Best Ever Guacamole
1,189 Comments
Updated Jan 05, 2024
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This is the best guacamole recipe as it’s simple to make and uses fresh, high-quality ingredients. Authentic guacamole doesn’t contain fillers and unnecessary ingredients. All you need is avocados, onion, tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeno pepper, lime juice, garlic, and salt. Easy and delicious!
I’m not one for hyperbole, but this really is the best guacamole recipe. When it comes to crowd-raving guacamole the key is to not get too fancy or try to be too unique. Guacamole is meant to be easy to make and delicious. Plain and simple. It’s a blend of a few high quality ingredients with flavors that meld together beautifully.
After numerous trips to Mexico and working alongside Mexican chefs, I can confirm that this guacamole is the real deal. Fresh, easy, and authentic! Just as you would enjoy it in Mexico.
Guacamole Ingredients
With just eight simple ingredients you can make one of the all-time-best dip recipes.
- Avocados: Want to know how to pick the best, most ripe avocados? See my tips below!
- Onion: I’m using yellow onion which is most often used in Mexico, but you could use red onion as well.
- Tomatoes: Choose Roma tomatoes which are less juicy. No one wants a watery guac.
- Cilantro: One of my favorite herbs and a staple in Mexican cuisine.
- Jalapeno: You can also use serrano pepper for a little extra heat.
- Garlic: Some people like their guac with garlic, others like it without. I love just a little.
- Lime: Freshly squeezed lime is a must. Don’t use jarred lime juice as the flavor is muted.
- Salt: A pinch of flaky salt brings it all together.
Pick Ripe Avocados for the Best Guacamole
The best guacamole starts with the freshest ingredients. Look for avocados that are ripe, but firm. You definitely don’t want soft and mushy avocados.
So how do you pick good, ripe avocados? First, grab avocados that still have the stem attached. If the stem has been removed in the store, it’s more likely to have brown spots on the inside. Then, gently press on one end. It should be firm, but have a slight give to it.
How Do You Make Guacamole?
Slice three ripe avocados in half, remove the pit and scoop them into a mixing bowl. Then use a fork to gently mash them to your desired level of chunky or smooth. Add the onions, tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeno pepper, garlic, lime juice and salt and stir everything together. That’s it. The most delicious, easy guacamole.
How to Store Leftovers (and Keep it Green!)
Guacamole oxidizes and turns brown pretty darn quick. The lime juice helps to slow this process, but it’s inevitable that leftover guacamole will eventually start to brown.
Now, I’ve tried every kitchen hack imaginable to keep guacamole green (I eat a lot of guacamole). So what doesn’t work? Well, let’s start with leaving the pit in the guacamole. This does nothing to prevent browning and there’s no scientific justification for it. Consider it an old wives tale.
Next, many say to add lemon juice. And this helps a bit, but I don’t like that it changes the flavor profile of my beloved guacamole.
The most common guacamole preservation hack is placing plastic wrap directly on the guacamole to prevent oxidation. And this may work for a day or two. But I’m striving to reduce my plastic consumption and just don’t love this method.
So in my quest to keep my guacamole green I stumbled on this hack – and it’s brilliant.
Here’s how to keep guacamole green:
- Place your leftover guacamole in a storage container and pat it down firmly with a spoon so it’s nice and flat on top.
- Add about 1/2 inch of water on top (I used cold water).
- Place the lid on the storage container and store it in the fridge. That’s it!
- When you want to enjoy the guacamole, drain the water off the top, give it a stir and you’re good to go.
I tested this method for three full days and it worked like a charm. It stays perfectly fresh and delicious. Though I will admit by the third day it does start to get a little more watery. But who has guacamole last that long anyway?
Watch My Guacamole Recipe Video
While this recipe is easy to make, I have some tips for making the best guacamole recipe you’ve ever tasted. Watch my step-by-step tutorial video below!
More Delicious Mexican Inspired Recipes
For all my Mexican food lovers, give these reader favorite recipes a try:
- Carne Asada (turned into Tacos and Fries)
- Carnitas (turned into Tacos and Burrito Bowl)
- Barbacoa (turned into Tacos and Burrito Bowl)
- Shrimp Tacos
- Citrus Shrimp Ceviche
- Pico de Gallo (Chunky Salsa)
- Salsa (Restaurant-Style)
And you can wash all of those down with my Mango Margarita, Strawberry Margarita or Classic Margarita. Or my Agua Fresca for a non-alcoholic option.
For tasty guacamole variations, try my festive Pomegranate Guacamole, tasty BLT Guacamole, and bite-sized Guacamole Stuffed Tomatoes!
Best Ever Guacamole (Fresh, Easy & Authentic)
Description
Video
Ingredients
- 3 avocados, ripe
- ½ small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeds removed and finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lime, juiced
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Slice the avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop into a mixing bowl.
- Mash the avocado with a fork and make it as chunky or smooth as you’d like.
- Add the remaining ingredients and stir together. Give it a taste test and add a pinch more salt or lime juice if needed.
- Serve the guacamole with tortilla chips.
Lisa’s Tips
- Look for large avocados for this recipe. If you can only find small avocados, feel free to add one more!
- Definitely use fresh limes rather than lime juice in a bottle. The flavor difference is worth it. And speaking of limes, I’m using Mexican limes which give about 1 to 2 tablespoons of juice.
- Make sure to read my tips above for keeping leftover guacamole green and fresh. It’s truly amazing! And I store the leftover guacamole in these food storage containers.
Nutrition
©Downshiftology. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
Recipe originally posted August 2014, but updated to include new photos and video May 2018 and again today.
Thanks for this easy to follow video for delicious Guacamole.
Hi Suzanne – You’re welcome! Hope you enjoy this guacamole recipe :)
Hi Lisa,
Really enjoy your channel, you make the food look so beautiful and simple to cook.
I am so happy you show the nutritional facts with your recipes. This is so helpful. I am just confirming the calories that you show in above guacamole recipe of 184.8kcal
are divided by the number of serves. As would be all your recipes.
Also do you have any overnight oats breakfast recipes that are healthy but to high in calories.
Thanks again
Sharon
Hi Sharon – Thank you for the kind words! As for the nutrition facts, it is per serving. I have overnight oats on my to-do list so stay tuned :)
Great recipe! My boyfriend and I like things spicy, so we leave the seeds in the jalapeno when we add it, and it tastes awesome! We’ve used this recipe several times now with Carne asada, and we love it. Thank you.
Hi Jaci – So glad to hear you and your boyfriend love this guacamole recipe! This is definitely a holy grail recipe :)
Thanks so much for the excellent guac recipe. Taking it to a party today in two batches-one with cilantro (yum!) and one w/o cilantro (boo!) but I tried it before sealing it up, and yes, this is the real deal. Better than any other I’ve tried. The water hack was a huge help. Thanks again, Lisa.
Hi James – I’m so glad to hear that! I hope everyone at the party enjoys this guacamole as well :)
Love the cold water trick can’t wait to try it. Thank you for sharing. I enjoyed your recipe along with family and friends.
Hi Joyce – I’m glad you and your friends and family loved this recipe!
I absolutely enjoyed this recipe. I am in 7th grade and I am actually using this recipe to make my demonstration on HOW TO MAKE GUACAMOLE. Thank you so much for sharing….you are a real life saver!! Thanks once more.
Hi Anika – Wow! 7th grade, that is amazing. I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe and I hope your classmates will love this as well. Good luck on your demonstration :)
Delicious and easy. The “hack” with the cold water worked well.
Hi Marti – Glad you enjoyed this guacamole! It is definitely a reader’s favorite.
Oh…I was actually looking for comments that said that the water hack does work. Now that I know that t does I am going to include this in my speech for school. Thank you so much Marti for this clarfication.Thanks once more.
Best guacamole ever! I made it for my family and no need for storage concerns!! They ate it all!!! Thank you!
Hi Patou – Amazing! So glad you loved this guacamole recipe! It’s one of my reader’s favorites as well :)
I want to subscribe
Hi Lenore – You can subscribe to my mailer at the bottom of my website, as well as my other social channels!
Used fire roasted diced tomatoes instead of roma tomatoes. Best quacamole I’ve ever made.
Hi Richard – glad you loved the recipe!
The cilantro gives so much flavor to the guacamole. I absolutely love this recipe, thank you for the recipe Lisa.
Yes, cilantro absolutely makes guac what it is. So happy you loved it Susan!
Just made this guacamole recipe. So easy and tasty!
Thanks Linda! I’m so happy you love the recipe. :)
Very delicious. My daughter couldn’t stop eating it ? .
Hi Bianca – So glad you and and your daughter loved the guacamole :)
Amazing Guac’! I throrougly enjoyed it, big Kudos to you Sis!
Thanks so much Annina! I’m happy you loved it!
I tried the recipe and made a video.
Wonderful! I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe!
I just made this recipe for a girls weekend getaway… they’re gonna love it! It’s DELICIOUS! Thanks for sharing ☺️??
Awesome! Enjoy! Guacamole and a girl’s weekend sounds like the perfect combo to me. ;)
I love your guacamole dip recipe. I made it for my mother in-law and she loved it. Also the tip on keeping guacamole fresh for the next day works wonderful. Thank you
Wonderful! I’m happy you both loved the recipe and yes, that simple tip is the best, isn’t it? Preserving guac is always important. ;)
Super Easy!!!! Super Good!!!!????
Thanks so much Lisa! I’m happy you loved the guac. :)
I made this to go with veggies for a 4th of July BBQ! Everyone loved it. In the future i may not add the garlic as not everyone loves the garlic taste, but otherwise this recipe is the bomb because of a variety of ingredients. Perfect with a squeezed lime, as you mentioned.
I’m happy you loved the guacamole recipe Jackie! And you can certainly omit the garlic or use less. It’s definitely flexible to your personal taste. :)
My husband and tried a store bought product. We didn’t like it at all. I came across your recipe, made it and we just love it, especially on a hamburger. Thank-you. Carol from Ontario, Canada
Hi Carol – thanks so much! I’m glad you made the guacamole at home and were able to taste the extra freshness and flavor boost. :)
Hi Lisa
Your nutrition is based on the entire tub or 1 serving
Hi Gina – the nutrition information is per serving.
Does the jalapeño make it spicy at all??
It does add a little kick but it’s not too spicy. And you can add as little or as much as you’d like. :)
My friends were so impressed with this recipe! Thank you so much Lisa.
Yay! You’re more than welcome! I’m happy you all loved it. :)
This recipe was delightful. I made it today for the first time and it’s almost finished. I put the remaining guacamole in the fridge and put a small amount of cold water on top to help preserve it just as it was recommended. I have a picky husband and even he was thrilled with it. I already plan on making a batch for an upcoming family get together. Two thumbs up!
Wonderful! I’m happy you enjoyed the recipe Britt! And that’s great you were able to use the water saving trick as well. :)
delicious and simple! I used a microphone to grate the garlic. I definitely recommend doing this, because no one likes unexpected chunks of garlic in their guac!
That’s a great way mince the garlic as well! Glad you enjoyed the recipe Tiffany!
Tiffany, I have to say that’s the most creative use of a microphone that I have ever heard! Couldn’t you find the garlic press, or the garlic grater? And then how do you clean the garlic bits out of the microphone without ruining it?
Seriously the best guacamole ever!! Only thing I did different was I used red onion instead. The only bad thing is I’m on my way to eating the entire batch in one sitting!! Seriously so good and all fresh ingredients!! Thanks so much!
Haha! Oh, I’ve been there Jessica. It’s so easy to polish off the entire bowl of guac. Lol. Happy you love it!
Will it still taste good with no jalapeños?
I think the jalapeno is what makes guacamole what it is. But in saying that, you could certainly make it without.
I made it without jalapeños because of my 3 year old, still amazing!
Best guacamole ever
Thank you, Zoe! I’m glad you loved the guacamole! :)
For preserving freshness, keep the pit in with the guacamole! This has helped me even with just avocado halves anyways I’m super excited to try this thanks for sharing!
Great tip, Casey! Thanks for kind comment and I hope you enjoy the guacamole! :)
We just had this tonight. HIGE hit. Will be adding this to my cook book. Thank you so much for sharing!
Awesome! I’m so glad you loved the guacamole recipe Velma. :)
This recipe got raves from all of my guacamole-loving friends and I thought it was fabulous too!
Awesome, Maria! I’m so happy everyone loved the guacamole recipe. Thank you for the kind comment! :)
Approximately how much volume of avocado is there in this recipe? Avocados vary greatly in size, and some are quite small, as others are quite large. I usually get mine at Costco, which tend to be on the large size. Thanks.
Hi Kathleen – you can see the size of the avocados I used on this recipe in the video above. If you find that your avocados are extra large, you could always use 2 1/2 avocados and save the other half for a salad or smoothie recipe. :)
The burning height of African sun produces the best avocados in the world greetings from Kenya just tried your recipe just ahead of my birthday on Sunday to check it out and it’s cool. Fresh avocados fresh cilantro fresh onion the hottest chilli you can imagine hand seedless limes pick from our tree and of course last but not least sweet sweet cherry tomato 110-percent
Hi Richard – Thank you for the kind comment! I’m so jealous of your amazing avocados but I’m so glad you loved the guacamole. Have an amazing birthday this weekend! :)
I want to make this for my spouse but I was thinking purple onions… Or vidalia onions?
I’ve never heard of purple onions, do you mean red onion? They are more purple in color. I know red onion would work great with this guacamole, I haven’t tried Vidalia onion but I can’t image it will change the flavor too much. :)
Just followed recipe as written and whole family loved it. Made a happy Cinco de Mayo! I could live on this stuff!
Oh yay! I’m thrilled you loved the guac recipe Melanie! I hope you had a wonderful Cinco de Mayo. :)
Quick and easy to make. And, super delicious!
Thanks so much Sharon! I’m happy you loved the recipe. :)
The guest were talking how good my guacamole was. Loved it. It was finished right away.
Yay! Love to hear that. I’m happy everyone enjoyed the recipe. Thanks Jovena!
Great!!! It is absolutely delicious and you are so right! No need of adding any other ingredients as many other do. Simply the best!
Thanks so much! Simple is definitely best when it comes to guacamole. :) I’m happy you loved the recipe!
Very nice i a little less onion in my recipe
Yes, you can always adapt the recipe to your liking. :) I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Great recipe. The guacamole was really good and tasty.
Thanks Tasha! I’m so happy you enjoyed the guacamole! :)
Really is the BEST guac recipe! Super easy and fast too!
Yay! Thanks so much Kristi! I’m happy you love my guacamole recipe. :)
A must have for cinco de mayo!
Oh yes! My brain is already thinking about Cinco de Mayo. Haha. And you can’t have a celebration without the best guacamole. ;)
You are speaking my LANGUAGE!!! I have 2 ripe avocados in the window right now. I’m gonna go make some guac with my lunch! Yum yum. Thanks so much! Great recipe :)
Perfect timing! I think your guac today was meant to be. ;) Enjoy the recipe Katie!
This guacamole looks perfect! And I will definitely try your kitchen hack for keeping guac green and fresh in the fridge. I love guacamole but have also tried many of the “tried and true” methods others have suggested and it still ends up brown the next day :( Can’t wait to try your method!
Thanks Marlynn! And yes, you’ll definitely have to give that guac hack a try. I’ve found that if you pack the guacamole down firm and gently add the water, you’re good to go for at least a solid day or two. Enjoy!
This certainly does look like the best ever guacamole! I can’t wait to try it!
Thank you! After years and years of making this recipe (and many trips to Mexico)….I’m pretty sure you’ll love it! ;) Enjoy!
This recipe is the BEST! Super easy and flavorful!
Thanks so much Kim! It really is easy and packed with so much flavor. Simple ingredients are always the best. Glad you enjoyed it!
Two very tough to please people adored this guacamole. All gone in one sitting! Will probably leave some jalapeno seeds in to make it more spicy when I make it again tomorrow (5 days after making it the first time) by request!
Yay! That’s such great news, Beth! I’m so glad everyone loved the guacamole! :)
Your trick on keeping this fresh did not work. Ruined my guac by trying it.
I’m sorry to hear this, John. You do really have to pack the guacamole into the storage container, and it works best once its freshly made (not sitting out). This trick tends to only last a few days as well.
Great advice!! I find if I slice the avocado in chunks, 3 lengthwise and 5 to 6 across before I scoop it from the skin that it works better.
Thanks for the kind comment and the great tip, Rhonda!
It’s sooooo good!
Thanks, Yara! I’m so glad you loved the guacamole! :)
Awesome! First try at making it! Will do again.
Wonderful! I’m so glad you loved the guacamole recipe Michelle!
I love all these flavors, the garlic, cilantro, and jalapeños make it so tasty?. Thanks for the recipe Lisa. The family loves it??
You’re more than welcome Karen! So happy you loved the guacamole. :)