Easy Guacamole Recipe

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This Easy Guacamole Recipe is simply the best! Ready in only 10 minutes, it’s a simple and healthy Mexican classic. Serve it with chips, on a salad, in tacos or on toast! It’s the perfect appetizer to make for Cinco de Mayo and game day as well as any time of the year!

There are so many variations of the simple guacamole recipe, but this one is my personal favorite!

Made with the perfect balance of avocados, cilantro, onions, tomatoes, lime juice, salt and jalapeños (if you like it spicy), this guacamole recipe is a must-have in your Mexican cooking arsenal.

From start to finish, this guacamole takes 10 minutes to prepare. Maybe even 5 if you can quickly chop and dice the ingredients.

You can eat it with so many things like homemade tortilla chips and a classic margarita, in tacos and fajitas, on a salad, on toast, in omelets – the list goes on!

How to make guacamole

1. Start by cutting the avocados in half and removing the pit with a sharp knife. Then scoop out the fruit using a spoon and put it in a medium mixing bowl.
2. Next, mash the avocados using a fork, a potato masher, or a molcajete (like used in the photos). Using a potato masher is the easiest method because it’s not as messy and gives you a little more control compared to using a fork, but either works just fine.
3. Last, add in some chopped cilantro, tomatoes, onions, the juice of 1/2 a lime, salt and diced jalapeno peppers if you want it a little spicy. Mix it all together and voila! Done and ready to eat.

Tips for making the best guacamole

• Use ripe avocados. To make sure your avocado is ripe, it should be a little soft when you give it a squeeze, but still firm. If it’s too soft and leaves a big indentation, then it’s overripe. You can also remove the little brown stem at the base to check. If you’re able to remove it easily and the color underneath is green, then there’s a good chance it’s ripe. If the color underneath is brown, it’s likely overripe.
• Season generously with salt. Don’t be afraid of adding salt. Start with the suggested amount in the recipe and then taste it to see if it needs more.
• If you have people who don’t like the bite of an onion, use a food processor to finely mince the onion. The flavor will still be there but it will be less pronounced.

Variations and Substitutions

• Top with cotija cheese for a the ultimate delicious salty Mexican bite!
• Add a bit of honey (about a tablespoon) to give the guacamole a little hint of sweetness.
• Try red onions instead of white to add even more color to the dish.
• Use a shallot instead of an onion. Shallots are typically milder than regular onions and lack the bite.
• Don’t like tomatoes in your guac? That’s okay! Some people prefer their guacamole without tomatoes. Simply leave it out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Even though guac is an easy thing to make, people often have loads of questions. Here are some of the more common ones.

How long will guacamole last in the fridge?

A couple of days, about 2 to 5 depending on how it’s being stored.

What’s the best way to keep guacamole from browning?

Everyone seems to have their own method, but my personal favorite is to spritz a little more lime juice on top and cover the guac with plastic wrap so that it’s touching the guacamole and the sides of the storage container (see photo below). This helps prevent any oxygen from getting in and turning it brown. Then place the lid on the container and place it in the fridge.

Can guacamole be frozen?

It depends. I don’t recommend freezing guacamole if it contains tomatoes, onions, cilantro and jalapenos. Those ingredients tend to make the guac a little watery when defrosted, which is no bueno. However, you can successfully freeze it if you leave those things out.

Simply combine the mashed avocados, lime juice and salt with 2 teaspoons of olive oil to help prevent it from browning. Place in a freezer-safe air tight bag and freeze. A day before you’re ready to eat it, take it out and let it thaw in the fridge. Then simply mix in the other fresh ingredients to make it tasty!