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!
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.
I grew up on the border of Mexico. I like to add a little cumin for a slightly smokey taste and I use both Mrs Dash garlic and herb and southwest chipotle to cut back salt. Also a small seeded minced jalapeno and splash of salsa. Yummy! Friends frequently request this at get togethers.
Thanks so much for sharing Rhonda :) Sounds great!
This was really good, even the children liked it a lot! Great tip on how to store the leftovers, have not been able to try out though since its always empty 😊
Wonderful! I’m so glad you and your family enjoyed this guacamole recipe :)
I had avocados the were at their peak. This recipe was the perfect way to use than. It turned out great. And we enjoyed it with chips and margaritas.
Hi Jerlaine- Wonderful! Guacamole is always the answer for peak season :)
I’ve never made restaurant quality guacamole……until now. I had Pico de Gallo in the fridge so used that instead of chopping tomatoes and peppers. Excellent guacamole!
Thanks Lynn! I’m so happy you loved the recipe. And pico de gallo is a great swap. Enjoy!
I can’t wait to make some in about 5 mint. Looks yummy
I just tried this recipe for the first time and it is amazing!! Adding feta cheese crumbles on top is delicious too!
I’m trying to download the recipe with no luck, it looks yummy and healthy I like this
Hi Jeffrey- You should be able to save and print the recipe with the print button in the recipe card below! Let me know if you come across any problems doing so.
Awesome best guacamole
It is very good guacamole. The best I have ever made. Thank you for sharing
Wonderful! I’m so happy you loved the guacamole, Margaret. :)
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!! Lisa this recipe was the best guacamole ever. There wasn’t a drop left in the bowl!
Wonderful! Glad you enjoyed this guacamole recipe. Definitely a recipe ot keep on hand!
I added a pinch more salt, but I loved it! This was my first time attempting to make guacamole and this recipe hit the spot!!! This will definitely be my go to now. Thanks!
Wonderful! I’m so happy you loved the recipe.
Do i have to add the hot peppers i have a sensitive tummy..:( will it alter it too much if i don’t
Hi Deb – the jalapeno is traditionally used, but always adapt recipes to best suit your diet/body.
No you don’t need to add peppers! Guacamole is “traditionally put on spicy food to calm the heat”. Ive never added more heat to guacamole and it always turns out amazing :)
Great recipe!! Thanks!!
Love the taking care of the Avocado with cold water, GREAT, thanks
👍
Made this today and my family LOVED IT! I only had one avocado left and didn’t have cilantro and the pepper (i eyeballed the rest too haha) but it turned out so well! I’ll definitely make this again :-) thank you for the recipe!
Hi Sharon- So glad you loved this recipe
The name truly does say it all – it’s the best ever guacamole. I did add some cumin because I love the flavor of it so much. Once I made the guacamole it was gone in a flash. Will be making this recipe from now on!
Hi Jan- Wonderful! Looks like you found a winning guacamole recipe to use every time now :)
Made it for mother’s day today and everyone absolutely loved it. Excellent recipe I highly recommend it!!
EXCELLENT RECIPE AND SUPER EASY TO MAKE! I have not founded a better guacamole recipe ever or had a better one in a restaurant!
I added one extra jalapeño with all the seeds and one extra crushed garlic. SO MUCH FLAVOR.
CANNOT WAIT until I can make it for our friends
I have made guacamole a couple of other times and it was just so-so. I made this exactly as the recipe was written and it was great. I can’t even figure out why, maybe just the balance of ingredients. My husband’s immediate reaction when he tasted it was, “Mmm, this is really good.” I’ll take that. This is my go-to guacamole from now on. Thanks
One thing I love about your recipes is how clear and brief they are. While I was busy with the kids I told my husband to prep the guac and handed him this recipe and it was perfect! I didn’t have to explain anything to him or clarify and with your recipes I don’t have to “re invent the wheel”. I can blindly use the measurements and ingredients and magically I have an amazing dish to devour. So thank you for all the testing that you do before giving us the recipe because it really helps those who aren’t so good at cooking and really sets us up to success.
Hi Swetha- That’s the best when you don’t need to direct someone to make the recipe, especially the hubbie! Glad it was a success and everyone enjoyed the guacamole :)
I mean, the name of the recipe says it all: this is the best ever guac. So easy, fresh and flavorful! Cannot wait to serve it to guests in the (hopefully near) future! :) Thanks, Lisa!
I was so excited to write my comment that I COMPLETELY forgot to rate the recipe… my mistake!!
Hi Delaney- This will definitely be the perfect appetizer to serve for guests, or for any occasion really :)
Such a easy recipe!! Didn’t have roma tomatoes, so added some ready made salsa. Was great!! Went wonderfully with your shrimp taco recipe!!
Hi Laura- Wonderful! This also is another staple recipe to keep on hand :)
The name is certainly justified – truly the best Guacamole ever! Definitely a crowd pleaser – but it’s so good that it is difficult to share.
So glad you found a winning guacamole recipe :)
Easy and AMAZING!
I made this for Taco Tuesday last night, and it was such a hit! This crowd likes spicy food, so I added an extra jalapeno and it was just right. The bowl came home empty, practically licked clean ;-)
All these years I thought great guacamole was a secret, but all along it was so simple. Thanks for a perfect, easy, crowd pleasing recipe!
Hi Andrea – It really is a simple recipe! All you need are a few fresh ingredients to make the best one ever. But, I’m happy to hear everyone enjoyed this for Cinco De Mayo!
Birthday cake win for my non-vegan family. Was great to be able to make one dessert/cake for all of us. Thank you.
Made guacamole for the first time and turned out AMAZING! It tasted really good and fresh!
Congrats on your first batch of guacamole! Glad you enjoyed this recipe :)
Delicious…and the water trick works also!
Hi Sharon- Glad the water trick worked out for you!
This a super easy to make and very good , I added a little more garlic for my taste and all of it was gone.
Hi Donna- You can never go wrong with more garlic :)
Yum, yum! I was just using the can of Ro-tel diced tomatoes but I’m switching over to this recipe. My husband and i liked this way better. Basic recipe but so good.
Hi Felishia- Glad you enjoyed this guacamole recipe!
I just made guac with this recipe tonight. It was excellent and received rave reviews! Thanks for sharing it with us.
Wonderful! I’m so happy you loved the recipe Sarah. :)
This is my go-to recipe for guacamole! I actually just had all of the ingredients by chance with the exception of jalapeño. I’ve also just tried your vita mix powdered sugar recipe and that worked amazingly well in my sad on-it’s-last-leg ninja. Thank you for sharing this!
Hi Erica – So glad to hear you’ve enjoyed both recipes so much :)
I used your trick about keeping the guacamole from turning brown, but with a twist. I firmly placed plastic wrap over the guacamole, and then covered it with cold water. Covered the container and after 4 days it was still nice and green. And, no water in the guacamole.
Thanks. Jim Michener
Great tip Jim! Will definitely give that a try as well :)
PERFECTION! As a true guacamole fan, I have been way too intimidated to try to make a batch for family, especially for the finicky folks. Your recipe creates a harmony of flavors among a few simple ingredients. At a time when we miss our favorite foods prepared at our local restaurants, I am grateful to discover a recipe that creates both comfort and authentic flavor. Thank you!
Hi there- Thrilled to hear I can provide restaurant-quality guacamole for you and your family during this time! This is definitely a most loved Downshiftology recipe as well :)
Followed exactly what you did. Came out great. Thanks for tips on keeping green and fresh.
Hi Barbara- I’m glad you loved this recipe and enjoyed the tips as well :)
So good! Balanced flavor. I didn’t have any jalepeños on hand, and I replaced white onion with red. You might be tempted to add more salt, but we ate it with with salty chips and it was perfect.
Hi Sarah- Red onion is also a great replacement in terms of flavor :) Glad you enjoyed this recipe!
This is the best guacamole recipe I have found to date! Thank you for sharing👏👏
Hi Julie – Wonderful! I’m glad you found a winning guacamole recipe :)
Always hesitated to make Quacamole for years!
Tried this recipe and wow wow wow, it’s the best.
My go to recipe to Impress!!!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed this guacamole recipe! :)
Lisa, this really was the best guacamole I’ve ever had! Simple fresh flavors in the perfect ratio. My Mom even liked it even though she detests avocados in all their forms. So good.
Hi Brittany – That’s amazing. I’m happy to hear both you and your mom enjoyed this guacamole recipe :)
Homerun!
Happy to hear you enjoyed this guacamole! :)
No suggestions/improvements to the recipe itself but for the preservation, try boiling the water first, then let it cool then top the guac. Although, as you say, if you only need it for a day or two, this isn’t needed, but if, for whatever reason, you want 3-4 days grace, this should do the trick. (NOTE: Do not use the water while it’s still hot, or even warm. Disturb the water as little as possible once it’s boiled, ideally let in cool in the same pot/kettle you boiled it in. Fill the container as full of guac and water as possible.)
Thanks for the tip on the guac storage Tom!
Omg I’m so in love with this guacamole! Fast and easy recipe! Definitely makes more than expected! Can’t wait for tonight’s margaritas and chips and dip to commence!
Hi Tracey – What a perfect appetizer for Mexican night! So glad you enjoyed it :)
Yummy guacamole! Loved it. Keep up the good work.
Susana Haake, Goleta, CA
Thanks so much Susana! I’m happy you loved this guacamole recipe. :)
Delicious recipe! I’ve never had guacamole before but my family enjoyed it. Thanks a bunch and have a wonderful day. This will be my go to recipe for guac!
Hi Dwight – Wow! Congrats on making your first batch of guacamole :) I’m glad everyone enjoyed it.
My recipe for guacamole is pretty much like yours but I used to do the lemon and plastic wrap I decided to try your water technique and oh my goodness works perfectly I was so surprise thank you so much
Hi Kimberly- I’m so glad that little water trick did the job :)
I have made this twice already and I love it! The first time I made it my daughter and I devoured the entire thing. I made it today and it was better this time around. Keep the recipes coming!
Thanks so much Desiree! I’m happy you loved this recipe (again). It really does disappear fast. ;)
Very tasty and easy to do 👍
Thanks so much! I’m glad you loved the guacamole recipe. :)
woah…can’t believe i never thought of making this without a food processor……but makes perfect sense because its not supposed to be a puree anyway…..
This is an amazing recipe !! We absolutely loved it !! Thank you so much !
Hi Michelle – wonderful! I’m so happy to hear that. Enjoy your guac!
Excellent but I left the jalapeño out. Don’t like spice. I’m fine with zest but heat is overboard.
I’m so happy you loved the recipe Solange! And yes, always feel free to tweak recipes to your personal preference.