Guacamole Ingredients
Here I explain the best ingredients for this easy guacamole recipe, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Simple Guacamole:
Avocados – This easy guacamole recipe uses two ripe avocados. If your avocados are still hard and you want to speed up the ripening process, place them in a paper bag with a banana, apple, or kiwi for about 12 hours. Lime Juice – This guac recipe tastes best with lime juice, but you can also use lemon juice instead. The acid will also help it from turning brown. Sea Salt – Use a fine sea salt for the best texture. Onion – I used a diced red onion for this authentic guacamole recipe, but you could also use shallots, chives, or green onions for a different flavor. Jalapenos – This is a pretty mild recipe for guacamole. If you want a spicy guacamole, simply double the amount of jalapenos, or substitute a serrano pepper. The seeds are the hottest part of the jalapeno, so omit them for a milder version. Fresh Cilantro – These are the classic fresh herbs used in authentic guacamole, but if you’re not a fan, parsley or green onions can work as a substitute.
Optional Add-Ins:
In my opinion, the best guacamole recipe is the basic one above, but here are some things you can add when you want to mix it up and make guacamole variations:
Tomatoes – If you want to stretch your guac, fold in a diced seeded roma tomato. This is a common addition, but there is a lot of heated debate about whether authentic guacamole recipes should include tomatoes or not. I usually leave it out. In my opinion, the best guacamole recipe is made without tomatoes… but you do you! Roasted Garlic – To add roasted garlic to guacamole, roast garlic in the oven until fragrant, mince a few cloves and add it to your recipe. Salsa – Make salsa guacamole by adding 1/4 cup of your favorite store-bought salsa, salsa with fresh tomatoes, or my classic homemade salsa. Tropical Fruit – Add diced pineapples or mangoes for sweet contrast. Spices – Some people like to add garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or ground cumin for extra flavor.
How To Make Guacamole
This section shows how to make guacamole easy, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
Storage Instructions
Guacamole tastes best fresh, but you can store leftovers of this Mexican guacamole recipe if you need to. Transfer it to a container, cover with plastic wrap flush against the top of the guac (or see other more effective methods below), and cover with a lid. Keep in the fridge.
How Long Does Guacamole Last?
Homemade guacamole recipes don’t last long! If stored properly without air exposure, they will keep for 1-2 days in the refrigerator.
How To Keep Guacamole From Turning Brown?
To keep guacamole from turning brown, the key is to store it without exposure to air. Making it fresh is still your best bet, but here are some tips for storing it if you need to make it ahead:
Use plastic wrap. Store with plastic flush against the surface to keep air out. This method is not super effective since it’s not airtight, but is the easiest. Cover with water or oil. Pour a thin layer of water or oil over the guac, then cover with plastic. Pour off the water or oil before eating. Use a guacamole container. This container helps to keep your guac fresh by pushing out all of the air out of the container. It has great reviews! Add extra lime juice. Add some extra lime juice to your dip (on top of what’s already in the recipe). It isn’t super effective for days, but can extend its life by a few hours. Freeze it. Freezing avocado guacamole works well as long as you keep air out — see instructions below.
Can You Freeze Guacamole?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze guacamole recipes. Frozen guac will last 2-3 months. To thaw, place in the fridge overnight. For best results, follow these tips for freezing:
Keep it simple. Skip the optional tomatoes, and if possible skip the cilantro and onions, because they lose their texture when thawed. You can always add them later. Puree guac before freezing, to minimize browning. I love a chunky guac, but the chunks will brown in any places inside that the lime juice didn’t penetrate. Keep air out. Freezer bags are best, with the homemade guacamole spread out inside and air pushed out before sealing. If you use a container, cover with plastic wrap flush to the surface.
What To Eat With Guacamole Recipes
There are so many ways to enjoy this easy guacamole recipe. Here are some reader favorites:
Tortilla Chips – Chips and guac make the perfect appetizer. Don’t miss my homemade tortilla chips! If you want a lighter option, pair this dip with my easy cheese crisps (shown in the photos!), or even baked zucchini chips (or crispy air fryer zucchini chips). Scoop With Vegetables – Mini bell peppers, sliced cucumbers, sliced jicama, or celery sticks are all great veggies for dipping. Top Mexican Dishes – Guac goes with just about any Mexican cuisine. Spoon it on top of a simple taco salad, marinated carne asada, 15-minute chicken fajitas, or over classic chili. You can even add a dollop to Mexican street corn. Pair With Other Dips – Pair this guac recipe with fresh tomato salsa, creamy avocado salsa verde, 3-ingredient Crock Pot queso dip, or fruity pineapple salsa.
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