When it comes to dips, nothing is more crave-worthy than the very best guacamole! This recipe is vibrant, fresh, and bursting with bright flavors from creamy avocados, zippy lime juice, and a perfect pop of cilantro. Every scoop is irresistibly smooth, chunky, and full of personality.
The secret? Simplicity. This guacamole is incredibly easy to whip up in just minutes, making it your go-to for last-minute gatherings, game-day spreads, or topping off your favorite Mexican dishes. It's always a crowd-pleaser, and the bowl is guaranteed to disappear fast!
Whether you're hosting a fiesta or simply craving something fresh and healthy, this guacamole recipe will quickly become your favorite. It's inspired by the classic versions found at authentic taquerias-and trust me, you'll never want to buy store-bought again.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 10 minutes-no cooking required!
- Ultra-creamy with zesty, fresh flavor in every bite
- Naturally vegan, gluten-free, and loaded with healthy fats
- Perfect for dipping, topping tacos, or spreading on toast
- Customizable to your heat and flavor preferences
Key Ingredients for Guacamole
See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.Avocados
The star of the show! Ripe avocados give guacamole its creamy texture and rich, buttery taste. Look for just-soft (but not mushy) avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure. Hass avocados are classic, but any ripe variety works. If your avocados are just a tad firm, let them sit at room temperature to ripen. For a chunkier guacamole, mash only part of the avocado and leave some pieces intact.
Lime Juice
Fresh lime juice adds tang and brightness, balancing the richness of the avocado. It also helps prevent the guacamole from browning too quickly. Roll the lime on your counter before juicing to get the most juice out. No fresh lime? Substitute with lemon juice in a pinch, though it will slightly alter the flavor.
Red Onion
Chopped red onion brings a mild, crisp bite and a pop of color. Dice it finely for the best texture and to distribute the flavor throughout. If you want a milder taste, soak the chopped onion in cold water for 5 minutes and drain before adding to your guacamole. White or yellow onion can substitute, but the flavor will be a little sharper.
Jalapeño
A bit of jalapeño gives the guacamole a gentle kick and a delicious depth of flavor. If you prefer it mild, remove the seeds and ribs from the pepper, or skip it altogether. You can also sub in a pinch of crushed red pepper or hot sauce for a subtle heat.
Fresh Cilantro
Cilantro brings a fresh, herbaceous note that gives guacamole its signature flavor. Chop it finely and add to taste. If you dislike cilantro, you can omit it, or try adding a little fresh parsley for a different green brightness.
Instructions for Guacamole
See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.Cut and Mash the Avocados
Cut your avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a medium bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to mash until mostly smooth, leaving some small chunks for great texture.
Add Lime and Seasonings
Add the lime juice, kosher salt, and a few grinds of black pepper right away. This boosts flavor and helps keep the avocado from browning.
Add the Veggies and Herbs
Mix in the chopped red onion, minced jalapeño, cilantro, and diced tomato (if using). Stir gently until everything is well combined but still slightly chunky.
Taste and Adjust
Give your guacamole a taste. Add more salt, lime juice, or jalapeño if you want more punch. Remember, flavors will meld as it sits.
Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the guacamole to a serving bowl. For best flavor, serve immediately with tortilla chips, or cover tightly with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface to keep it fresh until serving.
Recipe Variations
Make It Super Creamy
If you love guacamole that's ultra-smooth and luxurious, simply mash the avocados more thoroughly, omitting most of the chunky bits. You can also add a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a velvety, tangy twist.
Try Fruit Add-Ins
Mix in diced mango, pineapple, or pomegranate seeds for a fun, sweet pop that pairs beautifully with the richness of avocado. This is especially refreshing for summer parties!
Go Extra Spicy
For those who love a fiery guacamole, add more jalapeño, swap for serrano chiles, or stir in a dash of hot sauce. You can even sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper for real heat.
Onion-Free Option
If you're sensitive to raw onion, try omitting it and replacing with extra cilantro or a little chopped green onion for mild flavor.
Low-Sodium & Heart-Healthy
Use less salt and ramp up fresh herbs like cilantro. You can also toss in chopped radishes or cucumber for additional crunch without adding sodium.
Serving Suggestions
Guacamole shines alongside warm tortilla chips for classic dipping, but it's also a stellar topping for tacos, burritos, and grain bowls. Try serving it atop grilled chicken, spooned over chili, or next to fresh-cut veggies for a lighter option. Garnish with a few extra cilantro leaves and a sprinkle of coarse sea salt for the prettiest finish!
Storage and Reheating
To store leftovers, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole to limit air exposure and slow browning. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days. Stir before serving and taste for seasoning-add a little fresh lime if needed. Freezing isn't recommended, as the texture changes and becomes watery when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Guacamole (FAQ)
Q: How can I keep guacamole from turning brown?A: The key is to limit its contact with air. Cover guacamole tightly with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface, or store in an airtight container. Adding a bit of extra lime juice can also help keep it green.
Q: Can I make guacamole in advance?A: Yes! For best flavor and color, make it up to two hours ahead and store tightly covered in the fridge. Stir before serving and adjust the seasonings.
Q: Is guacamole healthy?A: Absolutely! Avocados are full of heart-healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins. Guacamole is naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it a nutritious choice for many diets.
Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope this fresh and zesty guacamole becomes your new go-to dip for every occasion. If you try this recipe, don't forget to leave a comment and rating below-I'd love to hear how it turned out for you!
Ingredients
- 3 ripe Hass avocados
- 1 small lime, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 small Roma tomato, seeded and diced (optional)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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1Halve and pit the avocados, then scoop the flesh into a mixing bowl.
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2Mash the avocados with a fork until mostly smooth, leaving some small chunks if you like extra texture.
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3Add lime juice, salt, and a few grinds of black pepper to the mashed avocado and stir gently.
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4Fold in the chopped red onion, minced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, and diced tomato if using. Mix just until combined.
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5Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, lime, or jalapeño as desired. Serve with tortilla chips or your favorite dippers!
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
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