At To Taste, we believe that avocado makes everything taste better! And what better way to enjoy avocados than guacamole? Made with avocados, fresh garlic, onions, tomatoes, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime, this basic guacamole recipe is the perfect accompaniment to whole grain tortilla chips, burrito bowls, tacos, and more!
Must Know Cooking Skills
For recipe success, learn how to:
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Culinary Tips for the Best Guacamole
Use ripe avocados that slightly “give” when gently pressed. When selecting avocados at the grocery store, gently push off the stem to make sure the fruit is green and not dark.
Remove the seeds from the jalapeño for milder flavor. And be careful when working with jalapeños – wash your hands thoroughly afterwards and definitely don’t touch your eyes!
If not serving right away, cover with plastic wrap, and press down so that it directly touches the guacamole. The goal is to prevent oxidation which causes guacamole to brown, so keeping air out is key.
Guacamole Ingredients and Substitutions
- Avocados: use small, medium, or large. If using small avocados to make this guacamole dip, you might need 3 or 4; if large, possibly just one.
- Red Onion: substitute yellow or white onion or shallot. You can also substitute ¼ – ½ teaspoon onion powder.
- Roma Tomato: substitute any variety, including cherry or grape tomatoes.
- Cilantro: you can substitute Italian parsley or chives, but the flavor is not the same. You can also leave it out if you are not a cilantro fan!
- Garlic: substitute ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic or ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder.
- Jalapeño: substitute serrano or fresno peppers. If you don’t have any fresh peppers available, you can substitute a pinch of cayenne for spice or leave it out.
- Lime Juice: fresh is best, but you can substitute the bottled kind. Lemon juice will also work.
Recipe Variations
Looking for a spicy guacamole recipe? Double the jalapeño or add a dash or two of hot sauce.
Feel free to add other spices, such as cumin, chili powder, or paprika to your guacamole for an extra layer of flavor.
For a super limey guacamole, zest half of the lime before cutting and juicing it.
Some people like adding toasted pepitas to guacamole for extra crunch and nuttiness.
Equipment Recommendations for Homemade Guacamole
You just need a few pieces of kitchen equipment for this basic guacamole recipe:
Is guacamole healthy?
For sure! This simple guacamole features avocados, cilantro, and garlic which are all nutritious ingredients.
Avocados
Avocados are rich in heart-healthy fats and are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. They also happen to make everything taste better (well, we think so)!
Cilantro
Green herbs, like cilantro, not only add a pop of freshness and great flavor to a dish, but they add nutrition too! Herbs are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that promote health and help fight diseases.
Garlic
Using spices and aromatics decreases the need for salt, which may help reduce hypertension risk and therefore promote heart health. Additionally, garlic contains powerful antioxidants which may help reduce inflammation in the body.
How to Serve Guacamole
Serve fresh guacamole with whole grain tortilla chips as an appetizer or use as an accompaniment to tacos, tostadas, burrito bowl, quesadillas or more! It also makes a great addition to sandwiches and wraps.
Storage Tips for Leftover Guacamole
It’s best to make guacamole as close to eating time as possible. It will brown when left exposed to oxygen. If making in advance, cover with plastic wrap and gently press to make sure the wrap makes contact completely with the guacamole. This will help prevent oxidation! We don’t recommend storing guacamole more than a day, and be aware the second day may show signs of browning even if stored correctly.
Love this recipe?
Try out these other dips and sauces to take your recipes to the next level!
Basic Guacamole Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ripe medium avocados (~1 ¼ cups mashed)
- 2 Tablespoons finely diced red onion
- ½ medium roma tomato, diced (~¼ cup)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 small garlic clove, minced (~½ teaspoon)
- ½ small jalapeño, 3-4” long, minced (~2 ½ teaspoons)
- 1 lime (~2 Tablespoons juice)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cut avocados in half, remove pit, and use a spoon to scoop out of the peel. Place in a medium bowl and mash with a fork or masher.
- Add red onion, tomato, cilantro, garlic, and jalapeño to the bowl. Roll and press the whole lime on the counter or table to release juices. Cut in half and squeeze each half into the bowl.
- Stir to combine. Add salt to taste. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
FAQ Questions:
How do I know when an avocado is ripe for guacamole?
A ripe avocado should feel slightly soft when gently squeezed but not mushy. You can also check under the stem—if it’s green underneath, the avocado is ready to use. Ripe avocados create the creamiest, most flavorful guacamole.
How can I keep guacamole from turning brown?
To slow browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole before refrigerating. This minimizes exposure to air, which causes oxidation. Adding fresh lime juice also helps preserve its vibrant green color.
Can I make guacamole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare guacamole a few hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly against the surface and refrigerate. For the freshest taste and color, it’s best enjoyed the same day it’s made.
Can I make this guacamole less spicy?
Absolutely. Simply remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño before mincing, or leave the pepper out altogether for a mild version. You can always add extra spice later if desired.
