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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers and Snacks

    Simple Guacamole Recipe

    Published: April 9, 2019 Updated: March 10, 2020 / By: Dawn | Girl Heart Food 38 Comments

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    Bowl of guacamole garnished with cilantro.

    Ditch store-bought and make this super simple guacamole recipe in minutes! This avocado dip is fresh, loaded with flavour and as creamy or as chunky as you want it to be. Makes for a delicious game day snack for dunking those chips!

    Bowl of guacamole garnished with cilantro.

    Many years ago before hubby and I were married, he decided to make us some guacamole for a Saturday night snack. 

    It was my first time having and I definitely wasn’t a fan. Funny, isn’t it? To think about that now, I can’t believe it! 

    It was years later that my love for avocados and guacamole bloomed. Strange thing. If you keep trying a food you’re not fond of, eventually you do (well, that was certainly the case with me). 

    These days I absolutely love guacamole and avocados, in general. We always have avocados in the fridge. Always. They are a staple in our home, right alongside milk, eggs and cheese.  

    I was like that with cilantro too. It tasted soapy to me. Now, I have no problem with it whatsoever and love it on so many things.

    We’ve all seen those pre-made containers of guacamole in the grocery store and some of them are pretty good and, yes, I have even bought. There is no need, though. 

    This recipe literally takes minutes to make and when you prepare it at home you know exactly what’s in there and can adjust to your tastes.

    And for the record …

    Now I enjoy guacamole on the regular, especially with chickpea tacos!

    What Is Guacamole?

    Guacamole is an avocado-based dip originating from Mexico. Side note: did ya know that avocado is a fruit?

    Ingredients for this guacamole recipe are:

    • Avocado
    • Lime juice
    • Olive oil
    • Salt
    • Black pepper
    • Cumin
    • Onion
    • Garlic
    • Jalapeno
    • Tomato
    • Cilantro
    Ingredients for a guacamole recipe.

    How To Make Guacamole

    Full details on how to make this simple guacamole recipe are in the recipe card below, but here are the basics:

    Place peeled avocado (with pit removed, of course) in a bowl and gently mash with a potato masher (such a handy tool). 

    Mashing avocado in a white bowl with a potato masher.

    Then add fresh lime juice, olive oil, seasonings, onion, garlic, jalapeno, tomato and cilantro. Stir everything until combined.

    Tip: Be a tad gentle with the tomatoes, you don’t want to mush those too much.

    Enjoy with your favourite tortilla chips!

    So simple, right?

    Mixing up guacamole in a white bowl with a spoon.

    Chunky Versus Smooth

    Chunky guacamole versus smooth guacamole, that’s more of a personal preference!

    You can mash super smooth to have a creamy guacamole or leave some bits for a chunky version (just mash a little less). You do what you enjoy best!

    Leftovers and Storing

    Like with most things, guacamole is best enjoyed when it’s freshly made. Usually when we make at home, it doesn’t last past day one because it’s so dang tasty.

    However, if you can’t finish it all in one sitting, this dip will last about 1 to 2 days in the fridge (store in an airtight container).

    How To Keep Guacamole From Turning Brown

    There are a bunch of ways that will help keep guacamole from turning brown like:

    • Lime Juice: Squeeze a generous layer of lime juice over top of the guacamole.
    • Plastic Food Wrap: Press plastic food wrap right over and into the dip (so there’s less oxidation).
    • Water: Cover leftovers with a small layer of water. Drain when ready to enjoy.
    • Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: A total cheat (but works) is to stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt into the guacamole (the acidity helps prolong the green colour). Guacamole with sour cream also works too!
    • Avocado Pit: I’ve heard placing the avocado pit in the centre of the guacamole helps it stay greener longer, but I haven’t personally tried that one out. You?
    Close-up of a bowl of guacamole garnished with cilantro.

    Mix Things Up

    To try a different flavour profile with guacamole add-ins.

    For chipotle guacamole, mix in some chipotle chili flakes or finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (to taste). It adds a lovely smoky heat and flavour.

    If you are making a chipotle flavoured guacamole, you may want to skip the fresh hot pepper.

    Tips for Making Guacamole

    • Pick a ripe avocado. This is a simple way to tell if an avocado is ripe.
    • Make it close to when you are about to enjoy for best freshness. Because guacamole only takes minutes to whip up, that shouldn’t be a problem.
    • Don’t skip the lime juice! It helps prolong the green colour. Plus, it adds a lovely brightness to the dip. Don’t have lime on hand? Use lemon.
    • Don’t have a fresh hot pepper in your fridge? Try a dash or two of your favourite hot sauce.
    • For the onion component, use what you have on hand: white or red onion or shallot.
    • If you like more of an ingredient (like cilantro or onion, for example), use more. Like a little less, use less. Like mentioned, this simple guacamole recipe can easily be adjusted.
    • If you like things less spicy, remove the ribs and seeds from the jalapeno.
    Finger pointing out the seeds and ribs in a cut jalapeno pepper.

    Ways To Enjoy

    • Chips. Always a classic, right?
    • Use as a spread on a sandwich or wrap instead of mayo.
    • Have on toast (hello famous avocado toast). Try with an egg on top. It’s delicious!
    • Enjoy with scrambled eggs.
    • Nachos is never a bad idea.
    • Making things more substantial, this simple guacamole recipe would be so good spooned over pork carnitas, shrimp tacos or enjoyed with cheesy beef quesadillas.
    Hand holding a chip with guacamole on it.

    More Easy Dips

    • Chunky Black Bean and Corn Salsa
    • Beet Cashew Dip

    This dip is pretty simple but really tasty. Sometimes simple really is best.

    If you make this easy guacamole recipe, be sure to leave a comment below!

    This recipe was originally published in November 2015 but has been updated.

    Bowl of guacamole next to cilantro, jalapeno and a tea towel.

    Simple Guacamole Recipe

    Dawn | Girl Heart Food
    Ditch store-bought and make this super simple guacamole recipe in minutes! This avocado dip is fresh, loaded with flavour and as creamy or as chunky as you want it to be. Makes for a delicious game day snack for dunking those chips!
    5 from 12 votes
    Print Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer, Snack
    Servings 4 servings
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    • 2 avocados, halved, pitted and peeled
    • 2 to 3 tablespoons lime juice, from about 1 to 1.5 limes
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
    • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
    • 2 tablespoons minced yellow, white or red onion
    • 1 clove garlic, minced
    • 1 jalapeno, minced (remove seeds and ribs if you want)
    • ½ roma tomato, seeds removed and tomato chopped
    • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, or to taste

    Instructions

    • Add avocados to a bowl. Gently mash with a potato masher. Make as creamy or as chunky as you like.
    • Squeeze in lime juice and pour in olive oil.
    • To avocado mixture, add salt, black pepper, cumin, onion, garlic, jalapeno, tomato and cilantro. Gently stir to combine.
    • Transfer guacamole to a serving bowl. Serve immediately with your favourite chips!
      Note: Enjoy immediately or properly store in an airtight container in your refrigerator and enjoy within 1 to 2 days.

    A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are estimates only.

    © Girl Heart Food Inc. Photographs and content are copyright protected.

    Keyword avocado dip, easy guacamole recipe, game day recipe, guacamole dip, homemade guacamole recipe

    Tried this recipe?

    If you do make this recipe, thank you!! It would mean so much if you could leave a comment below. Love to know how you enjoyed it, and it helps other readers too!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Marie

      April 28, 2019 at 12:08 am

      Maybe guac is an acquired taste. My kids have gone from not so sure about it to love it. I love it too, especially homemade!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        April 29, 2019 at 11:58 am

        Same here! So yummy!

        Reply
    2. David @ Spiced

      April 15, 2019 at 9:09 am

      5 stars
      I totally know what you mean about guac. I didn’t like it growing up, but now I love it! True story: a couple of weeks ago, I was craving guac like it was nobody’s business. I broke down and grabbed a container from the store. It was ok, but it just made me crave homemade guac even more. So I went back, grabbed a couple avocados and made it happen! I’ll have to try your version. I always add a jalapeno to mine, too! I also like adding a bit of smoked paprika. It adds another layer of fun flavors in there. 🙂 Thanks for sharing (re-sharing) this one…it’s perfect for summer!

      Reply
    3. Leanne | Crumb Top Baking

      April 14, 2019 at 6:04 pm

      5 stars
      Haha! I was the same way Dawn! Must be something with our taste buds maturing 😉 Now I could eat guacamole for every meal of the day! This one looks delicious. Would love some piled on tacos right now!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        April 16, 2019 at 8:48 am

        Right?! Thanks Leanne…tacos right now would be SO good!

        Reply
    4. Milena

      April 12, 2019 at 10:15 pm

      5 stars
      I can sure eat my fill of this guac! Freshly made like you describe cannot be matched. Thinking of bacon chips perhaps…Lol. And a Margarita or a Mexican lager to pair with. Pinned!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        April 15, 2019 at 10:31 am

        Yum! Now you’re talking 😉 Thanks Milena!

        Reply
    5. Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers

      April 12, 2019 at 9:04 pm

      5 stars
      We enjoy guacamole on the regular here, too and I love trying different recipes, so I can’t wait to try yours 🙂 It looks simply perfect!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        April 15, 2019 at 10:31 am

        Woo hoo! Thanks Jennifer 🙂

        Reply
    6. Marissa

      April 12, 2019 at 8:03 pm

      5 stars
      Your guacamole looks simple and perfect, Dawn. I don’t even need chips, just hand me a spoon! 😉 So interesting that you used to not like avocados – I wonder if it was a texture thing. And you are the first person that I’ve heard of who has been able to get past cilantro tasting like soap. So cool! Have a wonderful weekend, my friend!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        April 15, 2019 at 10:30 am

        Haha…I like the way you think 😉 Thanks Marissa! Have a great week!!

        Reply
    7. Mimi

      April 11, 2019 at 5:45 pm

      There’s nothing much better than chips with salsa and guacamole. And beer. I pretty much make mine the same way, but sometimes instead of tomatoes I use my favorite salsa, drained (Walt Garrison) and I also love Penzey’s lemon pepper.

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        April 12, 2019 at 10:26 am

        I agree! That’s a lovely idea! Happy weekend to ya 🙂

        Reply
    8. Kevin

      April 11, 2019 at 4:13 pm

      5 stars
      This guac looks absolutely perfect. couldn’t buy anything that good in any store! Avos are such heart healthy fruits, so eat up! Those jalapenos definitely add the perfect kick too!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        April 12, 2019 at 10:25 am

        Thank you very much, Kevin! Love a little heat 🙂

        Reply
    9. Karen (Back Road Journal)

      April 11, 2019 at 12:47 pm

      Love avocados and guacamole and yours looks terrific. I don’t buy store bought unless I’m planning on serving it with a meal and when I go to the store the avocados are rock hard.

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        April 12, 2019 at 10:25 am

        Thank you very much, Karen 🙂 That’s smart thinkin’!

        Reply
    10. Haylie / Our Balanced Bowl

      April 11, 2019 at 11:33 am

      5 stars
      I definitely wasn’t a guac lover at first, either! Now I couldn’t imagine my tacos or chips without it!! I love how simple and delicious this recipe is! We just got a mortar and pestle so I definitely will be trying it in that! So much goodness. I’ll have to make my husband chop the jalapeno though..it always makes my skin burn! LOL! Ugh, sensitive skin is the worst! Thanks for the awesome recipe, Dawn 🙂

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        April 12, 2019 at 10:25 am

        I know, right?! Hope you love it, Haylie! Happy Friday 🙂

        Reply
    11. [email protected]

      April 11, 2019 at 10:04 am

      5 stars
      That was my same experience! It took me some time to get on the guacamole bandwagon! But now I love it!! This recipe looks amazing! I need to pick me up so avocados!! Have a great weekend, my friend! XOXO

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        April 12, 2019 at 10:24 am

        Woot woot! Thanks Annie! You too 🙂 XOXO

        Reply
    12. Kelly | Foodtasia

      April 11, 2019 at 2:07 am

      5 stars
      Dawn, this guac looks amazing! I think I have always loved it from the time I first tasted it. I especially love it with tomatoes in it!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        April 12, 2019 at 10:24 am

        Tomatoes really are yummy in it, are’t they? Thanks Kelly 🙂

        Reply
    13. Shashi at SavorySpin

      April 11, 2019 at 1:01 am

      5 stars
      I lurrrve me some gauc – the spicier the better -and yours looks and sounds droolicious, Dawn! But, I’m not sure what’s going on with my buds (tastebuds that is) but I have been on and off with avocados. In guacamole, I love avocados – but on their own, these days, I’d rather leave them than take them… I hope I get back on the avo train soon as my mornings eggs are getting lonely! 🙂

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        April 12, 2019 at 10:24 am

        Me too, girlfriend…me too! Oh no…hopefully, that’s only short term! Happy weekend to ya 🙂

        Reply
    14. Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen

      April 10, 2019 at 10:43 pm

      5 stars
      OMG I can’t believe there was a time in your life when you didn’t love guac. I can’t believe anyone wouldn’t love guac! I’d gladly eat this with a spoon for dinner (and breakfast and lunch too) :). And now I’m hungry. . .

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        April 12, 2019 at 10:23 am

        I know, right?! Me too, Kelsie 😉 Thanks so much!

        Reply
    15. Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop

      April 10, 2019 at 10:21 pm

      5 stars
      Thank goodness our tastes have changed over the years! I used to be the pickiest eater, but now I like most things. I absolutely love guacamole! It’s perfect with so many different dishes.

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        April 12, 2019 at 10:22 am

        Right?! Thanks Kathy!

        Reply
    16. Katherine | Love In My Oven

      April 10, 2019 at 6:16 pm

      Dawn! I used to not like avocados either, or guacamole. Crazy how things change, hey!? I LOVE it now. Especially on tacos! I will have to try your recipe out my friend, it looks crazy good!!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        April 12, 2019 at 10:21 am

        I know, right?! Thanks so much 🙂

        Reply
    17. Valentina

      April 09, 2019 at 4:49 pm

      Dawn, that’s a very good looking guacamole! Game day or not, I’m totally in. With a big ol’ handful of crispy, salted chips! I love all of the added flavors, and looks like yours is my favorite consistency — mashed, but a bit chunky. Perfect.

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        April 10, 2019 at 12:57 pm

        Woo hoo! Thanks Valentina! Hope your week is going great 🙂

        Reply
    18. karrie @ Tasty Ever After

      November 02, 2015 at 6:03 pm

      I eat an avocado every other day because they are so healthy and yummy too)! Guacamole is the best and I could eat it on everything. We make it almost every weekend to eat during the football games so I’m making your version next weekend 🙂

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        November 02, 2015 at 7:15 pm

        Love it too! Could eat avocado every single day now! I think my absolute favourite thing to do with it is the simplest – on toast with chili flakes. Hope you like my version!! Thanks Karrie 🙂

        Reply
    19. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary

      November 02, 2015 at 1:48 pm

      There was a time (a loooove time ago) when I didn’t like guacamole either! So I don’t think you are crazy! 😉 loving this guac, girl! The addition of chipotle is stellar! Hand me a spoon and watch out! Cheers!

      Reply
      • Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary

        November 02, 2015 at 1:49 pm

        Should be *Loooong. I hate auto correct! 😉

        Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        November 02, 2015 at 2:03 pm

        Thanks Cheyanne! Funny thing, isn’t it? Now I’m all about that guac, lol :)!!

        Reply

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