Easy Fresh Guacamole
Chunky, bright and ready in 10 minutes. Ripe avocados, lime, onion, cilantro and a little jalapeño, plus the tricks to keep it green.
Good guacamole needs only a few ingredients, but each one matters. Perfectly ripe avocados, fresh lime juice, finely diced onion, cilantro and a touch of jalapeño are all it takes.
Mash it by hand for a chunky texture, and season it generously with salt and lime. It is a healthy snack with vegetables, a topping for tacos and bowls, or a spread for toast.
At a glance: this easy fresh guacamole serves 6, needs about 10 min of hands-on prep and no cooking, and provides roughly 120 calories and 2 g of protein per serving. It is naturally vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Ready in 10 minutes
- Only six main ingredients
- Healthy fats and fiber
- Vegan and gluten-free
About this guacamole
Guacamole dates back to the Aztecs in what is now Mexico, who mashed avocados into a sauce called ahuacamolli, combining the words for avocado and sauce. Traditionally it was made in a molcajete, a stone mortar, which gives a chunky, rustic texture.
A great guacamole needs only a handful of fresh ingredients. Ripe avocados, lime juice, onion, cilantro, jalapeño and salt are all it takes. The key is balance. Avocados are rich and mild, so they need enough salt and acid to taste bright and lively.
This recipe starts by letting the onion, chili and cilantro sit in lime juice and salt for a couple of minutes, which softens the sharpness of the onion and seasons the base before the avocados are added.
Ingredient notes and substitutions
- Avocados. Hass avocados are creamy and rich. They are ripe when they yield gently to pressure. Buy them a few days ahead and let them ripen on the counter.
- Lime. Fresh lime juice adds brightness and slows browning. Use more to taste.
- Onion. White onion is traditional and crisp. Red onion is milder and adds color.
- Jalapeño. It adds heat. Serrano peppers are spicier. Remove the seeds for milder guacamole.
- Cilantro. Fresh cilantro is classic. Leave it out if you dislike its flavor.
- Tomato. Optional. Remove the seeds so the guacamole does not become watery.
Equipment you'll need
- A mixing bowl or molcajete
- A fork or potato masher
- A sharp knife and cutting board
- A spoon for scooping avocados
How to make it, step by step
Season the base
Combine the onion, jalapeño, cilantro, salt and half the lime juice and let them sit for two minutes. This mellows the onion and seasons the base.
Mash the avocados
Halve and pit the avocados and scoop the flesh into the bowl. Mash with a fork, leaving some chunks for texture.
Adjust the flavor
Stir in the remaining lime juice and tomato, then taste. Add more salt or lime until the flavor is bright and balanced.
Serve immediately
Guacamole is best served fresh, while it is bright green and full of flavor.
Recipe
Easy Fresh Guacamole
Mexican · Snacks · Vegan · Gluten-Free · Dairy-Free
Ingredients
- 3 ripe avocados
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/4 cup (35 g) finely diced white or red onion
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 small Roma tomato, seeded and diced, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the base. In a bowl, combine the onion, jalapeño, cilantro, salt and half the lime juice. Let it sit for 2 minutes to soften the onion.
- Mash the avocados. Halve the avocados, remove the pits and scoop the flesh into the bowl. Mash with a fork, leaving some chunks.
- Season. Stir in the tomato and the remaining lime juice. Taste and add more salt or lime if needed.
- Serve. Serve right away with vegetable sticks, whole-grain tortilla chips or on tacos.
Nutrition (estimated, per serving)
Nutrition values are estimates calculated from typical ingredient data and will vary with the exact products and quantities you use.
Tips for success
- Ripe avocados yield gently when pressed near the stem.
- Season boldly; avocados need plenty of salt and acid.
- Add tomato just before serving so the guacamole does not get watery.
Troubleshooting
- The guacamole is bland. Add more salt and lime. Avocados need generous seasoning.
- The guacamole is watery. Seed the tomatoes and add them just before serving.
- The avocados are hard. Let them ripen for a few more days. Hard avocados do not mash well.
- The guacamole turned brown. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface and add more lime.
Variations
- Spicy. Leave the jalapeño seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne.
- Mango. Fold in diced mango for a sweet twist.
- Greek yogurt. Stir in 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt for a creamier, tangier dip.
What to serve with it
Serve guacamole with vegetable sticks, whole-grain tortilla chips or baked pita chips. It is also perfect on tacos, burrito bowls, grilled chicken and fish, and on toast.
For a party, serve it in a molcajete or wide bowl with lime wedges, chips and a bowl of salsa.
Make ahead and storage
Guacamole is best made shortly before serving. To store it for up to a day, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface and refrigerate. Scrape off any browned layer before serving.
Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface and refrigerate for up to 1 day. A thin layer of browning can be scraped off.
Is it healthy?
Avocados provide monounsaturated fats, fiber, potassium and vitamins E and K. Guacamole is a nutritious dip, especially when paired with vegetables.
It is calorie-dense, so a quarter-cup serving is a sensible portion.
Nutrition information is an estimate for general guidance only and is not medical or dietary advice.
Ways to use guacamole beyond chips
Guacamole is far more versatile than a party dip. Spread it on whole-grain toast and top with a fried egg for a quick breakfast, or use it instead of mayonnaise in sandwiches and wraps for a creamy, nutrient-rich spread.
It also makes an instant sauce for grilled chicken, fish and shrimp, a topping for burrito bowls, tacos and baked sweet potatoes, and a creamy addition to salads. Thinned with a little lime juice and yogurt, it becomes a delicious avocado dressing.
Frequently asked questions
How do I keep guacamole from turning brown?
Use plenty of lime juice and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to block air.
Can I make guacamole ahead of time?
It is best fresh, but you can make it up to a few hours ahead if it is tightly covered.
Is guacamole healthy?
Yes. Avocados provide monounsaturated fats, fiber and potassium. Pair it with vegetables for a healthier snack.
How do I keep guacamole green?
Use plenty of lime juice and press plastic wrap onto the surface.
Can I make guacamole ahead?
Up to a few hours ahead, covered tightly.
Is guacamole healthy?
Yes. It contains healthy fats and fiber.
How do I ripen avocados quickly?
Place them in a paper bag with a banana or apple at room temperature.
Can I freeze guacamole?
Yes, though the texture softens. Freeze it in an airtight container for up to three months.
What is the best avocado for guacamole?
Hass avocados, for their creamy texture and rich flavor.
Does leaving the pit in keep guacamole green?
Only the area touching the pit. Covering the surface is more effective.
Can I add garlic?
Yes. A small grated clove adds depth.
How spicy is this guacamole?
Mild with a seeded jalapeño.
Is guacamole vegan?
Yes.
Is guacamole keto?
Yes. It is low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats.
How many avocados per person?
About half an avocado per person for a dip.
What chips are healthiest?
Baked whole-grain tortilla chips or vegetable sticks.
Can I make guacamole without cilantro?
Yes. Use parsley or leave it out.
What is a molcajete?
A traditional Mexican stone mortar and pestle used for making salsas and guacamole.
Can I add fruit?
Mango, pineapple or pomegranate seeds add a sweet twist.
Why is my guacamole bitter?
Overripe or underripe avocados can taste bitter. Choose ones that are just ripe.
Can kids eat guacamole?
Yes. Leave out the jalapeño for a mild version.
What can I serve guacamole with besides chips?
Cucumber rounds, bell pepper strips, jicama sticks, radishes, baked sweet potato wedges and endive leaves are all great low-calorie dippers.
Can I make guacamole in a food processor?
You can, but pulse briefly. A processor easily turns guacamole into a smooth paste, while mashing by hand keeps it chunky.
Final thoughts
This easy fresh guacamole takes about 10 min from start to finish and serves 6. It is vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free, and it is easy to adapt with the variations above. If you make it, adjust the seasoning to your taste and make a note of what you changed, so the next batch is exactly how you like it. Looking for more ideas? Browse all our snacks recipes or the full recipe index.