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This guacamole jumps right to mind when I think of perfect ways to enjoy fresh veggies and bring a party to life!
Making great guacamole is not only super easy, but it’s also fun and fast. In fact, I’d say it’s the best guacamole recipe for turning any plain meal into a mini Mexican food feast!
There’s just something magical about mixing a few simple ingredients—like perfectly ripe avocados, red onion, and fresh lime—to create a burst of flavor in every bite.
One of the best parts about making perfect guacamole is how you can adjust it to your liking. Want a chunky avocado texture? Smash it less.
Prefer a smoother spread for your top of nachos? Mash it a little more. Love to kick it up a notch with chili peppers? Toss them in. It’s your guac, your rules!
And let’s be honest! Once you see how simple it is to create this flavorful dip at home, you might never pick up a store-bought tub again.
So, gather those fresh ingredients from the grocery store, grab your sharp knife, and let’s whip up some restaurant-worthy guacamole!
From lazy weekends to taco Tuesday (and beyond), this is the only recipe you’ll need for a go-to guacamole. By the end, you’ll be spooning it over just about everything.
Some of our other favorite DIP RECIPES we have on our site include: Creamy Beer Cheese Dip Recipe, Creamy Easy Cold Crab Dip Recipe, and Cold Creamy Cream Cheese Taco Dip.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
Using fresh lime, garlic, and red onion adds loads of taste to the avocado flesh. It’s a good method that doesn’t require complicated extras. - Easy to Adjust for Your Taste
Want your guac super spicy? Add more jalapeño pepper or hot sauce. Prefer less heat? Skip the peppers altogether. - Stays Bright Green Longer
By adding lots of lime juice and keeping a thin layer of plastic wrap over the surface of the guacamole, you’ll slow the browning process.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Avocados
- Tomatoes
- Red onion
- Jalapeño pepper (or serrano pepper)
- Cilantro
- Garlic
- Salt
- Lime juice
HOW TO MAKE GUACAMOLE:
- Slice the avocados in half, remove the stone, and scoop into a mixing bowl.
- Mash the avocado with a fork (or use a food processor) and make it as smooth as you like.
- Dice the tomatoes and red onions into small pieces and roughly chop the fresh cilantro.
- Add the chopped veggies and herbs into your mixing bowl along with the lime juice and seasonings. Mix until evenly combined.
- Serve with a side of fresh tortilla chips or along with your favorite meals! Enjoy!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
IS THIS SPICY?
It can be!
The heat comes from your jalapeño pepper (or serrano).
If you remove most of the seeds, it’ll be milder.
If you leave them in—or add extra chili peppers—it’ll be hotter. Adjust to your taste.
WILL THIS TURN BROWN?
Guacamole naturally browns when exposed to air.
The best way to slow this is by using lots of lime juice, covering the surface of the guacamole with a piece of plastic wrap, and storing it in an airtight container.
You might see a tiny bit of browning, but you can scoop that layer off if needed.
ANY ADDITIONS?
Ready to put your own spin on this easy guacamole recipe? Try adding:
- A dash of garlic powder for extra garlic flavor
- A pinch of cumin for an authentic guacamole recipe taste
- White onion in place of red onion if you prefer a milder bite
- Hot sauce or extra jalapeño chiles for those who love the burn
- Diced mango or pineapple for a sweet twist
- Sour cream for a smoother, creamier texture
- Finely chopped bacon bits for a crunchy, smoky flavor
- Pico de gallo on top for an even chunkier texture
- Shredded cheese for those who believe cheese makes everything better
- Paper bag-ripened avocados if yours are not quite ready
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
Need to change it up?
- Use white onion instead of red onion if that’s what you have on hand.
- Replace fresh lime juice with lemon juice for a slightly different tang.
- If you can’t find perfectly ripe avocados, try a store-bought guacamole base and add the fresh vegetables from this recipe.
- Can’t stand cilantro? Swap it for chopped parsley or fresh green onion.
- No jalapeño around? A pinch of cayenne pepper works in a pinch.
- Prefer a chunkier texture? Mash with a potato masher just enough to break down the avocado flesh without losing the lumps.
HOW TO STORE:
Refrigerator:
Place your leftovers in an airtight container with a thin layer of water or extra lime juice on the surface to help block air. Store for up to 3 days.
You may see some browning on top, but simply skim it off and stir to reveal the bright green goodness beneath.
Freezer:
Freezing isn’t the best way to keep its texture, but you can do it if you’re in a pinch.
Transfer your guac to a freezer-safe container and press a piece of plastic wrap against the top of the guac before sealing.
Thaw in the fridge overnight—just note the texture might be a little different.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Pick Great Avocados: Look for hass avocados that give slightly when pressed. Unripe avocados can hang out in a paper bag on your counter until they soften.
- Prevent Over-Mashing: If you love chunky avocado, leave some small pieces when you mash. Too much smashing can lead to mushy avocados.
- Taste as You Go: Add the amount of salt you like a little at a time. The richness of the avocado can handle a decent bit of salt, but you don’t want to overdo it.
- Test for Freshness: Give each avocado a gentle squeeze before cutting. If they’re rock hard, they’re not ready. If they’re super squishy, they might be past their prime.
- Mixing Bowl Matters: A large bowl can help you mash and stir without making a mess. Nobody wants avocado all over their counter!
- Serve It Chilled: While room temperature guacamole dip is fine, a short chill helps all the flavors come together. It’s also great in a full party spread on taco nights!
Making guacamole is one of my favorite things to do in the kitchen because it’s simple, quick, and absolutely delicious.
Now that you have this easy guacamole recipe in your back pocket, you’re ready to whip up good guacamole anytime the craving hits.
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
Homemade Guacamole
Ingredients
- 3 large avocados
- 2 Roma tomatoes diced
- 1 small red onion diced
- ⅓ cup cilantro roughly chopped
- 1 serrano or jalapeño pepper seeded and diced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice fresh squeezed
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Slice the avocados in half, remove the stone, and scoop into a mixing bowl.3 large avocados
- Mash the avocado with a fork (or use a food processor) and make it as smooth as you like.
- Dice the tomatoes and red onions into small pieces and roughly chop the fresh cilantro.2 Roma tomatoes, 1 small red onion, ⅓ cup cilantro
- Add the chopped veggies and herbs into your mixing bowl along with the lime juice and seasonings. Mix until evenly combined.1 serrano or jalapeño pepper, 1 clove garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Serve with a side of fresh tortilla chips or along with your favorite meals.
Notes
- Look for Hass avocados that give slightly when pressed. Unripe avocados can hang out in a paper bag on your counter until they soften.
- If you love chunky avocado, leave some small pieces when you mash. Too much smashing can lead to mushy avocados.
- Add the amount of salt you like a little at a time. The richness of the avocado can handle a decent bit of salt, but you don’t want to overdo it.
- Give each avocado a gentle squeeze before cutting. If they’re rock hard, they’re not ready. If they’re super squishy, they might be past their prime.
- A large bowl can help you mash and stir without making a mess. Nobody wants avocado all over their counter!
- While room temperature guacamole dip is fine, a short chill helps all the flavors come together. It’s also great in a full party spread on taco nights!
Nutrition
Love This Recipe?
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