Guacamole is a staple in many cuisines, and this easy, flavorful guacamole recipe is sure to become your go-to. Whether you’re making it for a party, a taco night, or just for a snack, this recipe delivers fresh, creamy, and perfectly balanced guacamole in no time.
With just a few simple ingredients and a quick prep, you’ll have a dish that everyone will love. This recipe combines ripe avocados with zesty lime, savory garlic, and a bit of heat for the ultimate guacamole experience. It’s the perfect addition to any meal, appetizer, or get-together.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This guacamole recipe stands out for its simplicity and flavor. It doesn’t require fancy ingredients or hours of preparation, yet it delivers a rich, creamy texture that’s full of flavor. One of the best things about this recipe is the freshness—using ripe, high-quality avocados ensures a smooth consistency and a mild, buttery taste that pairs perfectly with the tang of lime juice and the heat from jalapeño.
Whether you love it on tacos, nachos, or as a dip with chips, this guacamole is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to adjust the heat level and other seasonings to suit your taste.
Additionally, it’s a healthy option full of good fats and nutrients, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to eat clean without sacrificing taste. This guacamole is quick to make and can elevate any meal, from casual snacks to elegant dinner spreads.
Ingredients
To make this easy best guacamole recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- Ripe Avocados: 3 medium-sized, peeled and mashed. Avocados are the heart of guacamole, providing creaminess and a mild flavor.
- Fresh Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons. Lime adds a refreshing citrusy kick that balances the richness of the avocado.
- Garlic: 1 small clove, minced. Garlic enhances the savory depth of the guacamole.
- Tomato: 1 medium, finely chopped. The tomato adds color and a subtle sweet flavor.
- Cilantro: 2 tablespoons, chopped. Fresh cilantro provides a burst of herbal freshness that complements the other flavors.
- Jalapeño: 1 small, deseeded and finely chopped (optional). For a bit of heat, add some jalapeño, but adjust to your spice preference.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste. Salt enhances the flavor and brings everything together.
Nutrition Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Vitamin C: 15% of the Daily Value
- Potassium: 480mg
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and based on serving size of 1/4 cup of guacamole.
Recipe Tips
- Use Ripe Avocados: The key to great guacamole is perfectly ripe avocados. They should yield to gentle pressure but not feel mushy.
- Don’t Over-Mash: For a better texture, mash the avocados lightly so there are still some small chunks.
- Season Gradually: Taste as you go when adding salt, lime, and jalapeño. It’s easier to add more than to fix an over-seasoned batch.
- Adjust Heat: For milder guacamole, omit the jalapeño or use only half. You can also add more if you prefer extra spice.
- Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cilantro and lime juice make a huge difference in flavor. Avoid bottled lime juice and opt for fresh limes whenever possible.
Make-Ahead Tips
Guacamole is best served fresh, but if you need to make it ahead of time, here are some tips to keep it as fresh as possible. First, add the lime juice immediately after mashing the avocado, as it helps prevent browning. After preparing the guacamole, transfer it into an airtight container and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole to minimize exposure to air.
This will help it stay green longer. You can also cover the container with a tight-fitting lid. If you’re making it more than a few hours ahead, consider adding an extra layer of lime juice or covering the guacamole with a thin layer of water before sealing the container.
When ready to serve, just stir it back together. For an extra layer of freshness, garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Detailed Tips for Making Better Guacamole
1. Perfect Avocado Texture
The texture of your guacamole is critical. Aim for a mix of smooth and chunky textures. You don’t want it to be fully pureed. Mash the avocado lightly with a fork and leave small, tasty chunks. This gives the guacamole a satisfying mouthfeel and makes it look more inviting.
2. Seasoning Balance
Guacamole should have a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and spicy flavors. Adjust the lime juice, salt, and jalapeño levels as you mix. If you like a more citrusy flavor, add more lime. But be cautious of overpowering the avocado with too much acid.
3. Add Extras for Unique Flavor
Consider adding extras like diced red onion, a pinch of cumin, or even a little smoked paprika for a unique twist. These ingredients can take your guacamole from good to great. Taste and adjust to your liking; guacamole is versatile and can be personalized to suit your flavor preferences.
Best Guacamole Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe avocados, peeled and mashed
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- 1 medium tomato, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, mash the avocados with a fork, leaving small chunks.
- Add lime juice, garlic, tomato, cilantro, jalapeño, and salt. Mix well.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve immediately with chips, tacos, or your favorite dish!