The BEST guacamole recipe is easy, healthy, and bursting with authentic flavor! It’s fresh, creamy, chunky, and made in just 10 minutes. This simple guacamole contains avocados, red onion, tomato, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and jalapeño. Serve it as a dip with tortilla chips, spread it on sandwiches and salads, or enjoy it as a condiment for tacos and burritos!

best guacamole in a white bowl with corn tortilla chips, limes, and surrounded by guac ingredients

The best guacamole?! I know, I know… that’s quite a bold statement to make. However, this is truly my favorite guacamole ever. It contains the perfect balance of bright and fresh flavor + creamy and chunky texture. It’s addictive, authentic, and oh so delicious!

Homemade guacamole is ridiculously easy to make. With just one bowl, 10 minutes, and a handful of ingredients, you can create a foolproof dip that everyone loves. If you are serving it at a party or sharing with friends, it will be gone in no time. Alternatively, you can enjoy it with burritos, tacos, salads, sandwiches, veggie burgers, and so much more.

This simple guacamole recipe is:

  • Vegan, oil-free, gluten-free, sugar-free, and soy-free
  • Quick and easy // made in 10 minutes
  • Contains just 9 ingredients
  • Packed with bright and fresh flavor
  • Easily customizable with options for add-ins
  • Best enjoyed as a dip, spread, or dressing
  • Great for an appetizer, side dish, or healthy snack
corn tortilla chips inside a bowl of guacamole surrounded by guac ingredients

What is guacamole?

Guacamole is an avocado-based recipe that acts as a dip, spread, condiment, and dressing. It originates from Mexico, but it has gained popularity throughout the world. Typically, guacamole is made with mashed avocado, onion, garlic, cilantro, salt, and pepper. It is most commonly used in Mexican or Mexican-American dishes, like tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.

What does guacamole taste like?

Traditionally, guacamole has a fresh flavor and creamy consistency. Although avocados have a subtly sweet flavor on their own, guacamole is usually salty and savory due to the ingredients added. The most common recipes include garlic, onion, lime or lemon juice, salt, and pepper. When diced vegetables are added, the dip will have a chunkier texture.

With all of that being said, the flavor of guacamole can vary greatly depending on the way it is customized. Some recipes include diced fruit, which creates a sweeter dip, while others contain corn and beans.

Do tomatoes go in guacamole?

Sometimes! In my opinion, tomatoes are a must-have addition for guacamole. Not only are they a nice filler to bulk up the dip, they add fresh flavor and a pop of color.

Ingredients needed

  • Avocado: Avocado is the star of the show. Be sure to use ripe avocados; they should be lightly soft but not mushy. Ripe avocados typically have a darker peel, too.
  • Red onion: Red onion has a milder flavor than white onion. If you do not have red, white can be used instead.
  • Tomato: Tomatoes add a refreshing and juicy flavor.
  • Cilantro: Cilantro adds a fresh, citrusy flavor. If you dislike cilantro, you can go ahead and skip it.
  • Garlic: Raw garlic has a pungent and spicy flavor on its own, but it is delicious inside guacamole.
  • Jalapeño: Diced jalapeño adds heat to an otherwise mild guac. Be sure to remove the seeds.
  • Lime juice: Lime juice is a secret ingredient for authentic-tasting guacamole. Don’t skip it.
  • Salt and pepper: Finish the guac with a dash of salt and a pinch of black pepper.
a marble serving board topped with avocado, tomato, red onion, limes, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, salt, and pepper

How do you make guacamole from scratch?

For the full ingredients list and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to view the recipe card below.

First, add ripe avocados to a large bowl. Using a potato masher or a large fork, mash the avocados until nearly smooth.

Next, add the remaining ingredients. This includes red onion, tomato, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, lime juice, salt, and black pepper.

Mix the ingredients together until evenly combined. Serve immediately, and enjoy!

How to store leftovers

Leftover guacamole should be stored in a sealed container inside the refrigerator. I recommend following the steps below to keep it from browning.

How do you keep guacamole from turning brown?

Guacamole is best enjoyed immediately after making it. If it sits out for more than one hour, you’ll notice the top layer begin to brown. No worries, though. There are easy ways to prevent this.

  1. Transfer leftover guacamole to a container. Firmly press it across the bottom of the container, removing any air pockets.
  2. Cover the top layer with a piece of plastic wrap/cling wrap. Be sure to firmly press the plastic wrap across the guacamole, again, removing any air pockets.
  3. Seal the container with a lid. Store in the refrigerator.

If you notice the guacamole beginning to turn brown, don’t throw it out! More often than not, only the top layer will turn brown. Perfectly delicious, bright green guacamole is likely beneath the surface. If this is the case, I suggest discarding the top layer. The remaining guacamole should be good as new.

a tortilla chip scooping guacamole out of a white bowl

Add ins for guacamole

There are countless ways to customize this recipe. Choose your favorite add ins to create a unique dip that’s just the way you like it!

  • Veggies: corn, tomato, onion, or jalapeño
  • Greens: curly kale or arugula
  • Beans: edamame, black beans, kidney beans, or garbanzo beans
  • Herbs: cilantro, basil, or mint
  • Fruit: mango, pineapple, pomegranate seeds, or strawberries
  • Nuts and seeds: pumpkin seeds, pine nuts, or hemp seeds
  • Cheese: dairy-free parmesan or feta cheese

What to eat with guacamole?

Guacamole is such a versatile condiment. It can be enjoyed as a dip, spread, and dressing. Check out my favorite ways to use guacamole below.

  • Dip: use it as a dip for tortilla chips, french fries, raw veggies, and crackers
  • Spread: spread it on sandwiches, toast, wraps, and veggie burgers
  • Dollop: add a spoonful on top of burrito bowls, tacos, and baked potatoes
  • Stuff: stuff it inside burritos, quesadillas, and grilled cheese
  • Dressing: replace any dressing with guacamole for a healthier option

Recipes to use it with

best guacamole in a white bowl with corn tortilla chips, limes, and surrounded by guac ingredients

More healthy dip recipes

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corn tortilla chips inside a bowl of guacamole surrounded by guac ingredients

Best Guacamole Recipe (Easy & Healthy)

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 1 review
  • Author: Kaylie Grace
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2 cups 1x
  • Category: Dip, Dressing, and Spreads
  • Method: Mix
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

The BEST guacamole recipe is easy, simple, and bursting with flavor! It’s made with authentic ingredients, like avocado, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeño. This homemade guacamole is a delicious appetizer for parties and game day. Enjoy it as a dip, dressing, or spread with burritos, tacos, salads, and so much more!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 3 large ripe avocados
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup diced tomato
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 small jalapeño pepper, finely diced with seeds removed
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Add ripe avocados to a large bowl. Using a potato masher or a large fork, mash until nearly smooth.
  2. Add red onion, tomato, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, lime juice, salt and pepper to the bowl.
  3. Mix together until evenly combined. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Be sure to use ripe avocados. Ripe avocados are lightly soft (but not mushy) and the peel is darker in color.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tbsp
  • Calories: 65 calories
  • Sugar: 0.5g
  • Fat: 5.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 1g

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