Homemade Guacamole Recipe

This Homemade Guacamole Recipe is loaded with creamy avocados, fresh lime juice, tomatoes, cilantro, and is so quick and easy to make! It’s the absolute BEST healthy dip and a super popular game day snack or Cinco de Mayo appetizer.  Learn how simple it is to make this low-carb and keto dip with ripened avocados in less than 20 minutes!

Avocados can be found occupying our refrigerator or countertop 90% of the time.  The “problem” sets in when I overbuy them and 5 avocados are perfectly ripe and ready to eat.

But let’s be real… this is obviously not a real problem at all because the solution is… to make a big bowl of homemade guacamole!!

If you just came home from work and want a healthy snack… make some of this yummy dip!

When you’re having friends over for a party, potluck, or dinner and need an easy appetizer… whip up a batch.

Or even on those nights when your hangry is setting in and you have no patience for slaving away over a hot stove… a creamy guacamole dip is the answer.

And this guacamole is SUPER special in that it reminds me of that mound of avocado delightfulness that Chipotle restaurant employees throw on your burrito bowl.

Yes, this recipe is very similar to the Chipotle version we all know and love!

It’s also incredibly simple and easy to make whenever your guac craving strikes.

What is Guacamole?

Guacamole is a dish made up of mashed avocados, freshly squeezed lime juice, and cilantro.  Tomatoes, onions, and other seasonings are often added, too.

This avocado-based dip or spread is typically used in Mexican cuisine and can often be found internationally and in American cuisine as well.  (And especially if you live in South Texas or Southern California!)

Ingredients

While guacamole is largely made up of ripened avocados, there are a few other simple ingredients you will need to make this dip recipe:

• Avocados. Fully ripened is crucial.  Read below to learn a few ways to quickly ripen or read here about how to cut an avocado.
• Lime Juice. A touch of citrus lightens up this recipe.  The acidity also helps to prevent the guacamole from turning brown, so make sure you do not leave this out!  And yes, lemon juice can also be substituted but it won’t have quite the same flavor.
• Cilantro. Probably the most important ingredient besides the avocado in this dip.  However, if you have someone that doesn’t like fresh cilantro (you know, they claim it tastes like soap?!) then feel free to leave it out.
• Onion. Finely diced sweet onion gets evenly dispersed throughout the dip to give it an extra punch of flavor. Yellow onion and red onion will also work well.
• Tomatoes. Feel free to dice up any tomatoes you happen to have on hand.  I have used cherry and grape tomatoes, Campari, vine-ripened, and Roma tomatoes all with equal success!
• Cumin + Paprika. What I like to consider my secret ingredients in this simple recipe.  They add a special depth of flavor to the dip.  You can also try mixing in a dash of some Taco Seasoning, too!
• You can even change it up a little and make a Pineapple Guacamole!

How to Make Homemade Guacamole

These are the simple steps to follow to make Homemade Guacamole. See the recipe card for more detailed ingredients amounts.

Peel and Pit

If your avocados are ripe, it’s time to make some guacamole. If they are a little hard, see below for tips to soften them quickly. Check here for how to cut an avocado.

Peel, pit, and quarter the avocados. First, use a knife to cut each one in half. Then, remove the pits.

With the skin still on, carefully cut the inside of each half into quarters. Be sure not to cut through the skin to your hand. It is best to place the avocado on the counter or use a dull knife. Then, use a large spoon to scoop slices out.

Place peeled, pitted, and quartered avocados into a large bowl. Ensure your bowl is large enough to add other ingredients. Then, sprinkle lime juice over the slices.

Mash

Using a large fork or potato masher, mash avocados well. The longer you work them, the smoother the guacamole will be.

Alternatively, you can use a high-speed mixer, but you will end up with more of a fluffy and super creamy texture. Or, you can place the slices in a large ziplock bag. Then, squeeze and knead the avocado until you reach your desired consistency.

Mix-ins

Add seasonings and mix well. Do this first before combining other ingredients for consistent taste. If you are using really salty chips, err on the side of not adding too much salt. You can always put in more later.

Diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. The smaller the pieces, the more evenly dispersed the flavor will be.

Then, mix in chopped tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.

Serve immediately with tortilla chips or your favorite Mexican dish!

Ripen Avocados

Sometimes you may not be so lucky as to have 4 or 5 avocados that are all perfectly ripened at the same time.  Or, the ones at the grocery store are not quite where they should be.

In moments like this, there are a few tricks you can try to quickly ripen avocados:

Tips:

1. Place avocados in a paper bag.  They will release ethylene gas that will speed up the ripening process.
2. Add a banana or apple to the paper bag to increase the amount of ethylene gas that is released.
3. Wrap avocados in aluminum foil and place them in a 200 °F oven for 8-10 minutes.  Check every few minutes for desired ripeness.

While all of these methods will work, it’s best if you just give them a little time and patience as they naturally ripen on the counter at room temperature.

Meal Prep & Storage

• To Prep-Ahead: Chop tomatoes, onions, and cilantro up to 1-2 days ahead of time.
• To Store: Guacamole is best served immediately after making, but it can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24-48 hours. Be sure to completely cover with plastic wrap so no dip is exposed to air. This will keep it from turning brown.
• To Freeze: I would not recommend freezing.  The taste, texture, and consistency will be largely affected.  You are better off just making it from scratch!

FAQs

Make it a Meal

Since guacamole is a traditional Mexican cuisine dip, there are numerous dishes you can serve it with.  A few of my favorites include:

• Steak Fajitas
• Barbacoa Tacos
• Chicken Enchiladas
• Fiesta Lime Chicken
• Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers

More Healthy Dip Recipes

If you love dips, try one of these other delicious snack and appetizer recipes:

• Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
• Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip
• Smoked Salmon Dip
• Roasted Tomato Salsa
• Pico de Gallo

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