7 Delicious Spice Mixes

Avocados are so good on so many levels. For example, they’re good-natured. They’re creamy, which helps them blend seamlessly into all kinds of foods, and their mild, nutty flavor brings out the best in sweet and savory dishes. If variety is the spice of life, the spice of spice … is avocado!

The following seven recipes for avocado-lovin’ spice mixes will save you time in the kitchen and bring a little extra kick or zip to your favorite recipes. Most can be made with pantry staples already in your spice rack.

1. Guacamole Spice Mix

Guacamole is the ultimate food for good times with good people, which is why you can find guacamole recipes all over the world inspired by cultures and cuisines from Mexico to Italy to Hawaii to Mumbai. That said, everyone loves a classic. If you want to stick with a traditional recipe, it’s easy to make your own guacamole mix. Once you do, you can store it in a dry glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, and pull it from the spice rack when you’re ready to whip up some dip for good times.

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp. fine salt
• 3 tbsp. garlic powder
• 3 tbsp. onion powder
• 5 tbsp. cumin
• 3 tbsp. cayenne

Directions:

Stir all ingredients together and store in an air-tight container. Mix one tablespoon into 8 oz. of guacamole. Test and add more if desired.

2. Chili Spice Mix

Chili is the ultimate comfort food and like guacamole, it’s versatile. You can use any number of beans, not just the standard kidney bean, and switch ground beef, turkey, pork, or chicken for chorizo, or opt out of meat entirely. If you ask us, though, there are two non-negotiables: a spice mix to give the chili some kick and sliced or diced avocado served on top.

Regardless of the specific chili recipe you use, this basic chili spice mix is a great pantry staple to have at hand, especially during colder months.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 c. chili powder
• 1/4 c. cumin
• 1 tbsp. coriander
• 1 tbsp. cayenne*
• 2 tbsp. dried oregano
• 2 tbsp. garlic salt

Directions:

Shake well and store in an airtight jar. Mix into the chili while simmering, then ladle into bowls and top with avocado!

*In lieu of cayenne, you can use any other ground chile powder — ancho, chipotle, and guajillo are some common Mexican chiles sold in a dried form in supermarkets; you can grind them into a powder and add them to your mix.

3. Taco Seasoning

Few things bring joy to the heart like Taco Tuesday. It’s a weekly tradition every family can get behind, thanks to the versatility of build-your-own fixings. You can keep it simple with avocado, cheese, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes, or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, try avocado honey salmon or avocado pulled pork tacos.

Regardless, when it comes to the protein filling, you’re gonna need some spicy taco seasoning. Just a few minutes mixing a few basic spices from your cabinet will generate a month’s worth of taco night seasoning. So you can spend less time cooking and more time taco-ing.

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 tsp paprika
• 6 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 4 tsp fine sea salt
• 4 tsp ground black pepper

Directions:

Mix and shake well so all the ingredients are blended. Store in an airtight jar until Taco Night!

4. Italian Herb Blend

Salads are full of goodness—especially when filled with superfoods (like, say, nutrient-dense avocados.) And there’s no need to buy salad dressing if you already have avocado oil, vinegar, and a few basic spices at home. Whip up this super easy Italian herb bled to dash into a homemade vinaigrette and serve an impressive salad topped with avocado at your next dinner party.

Get Expert Advice on Spice

Spicing things up is important. Just ask Jax, the world’s top Guacamole Expert. He’s overflowing with knowledge and ideas to keep things interesting in the kitchen.