Guacamole Recipe

This is the guacamole recipe you’ll come back to over and over. It’s simple, authentic, and made with just a few fresh ingredients that do all the work. No fillers. No shortcuts. Just bold, clean flavor.

Traditional Mexican guacamole relies on quality produce and the right balance. That’s what this recipe delivers. Only eight ingredients, each chosen with care, come together to make the perfect dip. This version stays true to the roots of guacamole as it’s made across Mexico — fresh, chunky, and full of flavor.

Ingredients Needed for Authentic Guacamole

For the Base

• Ripe avocados
  The star of the show. Choose soft but not mushy avocados for the best texture.
  
• Yellow onion
  Preferred in traditional Mexican recipes. It’s milder than red onion when raw and adds just the right bite.
  

For Fresh Flavor

• Roma tomatoes
  Less juicy than other varieties, they help prevent watery guacamole while adding a subtle sweetness and color.
  
• Fresh cilantro
  Adds brightness and a touch of earthy flavor that balances the richness of the avocado.
  
• Fresh lime juice
  Always use fresh-squeezed lime. It adds acidity and helps keep the guacamole green longer.
  

For a Kick

• Jalapeño pepper
  Adds mild heat and classic flavor. Remove seeds for less spice or keep them in if you like it hotter.
  
• Garlic
  Just a small amount brings depth and richness to the dip.
  

For Seasoning

• Salt
  Use sea salt or kosher salt to bring all the flavors together. Start small and taste as you go.
  

How to Pick the Best Ripe Avocados

Choosing the right avocados makes a huge difference in both taste and texture. Here are two simple checks I rely on every time.

The Squeeze Test
Hold the avocado in your hand and give it a gentle press. It should feel firm but give slightly under your fingers. If it feels too soft, it may be overripe inside. If it is hard, it still needs time to ripen.

The Stem Trick
Look for the small stem piece on top. Gently flick it off. If the spot underneath is green, the avocado is ready to use. If it looks brown, the inside is likely bruised. If the stem is missing, air may have entered, which often leads to browning inside.

These two quick checks help you pick avocados that are creamy, bright, and perfect for guacamole.

How to Make Authentic Guacamole

Follow these simple steps to create guacamole that’s rich, balanced, and full of flavor.

Step 1: Prepare the Avocados
Slice each avocado in half and remove the pit carefully. Use a spoon to scoop the flesh into a medium mixing bowl.

Step 2: Mash the Avocados
Using a fork, mash the avocado until it reaches your preferred texture. For a rustic, chunky version, leave small pieces. For a smoother finish, mash more thoroughly.

Step 3: Add the Flavor Builders
Add finely chopped yellow onion, minced garlic, diced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Each of these adds a layer of depth and brightness to the dip.

Step 4: Fold in the Tomatoes and Salt
Gently mix in diced Roma tomatoes and a generous pinch of salt. Stir until everything is combined. Taste and adjust with more lime juice or salt if needed.

Step 5: Serve Fresh
Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy immediately with tortilla chips or your favorite Mexican dishes. Fresh guacamole tastes best right after it’s made.

How to Keep Guacamole Green

Everyone loves fresh guacamole, but no one likes it when it turns brown. This happens because of oxidation. When avocado flesh is exposed to air, it reacts and starts to darken.

The Common Myth
Many people believe placing the avocado pit in the guacamole keeps it fresh. It doesn’t work. The pit only protects the small area it touches. The rest of the surface still turns brown.

We Tested Four Popular Storage Hacks

Plastic Wrap Method
Pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface creates a barrier against air. It helps a little, but some browning still occurs around the edges.

Onion Chunk Method
Placing large onion pieces on top adds a slight protective layer and can influence flavor. Results were mixed. Some browning appeared by the next day.

Olive Oil Method
Drizzling a thin layer of olive oil on top helps block air. It slows browning but slightly changes the flavor and texture.

Water Layer Method
Pouring a half-inch layer of water on top of the guacamole and sealing the container kept it vibrant and green for two full days. It did not affect the taste or consistency.

The Clear Winner
The water layer method came out on top. It is simple, effective, and keeps the guacamole looking freshly made without altering the flavor. This is the method we recommend every time.

What to Serve With Guacamole

Guacamole is more than just a dip. It pairs beautifully with a wide variety of foods. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy it.

Classic Pairings
Serve with tortilla chips or crunchy vegetable sticks like carrots, cucumbers, and bell pepper slices.

On Top Of
Add a scoop of guacamole to your favorite tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, or nachos. It brings a creamy texture and fresh flavor to every bite.

With Other Dips
Make a spread with Pico de Gallo, Salsa Verde, and warm Queso. Each one adds a different flavor that complements the guacamole.

With Drinks
Pair with a classic Margarita, a refreshing Paloma, or even a cold Mexican beer. The flavors balance well and create the perfect snack moment.

How to Store Leftover Guacamole

If you have leftovers, storing guacamole properly keeps it fresh and green for later. Here’s the step-by-step method we recommend based on real testing.

Step 1: Transfer to a Container
Spoon the leftover guacamole into an airtight container.

Step 2: Smooth the Surface
Use the back of a spoon to flatten the top so there are no air pockets. A flat surface helps prevent oxidation.

Step 3: Add Water on Top
Gently pour about half an inch of cold water over the guacamole. This acts as a barrier between the air and the dip.

Step 4: Seal and Refrigerate
Place the lid tightly on the container and store it in the refrigerator.

Step 5: Ready to Eat
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, pour off the water and stir the guacamole. It will be as fresh and green as when you first made it.

Easy Guacamole Variations

Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, try these simple twists to make it your own. Each variation adds a new layer of flavor without taking away from the traditional feel.

For a Chunky Texture
Use one mashed avocado for creaminess and two chopped avocados for texture. This gives you the best of both worlds in every bite.

For a Milder Onion Flavor
Soak the chopped onion in cold water for ten minutes before adding. This removes the sharp bite while keeping the flavor.

For a Sweeter Twist
Add small diced pieces of mango or pineapple. Both bring a light sweetness that pairs well with the creamy avocado and spicy jalapeño.

For a Traditional Paste
Use a molcajete, the classic Mexican mortar and pestle, to grind the onion, garlic, jalapeño, and salt into a paste before adding the avocado. This releases more flavor from each ingredient.

Helpful Notes

Here are a few tips to help you get the best results every time you make guacamole.

Use avocados that are evenly ripe. If some feel too firm, let them sit at room temperature for a day or two.

Always taste as you go. Depending on the size and ripeness of your avocados, you may need more salt or lime juice.

Chop ingredients like onion, jalapeño, and cilantro finely so they blend smoothly into the avocado without overpowering any bite.

Serve the guacamole at room temperature. Cold guacamole can dull the flavors, while room temperature brings out the freshness of each ingredient.

For extra freshness, make the guacamole just before serving. If preparing ahead, use the water layer storage trick to keep it vibrant.

Why This Guacamole Recipe Works

This guacamole recipe stands out because it sticks to tradition while solving modern problems. With just eight simple ingredients, you get bold flavor, perfect texture, and zero unnecessary extras. Every element serves a purpose, from the creamy ripe avocados to the sharp bite of fresh lime juice.

What truly makes this version special is the tested method for keeping it green. No guessing. No more waste. Just real results from a simple trick that works every time.

If you tried this recipe, leave a comment and give it a star rating. I would love to hear how it turned out for you.

Tried a fun twist or added a secret ingredient of your own? Share it in the comments below. And if you loved it, don’t forget to share it with friends on Pinterest or Facebook. Your support helps more people find this recipe.

If you’re planning a party or game day spread, pair this guacamole with our creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe for a crowd-pleasing combo.

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