Best Ever Guacamole

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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!

Guacamole in a bowl with a chip dipping in.

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.

Ingredients for making guacamole on a counter.

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.

Guacamole recipe ingredients in a bowl ready to be mixed.

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.

A bowl of fresh, authentic guacamole next to tortilla chips.

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?

A scoop of guacamole on a tortilla chip.

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:

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!

Guacamole recipe in a bowl next to tortilla chips.

Best Ever Guacamole (Fresh, Easy & Authentic)

4.96 from 625 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Lisa Bryan

Description

A tried and true guacamole recipe that's easy to make, uses fresh ingredients and is loaded with flavor. It's the best guacamole dip hands down. Watch the video below to see how quickly it comes together!

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. 
    Scooped avocado in 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.
    Guacamole in a serving bowl next to 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

Calories: 184.8kcal | Carbohydrates: 12.3g | Protein: 2.5g | Fat: 15.8g | Saturated Fat: 2.2g | Sodium: 305.5mg | Fiber: 7.6g | Sugar: 1.7g
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: authentic guacamole, easy guacamole, Guacamole, Guacamole Recipe, How to make guacamole
Did you make this recipe?Mention @downshiftology or tag #downshiftology!

Recipe originally posted August 2014, but updated to include new photos and video May 2018 and again today. 

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About the author

Lisa Bryan

Lisa is a bestselling cookbook author, recipe developer, and YouTuber (with over 2.5 million subscribers) living in sunny Southern California. She started Downshiftology in 2014, and is passionate about making healthy food with fresh, simple and seasonal ingredients.

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Recipe Rating




1,090 Comments

  1. I was perusing the internet for a good Guacamole recipe when this site popped up which I wasn’t unaware of until today. It’s not a complicated dish it’s rather ‘basic’ but without the correct ingredients used proportionately the flavor will vary. I’ve had my share of ‘what do you call this again’? guacamole’s more than once in my life as have many of you I’m sure…. Anyway I tried it & immediately fell in love & added it on my ‘go to’ recipe file!! I perused this site further, intrigued by what I see I’ll log in again!! sincerely, John E. Davidson
    p.s. I prepare meals for someone w/ type 2 diabetes so carbs are a crucial element and the count on the guac is fantastic and all Good Carbs!!! thank you Lisa5 stars

    1. So glad to hear you’re loving this guacamole recipe John! It is such a simple appetizer, but there’s so many variations to it :) Can’t wait to see what you make next from Downshiftology!

  2. If you’re using a particularly large and/or juicy lime, a half would be enough! The tartness is overwhelming the avocado. I’m going to get another avocado or two and mash them in to see if that helps!4 stars

    1. Hey girll!! Just was taking a look at the reviews and noticed yours! Just want you to know this could have been avoided if YOU had chosen a smaller lime. Much love, Kaylee.

  3. Been making this guacamole recipe for a while now. For all the girls when we have our line dance parties. 1 recipe goes a long way. It really is the best have tried. Either home or in restaurants. Yes, add 4 if avocados are small.

  4. This really is the best best guacamole ever. And easy to make. I made a smaller batch, just used one avocado. I wound up eating it all. I didn’t have chips but I made guacamole wraps with romaine lettuce. #yummylicious5 stars

  5. I tried out this recipe today to compliment our homemade tacos and burritos. Usually, my grandfather makes his famous guacamole, but he was out shopping today. I quickly went online to find a recipe and this one turned out great! It had the perfect balance of tomatoes and onions with the avocados. This is my new go-to guac recipe! 5 stars

  6. Great hint to keep it green longer!!!!! I read from another site that you can put your guac in an airtight container and pat it down real good with a spoon and make it flat on top. Then, add about 1/2″ of cold water to the top of it and just let the water sit on top and place the lid on it and put in fridge. When you’re ready to eat it, pour the water off and stir and enjoy. I haven’t tried this but it sounds like a great idea and I can’t wait to try it (AFTER I make this DELISH looking recipe tomorrow). Let me know if you try it and what you think. 😊5 stars

  7. The only thing I would suggest is if you are using a lime squeeze to perhaps start with 1/2 lime. The taste is great but too much lime from using my squerzer.

  8. Made this over the weekend for a friend’s BBQ and it was gone in about half an hour! Super flavorful and easy to follow recipe. Thanks so much for sharing!5 stars

  9. Just made this as a smaller batch for myself. So good! I didn’t have all the ingredients but I used what I had and hands down my favorite! I’m never good at guacamole and this was so easy to make! Thank you! 5 stars

  10. I can never find a guacamole recipe I like.  Found this one today; had most of the ingredients so I made it. I didn’t have the cilantro (which I love) or the fresh lime so I omitted those.  OMG!  This is truly the BEST GUACAMOLE I’ve ever made or tasted anywhere!  It’s easy and doesn’t last long if you love guacamole. All fresh ingredients makes is wonderful. This recipe is definitely a keeper!!  

  11. I loved this recipe and followed it, except that I mashed salt into the chopped onion first (my sister’s method) then added it to the other ingredients. I didn’t have cilantro at the time and it was still delicious. 5 stars

  12. My first time making guacamole. It was delicious. My lime was a little too juicy and I needed to add a little more salt. Thanks for the recipe!5 stars

  13. This recipe looks amazing! Can’t wait to make it for my next pool party! When it comes to serving size, how much guacamole is in 1 serving? 
    Thank you!

    1. I would say about 3/4 cup, depending on how big your ingredients are (i.e. avocados, tomatoes, etc…).

  14. This recipe was great lovevit made 3 times already. When uis your book coming out? Thank you Georgine5 stars

    1. Glad you’re loving this guacamole recipe Georgine! As for my cookbook, it’s available for preorder now :) You can find all the information and links in the “cookbook” section in the navigation bar.

  15. Wonderful recipe. The aroma of the ingredients were wafting as I made this and it passed muster when my wife gave it a big THUMBS UP without tweaking at all. I did go back and add 1/8 tsp of cumin, something I had used in another guacamole recipe, but this recipe will stand on it’s own merit…and taste!5 stars

  16. Hello Lisa,  So often a recipe titled “best ever” rarely is.  But I made this guacamole last night and it was A-MAZING.  Really loved it.  Thanks!5 stars

  17. Hi Lisa, last Saturday I prepared a Mexican evening for eight persons. So I put two of your recipes on the table the Guacamole, and the Pico de Gallo. I doubled up the ingredients thinking there might be leftovers.
    Honestly, everything disappeared, not a scrap of leftovers.
    Everyone loved them and a couple asked for the recipes. Therefore, I had opportunity to introduce two friends to your amazing website.
    Many thanks for these remarkably uncomplicated recipes that hit the spot every time.5 stars

  18. Oh. My. Gosh. This is WONDERFUL!!! I shared it with my friends and family one night and they asked how I could make guacamole so well. I said it’s thanks to you! Okay, one more time, WOW!!!!!!!5 stars

  19. This recipe is wonderful! I used this for a little snack and it was very satisfying! I did not add the jalapeno pepper because of my family’s spice tolerance.5 stars

  20. Guacamole should be built, not made strictly from a recipe.  The freshness of ingredients vary, and people also have likes and dislikes. So build it, tasting it after each step.  In my opinion, the lime juice is the crowning glory. Add it last.  Make sure to drain your diced tomato very, very well or you end up with watery, soggy guacamole.  Also, a small bit of hot sauce is important. Not so much that the guacamole is spicy. That’s not your intention.  It adds another level of flavor without being recognized. 4 stars

  21. Wow. I just saw another of your posts and this is even more impressive. Super clear and perfect pictures. Thank you.5 stars

  22. I also added a packet of McCormick’s guacamole seasoning and used a purple spanish onion instead of a yellow onion. Turned out perfect!4 stars

  23. I buy the bag of 5 avocados and let them ripen at room temperature till they give when pressed, then mash them, adding the juice of 1/2 a lemon with 1/4 teaspoon Citric Acid. Then I add 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, salt and pepper to taste and put it in a plastic tub in the fridge (using a mixer will make the guacamole creamy and smooth). The top starts to change color after a few days which doesn’t change the taste, but I will try sealing it with water – good idea!
    Since there is good nutrition in the pits, I remove the skin, then chop them into small pieces and blend them. The beige color changes quickly to a bright orange-red. After being air-dried or on the stove at medium heat, I put it through the blender again to get a finer blend. One teaspoon is added to the morning smoothie.

  24. Just made tonight and loved it! I did not add the jalapenos so my kid could it. I used just one garlic and was perfect!5 stars

  25. Made this for my family omitting the jalapeno and my husband says it tastes just like the guacamole we order at my favorite Latin restaurant that is high-end, thank you!5 stars

    1. Hi Roy – you can always find the full list of ingredients in the recipe card towards the bottom of the post.

  26. What started out as me wanting a piece of avocado toast turned into looking at your site to see what Lisa had.

    I had all the ingredients on hand. Put it all together and there you have it. Guacamole on toast.

    Also I will definitely have to try the water trick. I hope it works.

    Thank you.
    Adria5 stars

  27. Super delicious and easy to make! 
    Was gifted a basket of avocados but didn’t know what to do with them- cue this fabulous recipe! 5 stars

  28. Fresh, delicious, authentic! Best recipe for guacamole ever! I include the following enhancements: one additional Roma, one additional jalapeño with seeds, and I chop, rather than mash, the avocados for a chunky texture. Can’t go wrong with this basic recipe, thanks so much for sharing it!!!5 stars

  29. Wow now, this is great. I needed a recipe for a Guacamole and found this site. I found it easy to understand and made the perfect Guacamole at last. Thank you for your recipe and will be referring to your site to my Australian friends.

    A tip to Aussie friends: Cilantro is Coriander.

    Great Job5 stars

  30. Delicious and simple, some substitutions.
    I didn’t have a lime, so used sweet red pepper chopped very small to compensate, and tabasco instead of the jalapeno. I chopped just the pulp of ordinary, tasty tomatoes..5 stars

  31. Omg omg OMG!!! My boyfriend and I tried this recipe for our Taco Tuesday date night and I must say this will be the staple to our recipe list. Its really the best guacamole I’ve ever tasted. Followed every step and it taste so amazing. Thank you ☺️