Simple Guacamole

This simple and authentic guacamole recipe is your new go-to for any occasion. Forget the store-bought tubs; with just a few fresh ingredients, you can whip up a creamy, flavorful dip in about 10 minutes. It’s the perfect healthy snack, party appetizer, or topping for your favorite Mexican dishes.

• Cuisine: Mexican
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 4

Here’s a great video that shows the process of making a simple guacamole.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Fresh Flavor: Using fresh, whole ingredients makes a world of difference. The taste is vibrant, zesty, and far superior to any pre-packaged version.

• Quick and Easy: With no cooking required, this recipe comes together in minutes with just a bowl and a fork, making it perfect for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests.

• Completely Customizable: Think of this as your base recipe. You can easily adjust the ingredients to match your taste, whether you like it spicy, extra chunky, or loaded with cilantro.

• Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with healthy fats from avocados, vitamins, and antioxidants, this is a snack you can feel good about eating. It naturally fits into many dietary plans, including vegan, gluten-free, and keto.

Ingredients

• 2 large ripe avocados: The star of the show. See the tips below for picking the perfect ones.

• 1/2 small white onion, finely diced: White onions are often used in traditional recipes for their clean, sharp flavor that doesn’t overpower the avocado. You can also use red onion for a slightly sweeter bite.

• 1 Roma tomato, seeded and chopped: Roma tomatoes are ideal because they are less watery, which prevents the guacamole from becoming soggy.

• 1 clove garlic, minced: Adds a subtle, aromatic depth. For the best flavor, use a fresh clove rather than garlic powder.

• 1 large lime, juiced (about 2 tablespoons): Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential. It adds the necessary acidic tang to balance the rich avocado and is crucial for preventing the guacamole from turning brown.

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Adds a bright, classic flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can omit it.

• Salt and fresh black pepper to taste: Crucial for bringing all the flavors together. Start with about 1/2 teaspoon of salt and add more as needed.

How to Make It

1. Prepare the Avocados: Slice the avocados in half lengthwise and twist to separate. Carefully strike the pit with the blade of a sharp knife so it lodges, then twist the knife to remove the pit. Scoop the avocado flesh into a medium-sized mixing bowl.

2. Mash to Perfection: Immediately add the fresh lime juice to the bowl with the avocados. This helps prevent browning while you prepare the other ingredients. Using a fork or a potato masher, gently mash the avocados to your desired consistency. For a chunkier texture, leave some larger pieces. For a smoother dip, mash more thoroughly.

3. Add the Mix-Ins: Add the finely diced white onion, chopped tomato, minced garlic, and fresh cilantro to the bowl.

4. Combine and Season: Gently stir everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the guacamole pasty. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Taste and Adjust: This is the most important step. Taste the guacamole with a chip and adjust the seasonings as needed. It might need more salt to enhance the flavors, more lime juice for brightness, or more onion for a sharper bite. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips for the Best Guacamole

• How to Pick a Ripe Avocado: A ripe avocado will yield to firm, gentle pressure in the palm of your hand. It should feel slightly soft but not mushy. Another trick is to flick off the small stem cap; if it’s green underneath, the avocado is good to go.

• Don’t Skimp on Salt and Lime: These two ingredients are key to a flavorful guacamole. Salt balances the acidity of the lime and enhances the taste of the avocado.

• Chop Ingredients Finely: For the best texture and distribution of flavor, make sure your onion, tomato, and cilantro are all chopped finely and uniformly.

Recipe FAQs

Why did my guacamole turn brown?
Guacamole turns brown due to a natural process called oxidation, which occurs when the avocado flesh is exposed to air. The acid from the lime juice helps to slow this process down significantly.

Can I make guacamole ahead of time?
Guacamole is best served fresh, but you can make it an hour or two in advance. To keep it green, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the entire surface of the guacamole to prevent any air from touching it, then refrigerate.

How do I store leftovers?
To store leftover guacamole, transfer it to an airtight container. Smooth the top surface and you can either squeeze extra lime juice over the top, or add a thin layer of water (about 1/2 inch) directly on the surface. This creates a barrier against oxygen. Cover with the lid and refrigerate for up to two days. When you’re ready to eat, simply pour off the water or lime juice and give it a good stir.

What can I add for some spice?
To add some heat, finely dice a jalapeño or serrano pepper and mix it in. Remember to remove the seeds and membranes for less heat. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.

What are some other fun variations?
For a fun twist, you can mix in ingredients like roasted corn, black beans, diced mango, or crumbled cotija cheese. A pinch of cumin can also add a smoky depth.