Name: Creamy Guacamole with Cotija and Confetti Salsa Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 avocados, peeled, pit removed, and cubed; 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice; 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 tablespoon minced cilantro; 1 tablespoon minced red onion; 1 teaspoon minced jalapeno pepper; 1/2 cup rich sour cream (such as Mexican or Salvadoran, if available); 3 tablespoons finely crumbled cotija cheese (or another salty cheese, like goat cheese); 2 tablespoons mascarpone or cream cheese; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 tablespoon minced cilantro; 1 pinch of salt (optional); 1 cup small diced tomatoes (about 24 cherry tomatoes; if using canned, drain thoroughly); 1/2 cup small diced bell peppers (red, orange, yellow); 3 tablespoons small diced red onions; 1/2 fresh lime, juice only; 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice; 2 tablespoons minced cilantro; 1 teaspoon minced jalapeno; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 33 reviews

If you love guacamole but are looking to take it up a notch, you’ve got to try this Creamy Guacamole with Cotija and Confetti Salsa Recipe. It’s not your average dip – it’s like a fiesta in a bowl with layers of fresh avocado, tangy creamy cotija spread, and vibrant confetti salsa on top. I’m excited to share it with you because this recipe has quickly become my go-to for parties and casual snacks. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll never want plain guacamole again!

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Why This Recipe Works

Layered Flavor Magic: The three distinct layers create a delicious balance between creamy, tangy, and fresh tastes.
Fresh and Colorful: The vibrant confetti salsa adds a pop of color and brightness that looks beautiful and tastes amazing.
Versatile Party Dip: You can easily prep parts in advance, making it great for stress-free entertaining.
Authentic Mexican Twist: The creamy cotija layer gives a salty tang that makes this dip unique and memorable.

Creamy Guacamole with Cotija and Confetti Salsa, layered guacamole dip, festive avocado dip, Mexican-inspired guacamole, colorful salsa recipe - A clear glass bowl filled with a fresh mix of finely chopped red tomatoes, small orange bell pepper pieces, tiny bits of purple onion, and small green herb leaves, all evenly mixed together. The bowl sits on a wooden surface with lime wedges and a green chili pepper placed around it. The colors are bright and vibrant, showing a fresh and colorful salsa. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a part in elevating the classic guacamole experience. The creamy cotija spread brings smooth richness, while the confetti salsa bursts with fresh, colorful notes. Here’s a little insider scoop on why each one works so well:

Avocados: Make sure your avocados are perfectly ripe – soft to the touch but not mushy. They form the creamy base that’s essential to any good guacamole.
Lime & Lemon Juice: These brighten the flavors and help keep the avocado from browning too quickly.
Cilantro: Adds that unmistakable fresh, herbal kick that wakes up the dip.
Red Onion: Provides crunch and a subtle sharpness that balances the creaminess.
Jalapeño: A little heat to enliven every bite without overpowering the other flavors.
Sour Cream & Mascarpone: These create a luscious, dreamy texture in the cotija spread, making it irresistibly creamy.
Cotija Cheese: Its salty, tangy character is the star of the creamy layer, giving it an authentic Mexican vibe.
Tomatoes & Bell Peppers: The stars of the confetti salsa, adding crunch, color, and juicy freshness.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love that this Creamy Guacamole with Cotija and Confetti Salsa Recipe is so easy to customize. Don’t be shy about adjusting the heat or swapping out ingredients to make it your own. Here are a few ways I like to tweak it depending on the occasion.

Variation: When I’m serving family who prefers less spice, I dial down the jalapeño and sometimes swap it for a mild poblano pepper.
Dietary Changes: For a dairy-free twist, try substituting vegan cream cheese and skipping the cotija, then adding some extra lime juice for tang.
Seasonal Flair: In summer, I throw in some diced mango or pineapple into the confetti salsa for a sweet tropical kick.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Guacamole with Cotija and Confetti Salsa Recipe

Step 1: Mash Your Avocado Base with Fresh Citrus

Start by peeling and cubing your ripe avocados, then mash them gently with lime and lemon juice plus kosher salt. This combo not only brightens the flavors but also helps keep your guacamole from browning. I like to use a fork or a molcajete for this step – a molcajete gives a great rustic texture. Don’t over-mash; let some chunks remain for a nice bite. Once mashed, stir in the minced cilantro, red onion, and jalapeño for that fresh kick.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Cotija Spread

This is where the magic really happens. In a bowl, combine sour cream, mascarpone (or cream cheese), finely crumbled cotija cheese, and lime juice. Mash everything together until mostly smooth – I sometimes use an immersion blender to get it extra creamy. Stir in chopped cilantro and taste for salt. This layer acts like a velvety shield for the guac underneath while adding a tangy, salty punch.

Step 3: Prepare the Confetti Salsa

Dice your tomatoes, bell peppers (using a mix of colors), and red onions nice and small. Mix them with lime and lemon juice, jalapeño, cilantro, and a pinch of kosher salt. Let this rest for a few minutes to meld the flavors — it’s worth the wait! It adds a bright, crunchy, and colorful finish on top of your dip that just makes you smile.

Step 4: Layer, Press, and Serve

In a clear glass bowl (for full effect), spread your guacamole evenly across the bottom, pressing against the sides to avoid air pockets. Next, smooth the creamy cotija spread directly over the guacamole layer, pressing gently so it clings beautifully to the edges. Finally, drain any excess liquid from your confetti salsa and spoon it over the top to cover the cheese layer completely. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips and prepare for compliments.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Guacamole with Cotija and Confetti Salsa Recipe

Choose Ripe Avocados: Test avocado ripeness by gently pressing – it should yield without feeling mushy, giving you that perfect creamy texture.
Keep Guacamole Green Longer: Mix a little fruit fresh powdered preservative into your citrus juice before mashing to slow oxidation.
Press Layers Firmly: Press each layer against the glass bowl to prevent air pockets—this helps keep your guacamole fresh and visually stunning.
Drain Confetti Salsa Well: Excess moisture can make your dip soggy; draining the salsa before layering keeps everything crisp and neat.

How to Serve Creamy Guacamole with Cotija and Confetti Salsa Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this dip off with a sprinkle of extra cotija cheese and a few fresh cilantro leaves for that finishing touch. A few thin slices of radish or a sprinkle of smoked paprika add a nice contrast and a little heat. If you have some fresh lime wedges nearby, those are great too—they let everyone add an extra squeeze if they want.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Guacamole with Cotija and Confetti Salsa Recipe pairs beautifully with classic tortilla chips, but I also enjoy serving it alongside grilled meats, roasted corn, or even as a topping for tacos. It’s surprisingly versatile and brightens up any Mexican-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to make individual mini dip cups layered just like the big bowl – it’s a crowd-pleaser and helps with portion control. Another fun idea is to serve it in shallow glass trays where the colorful layers really pop. Garnishing with edible flowers or thinly sliced jicama adds a wow factor for special gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), keep the dip in an airtight container in the fridge. Cover the surface with a piece of plastic wrap pressed right onto the guacamole layer to minimize browning. The next day, you might see some separation in the cotija layer – just give it a gentle stir before serving.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this dip because the textures change once thawed, especially the creamy and fresh veggie layers. But if you’re in a pinch, you can freeze the guacamole alone and mash in fresh salsa and cotija spread when ready to serve.

Reheating

This dip is best served fresh and cold, so reheating isn’t really necessary or recommended. If you want to warm it up slightly, just let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes; this enhances the creaminess without losing the fresh flavors.

FAQs

Can I make the Creamy Guacamole with Cotija and Confetti Salsa Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! The creamy cotija spread and confetti salsa can both be made a day before, which helps save prep time on party day. Just be sure to drain the salsa well before layering to avoid a watery dip. The guacamole is best made as close to serving as possible to keep it fresh and green, but you can mix in citrus juice with a preservative to delay browning.
What if I don’t have cotija cheese?

If cotija isn’t available, you can substitute with a salty, crumbly cheese like feta or goat cheese. While it won’t be exactly the same flavor, the salty tang is what really enhances the creamy layer, so avoid milder cheeses.
How do I keep my guacamole from turning brown?

The key is acid and minimizing exposure to air. In this recipe, lime and lemon juice do double duty, brightening the flavor and slowing oxidation. Pressing the guacamole layer tightly against the glass bowl and covering it with the creamy cotija layer helps shield it from air, which keeps it green longer.
Can I adjust the spice level?

Absolutely! You can reduce or omit the jalapeño if you prefer a milder dip, or add extra if you love heat. Tasting as you go ensures it’s customized perfectly for your crowd.

Final Thoughts

Making this Creamy Guacamole with Cotija and Confetti Salsa Recipe has become something of a tradition for my get-togethers – it never fails to impress and brings that perfect combination of creaminess, fresh crunch, and a crowd-pleasing flavor punch. I wholeheartedly recommend you give this one a try, whether it’s game day, a casual weekend snack, or your next party appetizer. Once you’ve made it, you’ll keep coming back to it—as will your guests. Happy dipping!