Classic Guacamole Recipe

Here’s my go-to guacamole recipe, with perfectly ripe avocados, fresh lime juice, diced onions, tomatoes, and just the right amount of cilantro and spices to bring it all together.

This guacamole has become our family’s must-have snack for game days and backyard gatherings. I always make a double batch because it disappears so quickly. Nothing beats homemade guacamole with warm tortilla chips, right?

What Kind of Avocados Should I Use?

Hass avocados are your best bet for making guacamole – they’re the small, dark ones with bumpy skin that you’ll find in most grocery stores. When shopping, gently press the avocado with your thumb; it should yield to pressure but not feel mushy. If they’re too firm, you can speed up ripening by placing them in a paper bag with a banana for 1-2 days. For the smoothest guacamole, look for avocados that are dark in color and give slightly when pressed – these are at peak ripeness. If you cut into your avocado and see any brown spots, just scrape those away and use the green parts.

Options for Substitutions

While traditional guacamole has some must-have ingredients, there’s room for flexibility with others:

• Avocados: These are the star of the show – there’s really no substitute here! Just make sure they’re ripe and creamy. You’ll know they’re ready when they yield slightly when pressed.
• Yellow onion: Red onion works great too, or try green onions for a milder flavor. If you’re not big on raw onions, you can cut the amount in half.
• Roma tomatoes: Any firm, ripe tomato will do! Cherry tomatoes (halved) are a good option, or you can skip tomatoes altogether if you prefer – many traditional Mexican guacamole recipes don’t include them.
• Cilantro: If you’re in the ‘cilantro tastes like soap’ camp, try flat-leaf parsley instead. You can also just leave it out completely.
• Jalapeño: Serrano peppers work great for more heat, or use a smaller amount of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, try a few dashes of hot sauce or skip the heat altogether.
• Lime juice: Lemon juice can work in a pinch, but lime juice really gives the best flavor. If using bottled juice, start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to taste.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest mistake when making guacamole is using unripe avocados – they should yield slightly when gently pressed and be dark green to almost black in color, not hard and bright green. Another common error is over-mashing the avocados, which can lead to a paste-like consistency instead of the desired chunky texture – use a fork to mash them gently, leaving some small chunks for the perfect bite. To keep your guacamole from turning brown too quickly, make sure to use plenty of lime juice and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the dip (not just over the bowl) when storing it in the fridge. For the best flavor development, let your guacamole rest for about 30 minutes before serving, but don’t make it too far in advance as the tomatoes can make it watery if it sits for too long.

What to Serve With Guacamole?

Tortilla chips are the classic go-to for guacamole, but there are so many other tasty ways to enjoy this dip! Fresh cut vegetables like carrots, cucumber slices, and bell peppers make great healthy dippers that add a nice crunch. For taco night, use this guacamole as a topping for tacos, burritos, or fajitas – it adds such a nice creamy element to any Mexican dish. You can also spread it on sandwiches or wraps instead of mayo, or serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a fresh take on dinner.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: The best way to keep your guacamole fresh is to place it in an airtight container and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the dip (this prevents browning). Pop it in the fridge and it’ll stay good for 1-2 days. The lime juice helps keep it green, but it’s always best enjoyed fresh!

Prevent Browning: If you notice any browning on top, you can simply scrape off that layer – the guacamole underneath will still be perfectly good to eat. A neat trick is to leave the avocado pit in the guacamole while storing, as this can help prevent some browning in that area.

Make Ahead: If you want to prep ahead, chop all your ingredients except the avocados and store them separately. When you’re ready to serve, just mash the avocados and mix everything together. This way, you’ll have the freshest guacamole possible!

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0-0 minutes
Total Time	10-15 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 600-700
• Protein: 8-12 g
• Fat: 50-60 g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35 g

Ingredients

• 3 ripe avocados (Hass avocados are best for their creamy texture)
• 3 tbsp fresh cilantro (finely chopped for even distribution)
• 1/2 small yellow onion (finely diced for a milder flavor)
• 1 lime (for fresh juice, adds essential brightness)
• 2 roma tomatoes (diced, remove seeds if you prefer less moisture)
• 1 jalapeno pepper (minced, remove seeds and ribs for less heat)
• 2 garlic cloves (freshly minced for best flavor)
• 1/2 tsp sea salt (I like Maldon sea salt)

Step 1: Prepare the Avocados

Begin by slicing the avocados in half lengthwise.

Carefully remove the pit and scoop the avocado flesh into a mixing bowl.

Be sure to scrape out any remaining bits of avocado near the skin to minimize waste.

Step 2: Mash the Avocados

Using a fork, mash the avocado in the mixing bowl.

Depending on your preference, you can leave the mixture chunky or continue mashing until it becomes smooth.

Adjust the texture to your liking as this will form the base of your guacamole.

Step 3: Mix in Additional Ingredients

Add the remaining ingredients to the mashed avocado.

Stir everything together until well combined.

Perform a taste test and adjust the seasoning as needed by adding more salt or lime juice to enhance the flavors.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once your guacamole is seasoned to perfection, transfer it to a serving bowl.

Serve the guacamole with fresh tortilla chips and enjoy this flavorful and refreshing dip!