This quick and easy guacamole recipe is just 5 basic ingredients, plus some optional add-ins, for a delicious and healthful appetizer or snack. It's also great as a topping for tacos, nachos, wraps, burgers and more.
My kids have recently become obsessed with guacamole.
I don’t know if it was school or a friend’s house or Chipotle or just them finally trying it here at home, but they are smitten.
And I’m thrilled!
It’s such a healthful, versatile and tasty snack, appetizer and topping that I myself adore.
So now all of us like this particular food and I don’t know about your family, but there aren’t many things in the food realm that we can all agree on. So I’m clinging to this one.
Last year, I was fortunate enough to make some authentic guacamole during a 4-hour cooking experience on a trip to Mexico for a friend’s wedding.
And wow, that was the best guacamole of my life. 😍
(Even the guac we had at the resort’s restaurants wasn’t as good.)
You could argue it was just a bit more fresh, or that making it yourself, especially in a fun group setting like we had, adds to the flavor.
Regardless, I took those lessons home and now we have some crazy amazing guacamole on the regular.
Plus, this recipe is just 5 ingredients and about 5 minutes to put together! So quick and easy!
I’ve also got some fun ideas of other mix-ins you can use to change up the flavor from time to time.
OK, let’s get fixing.
Now, I’ve got some notes, tips and substitutions coming up below on how to make guacamole. Just tryin’ to be helpful.
If you want to jump on down to the recipe, simply scroll through the rest of the text. The recipe card is near the bottom of the page, above the comments section.
Ingredient Notes:
- Avocado: You’ll need 2 medium ripe avocados for this recipe. They should have the slightest give when lightly pressed. You can also pull off the stem - it should be green underneath. If it's brown, it might be a little overripe and have brown spots inside. (If the stem won't come off, it's not ripe enough.)
- Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro adds brightness and flavor. If you are a cilantro hater, you can substitute flat-leaf parsley.
- Red onion: If the pungency of red onion is an issue for you, chop the red onion and soak the pieces in cold water for about 5-10 minutes. Then drain the water off and use the onion. You can also leave it out if you prefer.
- Lime juice: Juice from fresh limes is a must, the bottled stuff won’t work for guacamole.
- Pepper: You can use regular black pepper for this recipe or sub in some red pepper flakes if you want a little bit of a kick.
Also, as with most things, you’ll need to adjust the salt and pepper to your tastes, and the lime juice as well.
I usually start with 1 or 1 ½ limes and the amount of salt called for in the recipe. Then I taste a little bit and usually add a little bit more of both lime juice and salt.
And of course, you can scale this recipe up or down to suit your needs.
If you just need a little bit of guacamole for 1-2 people or as a garnish, halve the recipe.
If you are having a party or serving this with chips as an appetizer, scale the recipe up - double it, triple it, etc.
Can’t go wrong with extra guac!
Also, because we like to play around with our guacamole - and especially my friends and I do this on our beach weekends - I wanted to share some fun twists and add-ins you can try.
Guacamole Add-Ins:
- Finely diced jalapeno pepper
- Chopped fresh tomatoes
- Chopped cucumber
- Everything but the bagel seasoning
- Dash of ground cumin and/or coriander
- Hot sauce or sriracha
(Note on tomatoes: Some people swear by them in their guac while others say it’s not technically traditional or authentic. You do what you love best!)
Next up, a few quick ideas on ways to use guac.
I know, the possibilities are endless, but here are a few of our faves and some options you might not have thought of in a while.
Ways to Use Guac:
- Dip with chips
- Topping for tacos, nachos, enchiladas, burritos, etc.
- Dollop on a grain bowl
- Serve with soup or chili
- Topping for grilled or roasted chicken, salmon or steak
- Spread on sandwiches or wraps
- Dolloped on a burger (beef, turkey, veggie, etc.)
- With scrambled eggs or breakfast bowls
Again, we could go on and on.
If you have a fun or interesting way you love to use guac, please leave a comment below and share! I’d love to hear it!
You can also tag me on Instagram - I love seeing your creations!
Finally, let’s talk about how to store any leftovers.
Guacamole can brown quickly, even with the lime juice, so it’s best to store it tightly covered in a container in the refrigerator.
You can layer plastic wrap right against the guacamole in your container, then cover it. This helps prevent the air from browning it.
It’ll keep for 2-3 days.
There you have it.
Homemade guacamole that’s simple, classic and seriously delicious.
You’re gonna want to make this on the weekly.
Enjoy!
XO,
Kathryn
Easy Guacamole
Ingredients
- 2 medium ripe avocados
- 1-2 limes, juiced (adjust to taste, see notes)
- ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper or crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Slice the avocados to remove the pit and scoop out the flesh. Place in a medium bowl and mash the avocados with the juice of 1 lime and salt to your desired consistency.
- Stir in the cilantro, red onion, garlic and pepper. Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more lime juice, salt and pepper as desired.
- Serve immediately or cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Finely diced jalapeno pepper
- Chopped fresh tomatoes
- Chopped cucumber
- Everything but the bagel seasoning
- Dash of ground cumin and/or coriander
- Hot sauce or sriracha
Barb C
The guac looks fab, but what I really want to say is that I am sorry for your loss. Our fur babies truly are family and when it is their time to go it leaves a hole in our lives.
Kathryn Doherty
Oh thank you, that means a lot. It's been tough this week and just really sad without her around. You're right that it leaves a hole, that's the exact feeling.
Pat
I am so sorry for your loss. It is never easy to say goodbye to our fur babies. They always leave a whole in our heart, but we have many wonderful memories to help us through our grieving.
Kathryn Doherty
It really is so hard, and I even knew the goodbye would be coming since she was so old and hung in there longer than anyone expected. I am feeling that hole right now for sure. And yes, also remembering all the sweet memories we had with her. Thank you so much for the kind words!
Bev Encke
I am so sorry for your loss. They give us so much love and friendship. They watch over us and protect us all the time. Never leave you side when you are sick or down. Thank God for giving us the privilege of having them in our life. I have lost several friends in my life and I have their pictures to remind me how wonderful they were to have them with me for their lifetime. Things will get better in time but remember when you think about them and you get feeling down remember all the great times, funny times and all the love they gave you.
God Bless you will be in my prayers.
Bev Encke
I am so sorry for your loss. They give us so much love and friendship. They watch over us and protect us all the time. Never leave you side when you are sick or down. Thank God for giving us the privilege of having them in our life. I have lost several friends in my life and I have their pictures to remind me how wonderful they were to have them with me for their lifetime. Things will get better in time but remember when you think about them and you get feeling down remember all the love they gave you.
God Bless you will be in my prayers.
Kathryn Doherty
Oh, thank you so much! I really appreciate the kind words. And you are absolutely right, they are always there with us and it is such a privilege to have our beloved pets as companions in life. Thank you.