Homemade Guacamole Recipe (Best Ever!) - Evolving Table (2024)

This Homemade Guacamole Recipe is loaded with creamy avocados, fresh lime juice, tomatoes, cilantro, and is so quick and easy to make! It’s the absolute BEST healthy dip and a super popular game day snack or Cinco de Mayo appetizer. Learn how simple it is to make this low-carb and keto dip with ripened avocados in less than 20 minutes!

Homemade Guacamole Recipe (Best Ever!) - Evolving Table (1)

Avocados can be found occupying our refrigerator or countertop 90% of the time. The “problem” sets in when I overbuy them and 5 avocados are perfectly ripe and ready to eat.

But let’s be real… this is obviously not a real problem at all because the solution is… to make a big bowl of homemade guacamole!!

If you just came home from work and want a healthy snack… make some of this yummy dip!

When you’re having friends over for a party, potluck, or dinner and need an easy appetizer… whip up a batch.

Or even on those nights when your hangry is setting in and you have no patience for slaving away over a hot stove… a creamy guacamole dip is the answer.

And this guacamole is SUPER special in that it reminds me of that mound of avocado delightfulness that Chipotle restaurant employees throw on your burrito bowl.

Yes, this recipe is very similar to the Chipotle version we all know and love!

It’s also incredibly simple and easy to make whenever your guac craving strikes.

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What is Guacamole?

Guacamole is a dish made up of mashed avocados, freshly squeezed lime juice, and cilantro. Tomatoes, onions, and other seasonings are often added, too.

This avocado-based dip or spread is typically used in Mexican cuisine and can often be found internationally and in American cuisine as well. (And especially if you live in South Texas or Southern California!)

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Ingredients

While guacamole is largely made up of ripened avocados, there are a few other simple ingredients you will need to make this dip recipe:

  • Avocados. Fully ripened is crucial. Read below to learn a few ways to quickly ripen or read here about how to cut an avocado.
  • Lime Juice. A touch of citrus lightens up this recipe. The acidity also helps to prevent the guacamole from turning brown, so make sure you do not leave this out! And yes, lemon juice can also be substituted but it won’t have quite the same flavor.
  • Cilantro. Probably the most important ingredient besides the avocado in this dip. However, if you have someone that doesn’t like fresh cilantro (you know, they claim it tastes like soap?!) then feel free to leave it out.
  • Onion. Finely diced sweet onion gets evenly dispersed throughout the dip to give it an extra punch of flavor.Yellow onion and red onion will also work well.
  • Tomatoes. Feel free to dice up any tomatoes you happen to have on hand. I have used cherry and grape tomatoes, Campari, vine-ripened, and Roma tomatoes all with equal success!
  • Cumin + Paprika. What I like to consider my secret ingredients in this simple recipe. They add a special depth of flavor to the dip. You can also try mixing in a dash of some Taco Seasoning, too!
  • You can even change it up a little and make a Pineapple Guacamole!
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How to Make Homemade Guacamole

These are the simple steps to follow to make Homemade Guacamole. See the recipe card for more detailed ingredients amounts.

Peel and Pit

If your avocados are ripe, it’s time to make some guacamole. If they are a little hard, see below for tips to soften them quickly. Check here for how to cut an avocado.

Peel, pit, and quarter the avocados. First, use a knife to cut each one in half. Then, remove the pits.

With the skin still on, carefully cut the inside of each half into quarters. Be sure not to cut through the skin to your hand. It is best to place the avocado on the counter or use a dull knife. Then, use a large spoon to scoop slices out.

Place peeled, pitted, and quartered avocados into a large bowl. Ensure your bowl is large enough to add other ingredients. Then, sprinkle lime juice over the slices.

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Homemade Guacamole Recipe (Best Ever!) - Evolving Table (6)

Mash

Using a large fork or potato masher, mash avocados well. The longer you work them, the smoother the guacamole will be.

Alternatively, you can use a high-speed mixer, but you will end up with more of a fluffy and super creamy texture. Or, you can place the slices in a large ziplock bag. Then, squeeze and knead the avocado until you reach your desired consistency.

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Mix-ins

Add seasonings and mix well. Do this first before combining other ingredients for consistent taste. If you are using really salty chips, err on the side of not adding too much salt. You can always put in more later.

Diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. The smaller the pieces, the more evenly dispersed the flavor will be.

Then, mix in chopped tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.

Serve immediately with tortilla chips or your favorite Mexican dish!

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Homemade Guacamole Recipe (Best Ever!) - Evolving Table (9)

Ripen Avocados

Sometimes you may not be so lucky as to have 4 or 5 avocados that are all perfectly ripened at the same time. Or, the ones at the grocery store are not quite where they should be.

In moments like this, there are a few tricks you can try to quickly ripen avocados:

Tips:

  1. Place avocados in a paper bag. They will release ethylene gas that will speed up the ripening process.
  2. Add a banana or apple to the paper bag to increase the amount of ethylene gas that is released.
  3. Wrap avocados in aluminum foil and place them in a 200 °F oven for 8-10 minutes. Check every few minutes for desired ripeness.

While all of these methods will work, it’s best if you just give them a little time and patience as they naturally ripen on the counter at room temperature.

Meal Prep & Storage

  • To Prep-Ahead: Chop tomatoes, onions, and cilantro up to 1-2 days ahead of time.
  • To Store: Guacamole is best served immediately after making, but it can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24-48 hours. Be sure to completely cover with plastic wrap so no dip is exposed to air. This will keep it from turning brown.
  • To Freeze: I would not recommend freezing. The taste, texture, and consistency will be largely affected. You are better off just making it from scratch!

FAQs

Is guacamole good for you?

Yes! It is pretty healthy and good for you. Since this dish is made primarily of avocados, it boasts A TON of good-for-you monounsaturated fatty acids, more potassium than bananas, and a good bit of fiber. Add fresh tomatoes and onions and we have ourselves one nutrient-packed dip made from super fresh ingredients.

What are some guacamole variations?

There are many ways to change up this classic dip. For more spice, add in some jalapeño or serrano pepper, or opt for cayenne. You can sweeten it up by using pineapples or mangoes, as well.

What makes guacamole turn brown?

An enzyme in the flesh of avocados reacts with air to turn the meat brown. This is called oxidation, similar to apples and other fruit. To avoid this, include citrus, like lime juice, and ensure as little air as possible touches the dip by using plastic wrap or Ziploc bags when storing.

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Make it a Meal

Since guacamole is a traditional Mexican cuisine dip, there are numerous dishes you can serve it with. A few of my favorites include:

  • Steak Fajitas
  • Barbacoa Tacos
  • Chicken Enchiladas
  • Fiesta Lime Chicken
  • Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
  • Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers

More Healthy Dip Recipes

If you love dips, try one of these other delicious snack and appetizer recipes:

  • Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
  • Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip
  • Smoked Salmon Dip
  • Roasted Tomato Salsa
  • Pico de Gallo

Tap stars to rate!

5 from 2 votes

Homemade Guacamole Recipe

This Homemade Guacamole Recipe is loaded with creamy avocados, fresh lime juice, tomatoes, cilantro, and is so quick and easy to make! It's the absolute BEST healthy dip and a super popular game day snack or Cinco de Mayo appetizer.

Homemade Guacamole Recipe (Best Ever!) - Evolving Table (11)

DFGFLCPASFVVG30

Yield 8 servings

Prep 15 minutes mins

Total 15 minutes mins

Homemade Guacamole Recipe (Best Ever!) - Evolving Table (12)

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Ingredients

  • 4 large avocados ripe, peeled, pitted
  • 1 Tbsp. lime juice fresh
  • ½ tsp. cumin
  • ¼ tsp. paprika
  • ¼ tsp. garlic powder
  • ½-¾ tsp. salt to taste
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup sweet onion finely diced
  • ½ cup tomatoes finely diced
  • ¼ cup cilantro finely chopped

Instructions

  • Place peeled, pitted, and quartered avocados and lime juice in a large bowl.

  • Begin mashing avocados with a large fork or potato masher.*

  • Add cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

  • Add tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. Mix ingredients until just combined and guacamole is to your desired creaminess.

  • Serve guacamole immediately with tortilla chips or with your favorite Mexican dish. Enjoy!

Last step! If you make this, please leave a review letting us know how it was!

Tap stars to rate!

5 from 2 votes

Video

Notes

Meal Prep & Storage

  • To Prep-Ahead: Chop tomatoes, onions, and cilantro up to 1-2 days ahead of time.
  • To Store: Guacamole is best served immediately after making, but it can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24-48 hours. Be sure to completely cover with plastic wrap so no dip is exposed to air. This will keep it from turning brown.
  • To Freeze: I would not recommend freezing. The taste, texture, and consistency will be largely affected. You are better off just making it from scratch!

Nutrition

Calories: 167kcal, Carbohydrates: 10g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 128mg, Potassium: 522mg, Fiber: 7g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 335IU, Vitamin C: 12.4mg, Calcium: 15mg, Iron: 0.8mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Made this recipe?Leave a comment below!

Categorized as:
, Dairy-Free, , Gluten-Free, Low-Carb, Nut-Free, Paleo, Recipes, Refined Sugar-Free, Soy-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian, Whole30

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Homemade Guacamole Recipe (Best Ever!) - Evolving Table (2024)

FAQs

Does lemon or lime juice keep guacamole from turning brown? ›

Water is a great trick to use for storing guacamole so it stays fresh, but there are a few other options as well. Acid, like lemon, lime, or vinegar, creates a barrier against oxygen as well, so applying a thin layer will work in a similar way.

What do restaurants use to keep guacamole from turning brown? ›

Pour a thin but visible layer of water or lemon/lime juice over the guacamole to form a barrier with the air. Cover the dish with plastic wrap, pushing the wrap, so it is flush with the guacamole to prevent air pockets, or put the guacamole in a sealed tub.

Can you put too much lemon in guacamole? ›

The lemon juice is used to give it a sour touch, and prevent it from oxidizing. However, adding too much will bitter the flavor of your guacamole.

Why you should leave the lime out of guacamole? ›

With ripe tomatoes so rare in the U.S., I generally leave them out.) I know what you're about to ask. "But what about oxidation?” While lime is touted as a way prevent avocados from browning, it takes a lot of lime for that to work—and it's generally a bad idea to transform a dish's taste for aesthetic reasons.

How much lime juice to keep guacamole from turning brown? ›

Editor's Tip: You may have heard a squirt of lemon or lime juice also keeps guacamole from browning. It's true—as long as you cover the entire surface of the dip with citrus juice.

What makes guacamole taste better? ›

Fresh lime juice and zest – They make the guacamole zesty and bright. Jalapeño – For heat. Feel free to omit it if you're sensitive to spice. A serrano pepper would work here too!

Should guacamole have tomato in it? ›

Tomatoes — not all guac recipes have tomatoes in them but I sure love tomatoes in mine. I remove the seeds of the tomatoes so the guacamole doesn't become soggy. Chili — the most common chilis added are either jalapeño or serrano chili depending on how spicy you want it.

Why do people put tomatoes in guacamole? ›

The avocados give guacamole the green base, and other ingredients, such as tomatoes and onions give it some textured flavor. Guacamole is especially popular on Super Bowl Sunday and Cinco de Mayo. This treat is a perfect tailgate or party snack and a favorite Mexican restaurant side dish.

Can I eat guacamole after it turns brown? ›

Although brown guacamole isn't the most appealing, it's completely safe to eat (as long as you've stored the guacamole in the refrigerator, and it isn't more than three days old). "While a bit off-putting to look at, brown guacamole is totally safe," confirms Food Network's nutritionist, Dana Angelo White, MS RD ATC.

Why doesn't store bought guacamole turn brown? ›

It doesn't turn brown because after it's made and put into pans, it gets covered with plastic wrap pressed into it. Oxygen is what causes avocado to turn brown, and the plastic keeps the air out.

Why do you leave the avocado pit in guacamole? ›

The verdict: Contrary to popular belief, adding the avocado pit to guacamole does not prevent oxidation. In fact, if it sticks out above the surface, it creates air pockets that prevent the plastic wrap from adhering tightly enough.

How do you doctor up guacamole? ›

Often an additional pop of citrus is all guac needs to come alive and taste better. If you still aren't happy with the taste, you can rely on mix-ins to jazz it up. Try adding cilantro, salsa, a diced jalapeno or serrano pepper, feta cheese, or a few dashes of hot sauce.

Why does my guacamole taste sour? ›

If you feel it's sour then it's possible that it has started to ferment or lemon or lime has being added to it. If it's that terrible prepackaged greenish-brown concoction you find in grocery stores, then it's possible that is just its normal sickening taste. But no, home made guac should never taste sour in any way.

How do you neutralize onion in guacamole? ›

Instead, if onion causes you trouble, consider this little trick – chop it and then add it to a bowl of water. Let it sit there while you're making the guacamole and then drain it and add it. Soaking the onion will help remove some of the bitter compounds, so you won't have that pungent onion taste in your mouth.

Does lemon or lime preserve avocado? ›

Citrus fruits naturally contain strong antioxidants, which work against oxygen to slow down spoiling or browning in certain foods. Simply brush a little lemon or lime juice across the flesh of a sliced avocado, seal it in an airtight container, and it should delay the browning process for about a day.

Does lemon or lime keep avocado fresh? ›

Coat with lemon or lime juice

If you take an avocado half, coat it in juice, and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, you've got a fresh avocado for a couple more days. Due to the citric acid, the browning process is significantly slowed.

How long will avocado last with lime juice? ›

To store a leftover avocado half, leave the skin and pit to help limit the surface area exposed to air. Sprinkle the exposed flesh with lemon or lime juice and tightly cover it with clear plastic wrap. The leftover avocado half can be stored in your refrigerator for up to 3 days depending on the level of ripeness.

Is lime juice necessary for guacamole? ›

All you really need to make guacamole is ripe avocados and salt. After that, a little lime or lemon juice—a splash of acidity—will help balance the richness of the avocado. If you want, add chopped cilantro, chilis, onion, and/or tomato.

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