Oh… our Guasacaca Venezolana (Venezuelan Guasacaca Sauce ). If you have not tried this Venezuelan green sauce, it is time you give it a shot.
Venezuelan Guasacaca sauce is made under 5 minutes and only with fresh staple ingredients. A fresh, tangy, creamy, and absolutely delicious condiment.
Guasacaca brings so many memories of my life in Venezuela, like a Parrillada (barbecue) and drizzling fresh Guasacaca over grilled meats (carne asada, also known as Parrilla), chorizo and yuca.
This is my mom’s traditional recipe and one I make often for family and friends who just love it (like my American amigo Jon J. who can't get enough of it!!!) He keeps telling me we should mass-produce and market it to Trader Joe's. What do ya all think!!?).
There are other variations as everyone adds their own touch. Still, you can rest assured that this is an authentic Venezuelan Guasacaca recipe!
What is Guasacaca made of?
A Traditional Venezuelan Guasacaca sauce recipe (Receta tradicional de Guasacaca Venezolana) has lots of Cilantro for an herbal character and rich green color, green bell pepper for an earthy taste, garlic, onion, and the hallmark of its tanginess, the white vinegar. The vinegar is what makes Guasacaca different from Guacamole.
Guasacaca is not typically a hot sauce, but it can be if you are a lover of hot and spicy food. Add some Jalapeños or Serrano peppers for a spicy Guasacaca.
Guasacaca is considered a condiment (like my Argentinian Chimichurri Sauce recipe) drizzled over grilled meats (like this Grilled Skirt Steak with Guasacaca) or with arepas! It is custom to find Guasacaca served at food trucks and restaurants in Venezuela. A staple of Venezuelan cuisine!!
Guasacaca is also great for dipping, dressing, and spreading. It is very versatile and one of my favorite Venezuelan sauces!!
Guasacaca versus Guacamole
They are similar but certainly not the same!!
- Since Guasacaca is blended, it is a smoother sauce versus the chunkier texture of Guacamole.
- Guasacaca has LOTS of fresh cilantro, much more than Guacamole.
- Guasacaca is tangier because it has Vinegar which Guacamole does not. Vinegar is a hallmark of traditional Venezuelan Guasacaca. The acidity of the white Vinegar is key to Guasacaca’s unique flavor.
- Guasacaca includes green bell pepper and does not typically include Jalapeño or Serrano, which is called for in Guacamole.
Guacamole and Guasacaca are like cousins who look so alike on the outside yet so different on the inside. Still, everyone in the family adores them for who they are!!
Guasacaca is super easy to make and a part of traditional Venezuelan food. Just throw all the ingredients in the blender (that’s how my mom makes it!), but you can also use a food processor (if you wanna be fancy.😉).
Jump to:
How to Make this easy Guasacaca recipe in less than 5 minutes
Equipment
• Electric blender (or food processor)
• Cutting board
• Large knife
• Glass container for storing.
Guasacaca Sauce Ingredients and substitutions
(See the printable version of the recipe card with ingredient quantities at the bottom of this post)
- Fresh Cilantro
- Ripe Avocado
- Red Onion
- Green Bell Pepper, seeded and roughly chopped
- Garlic
- White Vinegar – This is the best vinegar for Guasacaca. But you may substitute with Apple Cider or Red wine Vinegar if necessary.
- Water
- Vegetable Oil (not Olive oil)
- Salt and Black pepper
Expert tip!
You can add more Avocado for a thicker and creamier consistency. However, do not add more onion as it will make the Guasacaca bitter (my mom’s advice that I follow to the T!). Adding a yellow bell pepper also works but, the sauce will not be as green. Still delicious.
Instructions
Here is the best part! This Venezuelan salsa is so easy. All you need to do is throw all ingredients in a blender and process until they are nicely blended and the sauce has a smooth, homogenous, and creamy consistency. Adjust the salt and pepper to your preference. This is why it is one of my favorite Venezuelan recipes!
Expert tip:
Guasacaca can be made ahead but should be kept refrigerated. It tastes best if used within 24-48 hours. However, it will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. The vinegar contributes to maintaining its color and freshness.
Why is my Guasacaca bitter?
Too much onion will contribute to bitterness in Guasacaca. Do not add more than what the recipe calls for. My mom’s advice!!
I hope you enjoy this easy Venezuelan Guasacaca Sauce recipe and that it becomes one of your go-to sauces! Enjoy! Disfruten!
Variations
No avocado? While it may sound hard to believe! Another traditional version of Venezuelan Guasacaca has no avocado (Guasacaca Venezolana sin aguacate). Yes, hard to believe someone would dare to skip the avocado! But truthfully, it’s just as amazing! Give it a try. 😊
Storage
Guasacaca is best stored in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh and green for about 5 days. Take out of the fridge 30-60 minutes before serving.
Other Latin sauces, salsas and spreads you may like
Pairing
📖 GET THE RECIPE! 🍽️
Venezuelan Guasacaca Sauce Recipe (Guasacaca Venezolana)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 1/2 cup 1x
- Category: Sauces
- Cuisine: Venezuelan
Description
This traditional Venezuelan Guasacaca (Guasacaca Venezolana) is creamy, fresh tangy, and absolutely delicious! Perfect for drizzling over grilled meats, dipping, or spreading!
Ingredients
Guasacaca Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 bunch of fresh Cilantro
- 1/2 ripe Avocado peeled and seeded
- 1/2 medium red Onion, roughly chopped
- 1/2 Green Bell Pepper, seeded and roughly chopped
- 2 Garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons of White Vinegar
- 1/4 cup of Water
- 2 tablespoons of Vegetable Oil (not Olive oil)
- 3/4 teaspoon of Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
This Venezuelan sauce is so easy. All you need to do is throw all ingredients in a blender and process until they are nicely blended and the sauce has a smooth, homogenous, and creamy consistency. Adjust the salt and pepper to your preference.
Notes
- Guasacaca is tangier because it has Vinegar which Guacamole does not. Vinegar is a hallmark of traditional Venezuelan Guasacaca. The acidity of the Vinegar is key to Guascaca’s unique flavor.
- While White Vinegar is best for Guasacaca, you may substitute with Apple Cider or Red wine Vinegar if necessary.
- You can add more Avocado for a thicker and creamier consistency. However, do not add more onion as it will make the Guasacaca bitter (my mom’s advice!).
- Guasacaca is best stored in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh and green for about 5 days. Take out of the fridge 30-60 minutes before serving.
Nora says
Oh wow, I finally tried Guasacaca Venezolana, and I’m officially obsessed! It’s fresh, tangy, and so creamy—like the perfect mix of guacamole and chimichurri. Plus, it comes together in minutes! I’ll be putting this on everything from now on!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Yay, that makes me so happy to hear! To say that I love our Venezuelan Guasacaca is an understatement. 😉 Really, is the ultimate sauce that goes with just about everything. So glad you’re loving it! 🥑💚
Deb says
OMG, the color is amazing. I did add Jalapeño peppers chopped small and it was perfect. And naturally vegan, thanks so much.
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Deb,
It's perfect for you friend! So happy you liked it. Deb-approved. 😎❤️
Jacqueline Debono says
Wow what a wonderful discovery this guasacaca sauce was. I often make guacamole but I love this more! Thank you1
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Guasacaca is like guacamole's best cousin. 🙂 Thansk for trying it, Jaqui!
Swathi says
This Venezulean green sauce is so amazing. Loved it, goes well with everything.
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Woohoo! 🙌 Isn’t it the best? Guasacaca is delicious on just about anything you throw it at. 🙂
Liz says
I served this with grilled flank steak and it was a huge hit with my family. So yummy!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Yes! I love hearing that! 🎉🔥 Guasacaca + grilled steak is such a winning combo. Thanks for your review! 🙂
Criss says
I made this Guasacaca, and it’s incredible! So fresh and vibrant, it’s become my new favorite for dipping and topping just about everything. Can't wait to make it again!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Thank you! Once you try Guasacaca, you never go back to store-bought stuff. So happy you liked it!
Alexandra says
This delicious sauce is incredible! So full of flavour, easy to make and it can be used in so many ways. I am looking forward to serving it with some veggies but also could imagine how great it would be with seafood.
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Hi Alexandra,
I think you've got the Guasacaca spirit! This is a Venezuelan signature sauce and I'm so glad you liked it. 🙂
Jacqueline Debono says
This was the first time I have tried guasacaca and I'm totally in love. I actually prefer it to guacamole. I added more avocado as you suggested and we ate it as a dip. But want to try it on grilled meat next time we barbecue!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Welcome to the Guasacaca fan club, Jacqui! We're happy to have you ditch the guac and embrace the awesomeness of this Venezuelan sauce. A tsate from my home country. 🙂
Sonja says
Fantastic sauce: Super quick in a blender, tons of flavor and low calories. Plus it sneaks in some veggies. I mean, what more could I want? Exactly. Nothing.
I'll be using this on all sorts of dishes this summer.
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Haha, that's the beauty of Guasacaca! It really is a win-win on all fronts - easy, flavorful, and healthy. And sneaking in some veggies is always a bonus.
Thanks so much for trying it!
Claudia Cristina Ciorteanu says
Just made Guasacaca Venezolana! This Venezuelan sauce is so fresh and zesty, perfect for topping grilled meats or dipping veggies. Give it a try!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
YESSS! So glad you made the Guasacaca Venezolana! You can't go wrong with it. Always a hit. 🙂
Nicole says
Thai sauce is so fun and tangy! We love it over tacos or as a fun dip for chicken or steak!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Hi Nicole,
Happy you liked it. My favorite is to add it to grilleed meats. Yum! Like you, I will try it on tacos, next. 🙂
Skye Locke says
Just made this today. I've been meaning to for some time, but hadn't pushed myself to give it a shot until now. I immediately regret my decision to have delayed so long. The colors are bright and vibrant, the smell is fantastic, and don't even get me started on the taste. I generally avoid my blender (the cleanup is a bit much for frequent use, I think), but I don't think I'll be able to use that as an excuse anymore. Thank you so much for posting this one!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Hi Skye!
Wow, your comment made my day! I know the blender cleanup can be a deterrent, but this recipe might be worth it! 😉
I'm thrilled my recipe convinced you to give it a shot. Thanks again!
Scarlett says
Clean your blender (or at least rinse well) immediately after use so the particles don't get stuck on. Use warm water and a drop of dish detergent. Blend a bit. Then rinse well. I hope that helps.
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Thanks for the cleaning tip, Scarlett!! Very helpful. ❤️
Tina says
My whole family loved this guasacaca recipe! So delicous and creamy.
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Tina,
I am so glad you liked it! 🙂
Katie says
This guasacaca was so good!! Definitely making it again!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Hi Katie,
Thank you! I am so glad you liked it. 🙂
Gloria says
This sauce is the colour of spring. So easy to prepare. Can be used many ways. Great for parties or potlucks.
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Hi Gloria!
I agree! Such a lovely color and so versatile.
Nicole NK says
The ingredients in this recipe go together so well. Also the color is fantastic to drizzle on all your favorite dishes.
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Thanks Nicole!
Guasacaca is a top condiment sauce in Venezuela. While it was mainly used to drizzle on grilled meats, over the years, it has become a sauce for everyday dishes, and even as a salad dressing. It's so versatile! 🙂
Andrea Jorgenson says
Best ever condiment ever, tastes great on most everything!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Thank you, Andrea! Guasacaca sauce is one of the best Latin condiments.