Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Venezuelan Guasacaca (Creamy Avocado Herb Sauce)

Sarah Smith
Jan 16
2 min read

Green soup with herbs on top in a white bowl, placed on a wooden surface. The soup has a smooth texture and a vibrant color.

Venezuelan guasacaca is a creamy, herb-forward avocado sauce that’s fresh, tangy, and incredibly comforting. Blended with ripe avocado, fresh herbs, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil, it has a smooth, spoonable texture and bright flavor that instantly brings a dish to life.

Often served alongside warm arepas, grilled meats, or simple bowls, guasacaca is one of those recipes that ties everything together. If you’ve made our Arepas (Warm, Cozy Venezuelan Corn Cakes), Queso Fresco–Style Pan Cheese, or Pabellón Criollo–Style Shredded Beef, this sauce adds a fresh, vibrant contrast that makes every bite feel complete.

Why You’ll Love This

Creamy, fresh, and herb-packed
No cooking required
Perfect for drizzling, dipping, or spreading
Brings balance to rich, cozy dishes

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 0minutes Total Time: 10 minutes Servings: About 1½ cups

Nutritional Information

Estimated per 2-tablespoon serving:

Calories: ~60
Carbohydrates: ~2g
Protein: ~1g
Fat: ~5g
Fiber: ~2g
Sugar: ~0g

Ingredients

2 ripe avocados
½ cup fresh cilantro
¼ cup fresh parsley
2 cloves of garlic
2 tablespoons white vinegar
¼ cup olive oil
¼–½ cup water (to thin, as needed)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Add the avocados, cilantro, parsley, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, and ¼ cup water to a blender or food processor.
Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
Add additional water a little at a time until the sauce reaches a pourable consistency.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve immediately or chill briefly to let the flavors meld.

Storage & Tips

Storage: Store guasacaca in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Prevent Browning: Press plastic wrap directly against the surface of the sauce before sealing to help slow oxidation.

Consistency Tip: For a thicker dip-style sauce, use less water. For drizzling, thin it slightly more.

Serving Tip: Drizzle over arepas, spoon onto shredded beef, serve with pan-fried cheese, or use as a fresh sauce for bowls and wraps.

FAQs

Is guasacaca the same as guacamole? No. While both use avocado, guasacaca is thinner, herb-based, and blended smooth with vinegar and oil.

Is this sauce spicy? No, it’s mild and fresh. You can add heat with a small piece of jalapeño if desired.

Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best fresh, but it can be made a few hours ahead and stored tightly covered.

Is guasacaca vegan and gluten-free? Yes, this sauce is naturally vegan and gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Guasacaca is one of those simple sauces that quietly becomes essential. Creamy, fresh, and endlessly versatile, it adds brightness to cozy Venezuelan-inspired meals and brings balance to rich, comforting dishes. Once you try it, you’ll want a batch in the fridge any time arepas are on the menu.