Authentic Creamy Guacamole Recipe for Perfect Dips and Tacos

This is it — all my tips for how to make guacamole. Not just any guacamole recipe, but the world’s best. Grab ripe avocados and let’s get started.

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We’ve all been there: excited to dig into a creamy bowl of guacamole only to be disappointed by bland, mashed avocado. The difference between meh and marvelous often comes down to a few fresh ingredients and the right technique. Keep it simple — guacamole shines when you don’t overcomplicate it. I avoid watery additions like tomatoes and skip heavy or sweet add-ins such as garlic, mango, or pineapple. Six fresh ingredients are all you need to make a guacamole that tastes bright, balanced, and authentic.

If your homemade guacamole has tasted flat in the past, you likely needed more salt or fresh lime juice. Bottled lime juice won’t give you the same brightness, so always use freshly squeezed lime. Follow these steps and you’ll have guacamole that actually makes people ask for the recipe.

Ingredients

• Ripe avocados. Use any ripe variety you can find — they should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not be mushy.
• White onion. White or red onion works, but white has a sharp, clean bite that complements avocado best.
• Jalapeño pepper. Serrano also works. Remove seeds for mild heat or leave them for more spice.
• Fresh cilantro. Use the leaves and tender stems, finely chopped.
• Kosher salt. Start with a measured amount and adjust to taste.
• Fresh lime juice. Always squeeze fresh lime juice — it brightens the guacamole and prevents browning.

How To Make This Recipe

step one

Chop the onion. Finely dice about half of a medium white onion. The pieces should be small so they blend well with the avocado. Scrape the onion into a large mixing bowl.

step two

Dice the jalapeño. Remove the stem and seeds if you prefer a milder dip. Chop the jalapeño to a size similar to the onion and add it to the bowl.

step three

Mince the cilantro. Remove any tough stems from about half a small bunch and finely chop. You should have about 1/2 cup once chopped. Add it to the bowl with the onion and jalapeño.

step four

Add the avocado. Halve the avocados, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into the bowl with the other ingredients.

step five

Season with lime juice and salt. Start with about 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. You can always add more after tasting.

step six

Mix. Mash the avocado with a potato masher or fork until you reach your desired consistency, then stir with a spoon to fully combine all ingredients.

step seven

Taste. Do not skip this step. Dip a chip and taste the guacamole. If it doesn’t sing, add more lime juice and salt a little at a time until it does.

step eight

Serve. Enjoy the praise when you serve this guacamole. It’s perfect with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos, nachos, wraps, and more.

How To Store Guacamole So It Doesn’t Turn Brown

To store leftovers or make guacamole in advance, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface so it touches every part of the dip. Cover the container with another layer of wrap or a lid and refrigerate. This minimizes air exposure and helps keep the guacamole green for longer.

More Appetizer Recipes To Browse

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• Charred Poblano Guacamole
• Blistered Garlicky Shishito Peppers
• Pico de Gallo
• Citrus Seafood Ceviche
• Easy Jalapeño Avocado Salsa
• Super Simple Salsa Verde

How To Make Guacamole

This is the right way to make guacamole: fresh, simple, and balanced. If you make it, snap a photo and tag the recipe author on social media or leave a comment and rating on the original post. Sign up for the newsletter there for more recipes and tips.

The Best Guacamole Recipe

Yield:
6 servings

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Total Time:
15 minutes

This is it — all my secrets on how to make guacamole. But not just any guacamole recipe, the world’s best. Grab those ripe avocados and let’s get going.

Ingredients

• 1/2 medium white onion, small dice
• 1–2 jalapeños, minced (seeds removed if you like it less spicy)
• 1/2 small bunch cilantro, chopped (leaves and tender stems)
• 3 ripe avocados
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, plus more to taste
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste

Instructions

1. Combine onion, jalapeños, and cilantro in a large bowl.
2. Cut each avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into the bowl. Add the lime juice and salt, then mash with a potato masher until it reaches your preferred consistency.
3. Stir until everything is well combined. Taste and add more salt or lime juice as needed.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 167Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 217mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 7gSugar: 1gProtein: 2g

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