or overripe avocados with these tips:

  • Buy them firm: Choose green, rock-hard avocados a few days before you need them.
  • Ripen on the counter: Let them sit at room temperature until they yield slightly at the stem end.
  • Store in the fridge: Once ripe, keep them in the produce drawer to slow further ripening.
  • Same-day shopping? Head to a high-end grocery store or fresh market where avocados are handled with more care.

You can read more about how I buy avocados here.

Can I Use Something Other Than Orange Juice?

Absolutely! If you prefer a more traditional taste, swap in:

  • Lime juice
  • Lemon juice
  • A mix of both

How Do You Like Your Guacamole?

Guacamole is as personal as a favorite meatloaf or potato salad recipe. Some like it chunky, others smooth. I’m a fan of a heartier texture, so I chop my avocados instead of mashing them completely.

What Can You Add to Guacamole?

Make it your own with these flavorful additions:

  • Heat it up: A few dashes of hot sauce (like Tabasco Green or Frank’s Red Hot)
  • Boost the flavor: Fresh garlic, garlic powder, or chopped onions
  • Make it extra fresh: Pico de gallo or a spicier salsa

Serving Ideas

Sure, guacamole and chips are a classic, but don’t stop there!

  • Spread it on BLTs or a San Antonio Bean Burger.
  • Use it as a toast topper.
  • Pair it with tacos, burritos, or quesadillas.

Serve guacamole as a dip with corn or tortilla chips. I also like guacamole on sandwiches like a BLT or a San Antonio Bean Burger. Try guacamole on toast (spread like jelly) or use it as a condiment alongside other Texas Tamale Pie or Green Chile Enchiladas.


How To Make Fresh Guacamole with Orange Juice

story board showing how to make guacamolePin
Remove the seed, scoop out avocado flesh, chop with a knife, and squeeze in fresh orange juice along with seasonings.

How Should I Store Leftover Guacamole?

The best way I’ve found is to flatten a piece of plastic wrap on top of the guacamole (to keep out the oxygen) in a small Mason jar. Use a portable vacuum sealer to seal the jar. I’ve tried other methods, but this works best for me.


Final Thoughts

This guacamole is fresh, vibrant, and slightly unexpected. If you’ve never tried orange juice in guacamole before, now’s the time. Give it a go and let me know what you think!

[Inspired by the guacamole at Boudro’s? Check out their website for the original recipe.]

Need help troubleshooting? Please email me: Paula at saladinajar.com–photos welcome!

FRESH GUACAMOLE with orangePin
Yield: 8 servings

Fresh Guacamole with Orange Juice

Hand-mixed guacamole with a bright citrus twist!
5 from 10 votes
PRINT RECIPE PIN RECIPE
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes

Ingredients
 

  • 3 avocados large, ripe
  • 2 tablespoons salsa
  • juice of one-half orange
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • fresh tomatoes, chopped
  • fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  • Slice 3 avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a bowl.
  • Chop avocados with a knife to keep them chunky.
  • Stir in 2 tablespoons salsa and juice of one-half orange.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh tomatoes, chopped , fresh cilantro, chopped , if desired.

Notes

Substitute lime or lemon juice for all or part of the orange juice for a more traditional guacamole.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 122kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 33mg | Potassium: 377mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 129IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg

All images and text ©️ Paula Rhodes for Salad in a Jar.com

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4.80 from 10 votes (8 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




23 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Paula, I ♥ Boudro’s! Thanks for sharing this great tip. And, am *so* with you on the chunky guacamole. Since I am in charge of the Guac for tomorrow, (how great is the timing of your post-yay!) I am going to add the OJ! Hope you have a wonderful holiday! xo

  2. Just made this. It was really excellent. Topped it of with a beer of my choice. Thanks for the recepie!

  3. I just ate at Boudros and the guacamole was the best I’ve ever had…and I’ve had a lot of guacamole!!!! Do you have a similar recipe??

    1. Anthony,
      You have found my similar recipe. It is not THE recipe–just my attempt to get close. I do not like pico de gallo so I don’t add it but I know the restaurant does.

  4. tasteofbeirut says:

    I adore guacamole and will try your version; in Lebanon I might use bitter oranges which are used there a lot to make extracts and jams.

  5. This sounds very interesting, I’ll definitely have to try it! I usually make my own pico de gallo with roma tomatoes, sweet yellow onion (it’s much milder), tons of cilantro, fresh lime juice, a bit of kosher salt and some fresh-cracked pepper. Super-simple–I just mix that straight into my mashed avocado and make sure to add enough of the juice, which does help keep it from browning. I make enough pico to serve it separately from the guac for those who don’t care for avocado (though they’re crazy, I say). I couldn’t tell you how long it keeps in the fridge, because there’s never any left to put away!

  6. What great idea to add orange juice to the Guacamole.
    There is an avocado remaining in my fridge..will buy some orange tomorrow 🙂

  7. Tracey @ Kitchen Playground says:

    Oh. my. goodness!! I’ve had that guacamole at Boudro’s on the Riverwalk! Which is only interesting because I live North Carolina, not Texas. 🙂 It IS yummy!

  8. NIce variation on guacamole.
    Mimi

  9. Paula,
    I will be printing off this recipe. I love guacamole and this looks like a winner! I became familiar with D. L. Jardines when we sold it in a store where I use to work. The Peach Salsa would fly off the shelf.
    Sandwiches? Yes. I love the Bacon avocado sandwich at Boo Boo’s but it has been years since I’ve had one. You have inspired me once again and the wheels are turning.

  10. Chung-Ah @ Damn Delicious says:

    I really appreciate you sharing your secret ingredient with us!

  11. Nothing like guacamole and chips! Will defiitely have to try the orange juice. Have used lemon and lime like everyone else has stated but not the orange. Love the Artisan Black Bean Chips by Tostitos too!

  12. 5 stars
    Paula, I ♥ Boudro’s! Thanks for sharing this great tip. And, am *so* with you on the chunky guacamole. Since I am in charge of the Guac for tomorrow, (how great is the timing of your post-yay!) I am going to add the OJ! Hope you have a wonderful holiday! xo

  13. My dear friend has a birthday in a couple of weeks and she LOVES Guacamole. We have a small group of 5 friends and we always have a birthday lunch together. I will make your recipe (with the secret ingredient) nice and chunky like you prefer, to share with everyone.

  14. Paula: No, I haven’t tried it because it never lasts that long! LOL!

  15. The Café Sucré Farine says:

    Orange juice? How fun! You always have something new to teach me, Paula! This guacamole is going to be on my weekend cooking list, YUM! Thanks, Chris

  16. Tori @eat-tori says:

    What a great sneaky twist! Have sometimes added orange zest into pork and onion ragu, but never thought about the juice in guac. Love it.

  17. Love the idea of the orange addition to the guacomole!

  18. The orange juice sounds fresh! I heard that if you store the guacomole, covered, with the pit buried inside, it won’t turn color so fast.

    1. I’ve heard that myself Gary. Have you tried it?

  19. Betty @ scrambled hen fruit says:

    I usually use lime juice in mine- I’ll have to try your version because I bet the orange juice gives it a nice flavor! Guacamole- actually anything with avocados- is one of my favorite dips/spreads. 🙂

  20. OMG – love Boudro’s guac!!

    1. Hi Judy, Just to be clear, this is not THE Boudro’s recipe.

      This recipe is clearly an adaptation–and not quite as much trouble for the home cook.