Classic Guacamole Recipe (2024)

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10 minutes minutes

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By: The Chunky Chefpublished: 04/19/2023

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Don’t reach for that container of pre-made guacamole, mix up this easy and classic guacamole recipe in no time! Made with simple ingredients, this dip comes together quickly and is a party staple. Put out a bowl with some chips, and watch it disappear!

This is one of myDiprecipes I know you’ll want to keep on hand!

Classic Guacamole Recipe (1)

I’m such a huge fan of avocados. We pretty much always have a few hanging around on the counter because we use them in everything.

Having eggs? Add some avocado slices on the side. Having a sandwich? Make an avocado spread. Having taco night? You know we’re making this guacamole recipe!

Guacamole is one of those recipes that is surprisingly simple to make, yet is so packed full of flavor.

There are plenty of variations, but I like to think of this recipe as a classic, no-frills version of guacamole.

How to make guacamole?

This is just an overview; the full ingredients and directions are in the recipe card toward the bottom of this post.

Classic Guacamole Recipe (2)
  1. Scoop. I find using a big spoon works really well for this.
  2. Mash. You can use a potato masher, but a regular fork is perfectly fine.
  3. Season. Add in all the spices, lime juice, cilantro, and chopped tomato.
  4. Mix. Give everything a good stir and you’re ready to serve.

Helpful Tip!

It can be tricky to tell when an avocado is ripe, but I have a few tricks for you.

These tips aren’t foolproof, but can help🙂

  • Look at the end– on one end of the avocado there should be a round little stem that looks a bit like a cap of a very small mushroom. If the stem comes off easily and shows green underneath, the avocado is ripe. However, if it reveals brown, the avocado is overripe.
  • Give it a gentle squeeze– when gently applying some pressure, the avocado should give slightly. If it gives a lot, and is squishy, it’s overripe. If it’s hard and doesn’t give at all, it’s not ripened yet
Classic Guacamole Recipe (3)

Variations of this recipe

  • Avocados – this recipe was made and tested using medium to large-sized avocados. If the avocados you’re using are larger, you may want to use less, and vice versa.
  • Fresh produce – instead of the onion and garlic powder, feel free to use fresh minced or grated onion and garlic.
  • Peppers – to kick up the heat level, try adding some minced jalapeño, poblano, or serrano peppers.
  • No tomatoes – we love tomatoes in our guacamole, but if you’re not a fan, you can certainly leave them out.
  • Mashing methods – typically we just use a fork, but if you’d like to use another method, you could use a potato or meat masher, or even a food processor.
Classic Guacamole Recipe (4)

FAQ’s

Is this an authentic recipe for guacamole?

No, I make zero claims of authenticity when it comes to this recipe. This is just how my family loves to eat guacamole, and how it’s typically served in restaurants here in the Midwest.

How can I change the consistency of this recipe?

If you prefer thinner guacamole, feel free to use more lime juice. And conversely, if you like a thicker consistency, use less lime juice, or more avocados.

Making guacamole ahead of time

I like to make this dip fresh, to reduce any potential brown discoloration.

But you can definitely make it completely ahead of time. Just follow the storage tips below for all the details.

Classic Guacamole Recipe (5)

Storage

Leftover guacamole should be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

I recommend also adding a layer of plastic wrap (or whatever you use in place of plastic wrap) directly on top of the surface of the guacamole, as this reduces the amount of air that gets to it, keeping it bright green instead of brown.

Classic Guacamole Recipe (10)

My Favorite Mixing Bowls!

I love these mixing bowls for two main reasons: the non-slip bottoms make mixing easier, and the airtight lids mean you don’t have to transfer the contents to another container to refrigerate!

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @the_chunky_chef on Facebook and Instagram!

Classic Guacamole Recipe (11)

Classic Guacamole Recipe

5 from 13 votes

Author: The Chunky Chef

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Calories: 168

Servings: 6 servings

(hover over # to adjust)

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Don't reach for that container of pre-made guacamole, mix up this easy and classic guacamole recipe in no time!

Ingredients

  • 3 medium to large avocados pitted and peeled
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 2 Tbsp minced fresh cilantro
  • 2 small tomatoes (we like Roma) deseeded and chopped

Instructions

Prepare avocados

  • Slice avocados in half around the pit. Using a knife (don't hold the avocado in the palm of your hand for this!), carefully remove the pit. Scoop out the flesh, and add to a mixing bowl.

Mash

  • Use a fork or potato masher to mash avocados, until desired consistency is reached.

Mix

  • Add onion powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, lime juice, minced cilantro, and chopped tomatoes.

  • Stir well to combine. Taste, and adjust seasoning levels (or cilantro/lime levels), if needed.

Serve

  • Garnish with additional cilantro and/or tomatoes if desired, then serve.

Want to save this recipe for later? Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save to your own recipe box!

Chef Tips

  1. This recipe makes approximately 1.5 cups (but this will vary, depending on the size of the avocados, and how much flesh they have).
  2. I’ve estimated that this recipe serves 6, but feel free to divide it up into as many servings as you’d like.

Nutrition Disclaimer

The Chunky Chef is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

Did You Make This?Tag @the_chunky_chef on Instagram and hashtag it #thechunkychef so I can see what you made!

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Meet The Chunky Chef

Hey there! I'm Amanda. Wife, mother, photography nerd, and bacon lover! I believe that delicious meals should be easy to make. Now that you’re here, stay a bit, browse a few recipes, and let’s get cookin’!

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Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment

  1. katherine morris says

    I usually don’t use tomatoes but I love them and I did made it healthier I also use low fat sour cream a couple of tablespoons really good thank you

    Reply

  2. Lori Alexander says

    My husband & I both love this recipe

    Reply

  3. Judy says

    Thank you so much for sharing this recipe. I just made it for me and my husband and I know it will not last the night.

    Reply

  4. Jackie Carpenter says

    My family went crazy for this guacamole!! I will be making it again very soon!

    Reply

  5. Mary says

    Thanks for the recipe! Best guac I ever tasted!

    Reply

  6. Kristine S says

    This is very tasty and refreshing. The only thing I did differently was replace the onion powder with sliced scallions. Thank you for a simple recipe.

    Reply

  7. Catalina says

    I use a lot guacamole in my kitchen. I am making your recipe.

    Reply

  8. Sandra says

    Classic recipe is always the best!! I will definitely make it again and again!

    Reply

  9. Beti says

    I love this! It sounds incredibly delicious!

    Reply

  10. katerina says

    This is fantastic! Can’t wait to try it!

    Reply

  11. Allyson Zea says

    I love all the flavor in this classic recipe

    Reply

  12. Erin says

    Looks incredibly delicious! Can’t wait to make this!

    Reply

  13. Beth says

    Nothing beat classic guac. I love how simple the ingredients are.

    Reply

  14. Deborah says

    This avocado dip looks delicious. Can’t wait to try this recipe!

    Reply

Classic Guacamole Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is traditional guacamole made of? ›

Here's all you need for traditional guacamole: ripe avocados, coriander/cilantro, red onions, jalapeño or Serrano chilli, lime and salt. Avoid unnecessary fillers such as sour cream and cream cheese. They only dilute flavour. Popular optional extras include: garlic, tomato, cumin powder.

Does traditional guacamole have tomatoes? ›

Guacamole's main ingredient is avocado, however, it also features cilantro, lime, jalapeño, and tomato! Is avocado spread and guacamole the same thing? No, avocado spread is typically just mashed avocado with a touch of lime juice or lemon juice. Guacamole has additional ingredients.

What makes guacamole taste better? ›

If you taste your guac and it is bland, start with more salt. Next, add lime juice. 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.

Do Mexicans put tomatoes in guacamole? ›

Depends on the region in Mexico. Some does, some doesn't. If you want tomatoes in your guacamole, go for it.

Why you should leave the lime out of guacamole? ›

Diana Kennedy all but forbids it in The Art Of Mexican Cooking, saying it “spoils the balance of flavors.” In Hugo Ortega's Street Foods Of Mexico, Ortega writes, “the secret to a good guacamole is to respect the avocado flavor and not drown it in lime juice” (he adds a scant 1/4 teaspoon for two large avocados).

What kind of onion is best for guacamole? ›

Most people prefer to use sweet white onion in their guacamole recipe. Red or yellow onion tends to give the guacamole too strong of a garlic flavor.

What is Western style guacamole? ›

Western is the mildest of our three guacamole flavor options, with just right amount of red bell pepper, onion, salt, jalapeno pepper, garlic, and lime juice. Our mildest guacamole recipe.

Why put olive oil in guacamole? ›

Olive oil is rich in healthy fats and imparts a subtle richness to guacamole that makes it even more satisfying. In addition, it can help to prevent the avocado from turning brown too quickly by forming a barrier between the surface of the guacamole and the air.

Why does my guacamole taste weird? ›

1- Using overripe or too green avocados

However, the color of the skin is not the only indicator of a good avocado. Luckily there are tips that you can use to pick the right ones. Sometimes we will find guacamole made with overripe or too green avocados, which makes guacamole taste bad either way.

Why do you put milk in guacamole? ›

Add milk or cream to make your guacamole denser. Place slices or cubes of fresh cheese on top of your guac. Add chopped mint to make your guacamole even fresher. Mango cubes add an unexpected touch and also keep your guac from turning brown.

How to jazz up guacamole? ›

Fun ways to customize your guacamole recipe

Try adding: Your favorite regular salsa or fruit salsa. A little crunch from pepitas or even sunflower seeds. Extra heat with your favorite hot sauce.

Can you use lemon juice instead of lime juice in guacamole? ›

I like the flavor better with lemon juice, but lime works too. If you're out of fresh lemons or limes, try using bottled lime or lemon juice. Although, freshly squeezed juice is definitely the best! Salt: Salt enhances the flavors and brings it all together.

Why does store bought guacamole taste weird? ›

Also, citric acid tastes more sour while ascorbic acid has a saltier flavor. In a store-bought guacamole, citric acid, ascorbic acid, or even a combination of the two are usually the culprit behind the tongue tickling.

What is guacamole in Mexican culture? ›

Guacamole History: A Mexican Food? The history of this tasty treat dates back to the Aztec Empire in Central America during the 1500s. Avocados were a favorite fruit in the area, and the Aztecs loved their “ahuaca-mulli” or avocado-mixture.

Does authentic guacamole contain garlic? ›

FYI: Authentic Guacamole consists of four ingredients and one is still optional: Avocado, finely diced sweet or red onion, salt and if you wish, lime. That is it. And absolutely never, ever, garlic!

Why is restaurant guacamole so green? ›

It isn't exposed to air

When avocados are exposed to air, they begin to oxidize. That's when and why they start to turn brown. But if you can eliminate any contact with air, guacamole — or even an avocado half — can be stored for longer without changing colors.

What are the ingredients in store bought guacamole? ›

WHOLLY® GUACAMOLE Chunky Guacamole Bowl Chunky

Hass Avocados, Tomatoes, Onions, Cilantro, Contains 2% Or Less Of Lime Juice, Garlic, Salt, Serrano Peppers.

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