If there is one dish that brings people together at parties and makes taste buds dance with joy, it’s guacamole. This bright and zesty classic from Mexican cuisine combines creamy avocados, vibrant tomatoes, a hit of heat from serrano pepper, cool cilantro, and the unmistakable zing of lime. No matter how many times you make or share guacamole, it never fails to disappear in minutes, leaving only smiles and requests for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Guacamole shines because of its simplicity and freshness—each ingredient plays a starring role, contributing its own special note to the flavor symphony. Here’s what you need, plus a tip for each one to help you achieve that “wow” in every bite.
- Avocados: The foundation—make sure they’re ripe but not mushy for the perfect creamy-chunky balance.
- Lime Juice: Don’t skimp! Freshly squeezed lime keeps your guacamole vibrant and bright, and helps prevent browning.
- Serrano Pepper: This brings a gentle kick, so adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.
- Campari Tomatoes: Their natural sweetness and juiciness offset the richness of avocado—remove excess seeds if you prefer less liquid in your dip.
- Cilantro: Finely chop and pack it in—it adds freshness and a leafy pop of green that’s signature to guac.
- Red Onion: Adds crunch and a wonderful sharp bite—soak the diced onion in cold water for a few minutes if you want a milder flavor.
- Garlic Salt: Don’t use garlic powder here; garlic salt gives a mild garlic note with balanced salinity.
- Fine Sea Salt: Brings all the flavors together—taste and add more if needed at the end.
How to Make Guacamole
Step 1: Prepare the Avocados
Start by slicing your avocados in half, removing the pit, and scooping the flesh into a large bowl. With a fork, gently mash the avocado—you want some texture left, so avoid turning it into complete mush. Those chunky bits are the secret to a hearty guacamole that holds its own on a tortilla chip.
Step 2: Add Lime Juice
Squeeze the juice of one lime (about 2 tablespoons) directly onto the mashed avocado. This not only infuses the guacamole with tangy brightness but also helps preserve its gorgeous green color. Give it a quick mix to make sure the lime is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Mix in Serrano Pepper and Red Onion
Finely chop the serrano pepper and dice the red onion, then add both to the bowl. The pepper brings spirited heat and the onion sharp depth—together, they create a balanced, exciting foundation for the guac’s flavor.
Step 4: Fold in Tomatoes and Cilantro
Add your chopped campari tomatoes and that vibrant green cilantro. Gently fold them into the avocado mixture. Tomatoes provide refreshing juiciness, and cilantro laces each bite with unmistakable freshness. It’s at this stage the guacamole really starts to come alive.
Step 5: Season to Perfection
Sprinkle in the garlic salt and fine sea salt. Stir everything together gently, being careful not to overmix. Taste and adjust the salt if necessary—everyone’s palate is different, and this is your chance to make the guacamole truly yours.
How to Serve Guacamole
Garnishes
Enhance the eye appeal of your guacamole by scattering a bit of extra chopped cilantro or diced tomato right on top. Finely sliced radishes or a sprinkle of cotija cheese also bring wow-factor and texture to the bowl, taking your guac from everyday to extraordinary.
Side Dishes
Guacamole is king alongside the classics—think crisp tortilla chips, warm soft tortillas, or crunchy vegetable sticks. It also stars as a topping for tacos, enchiladas, grilled chicken, or nachos. When guacamole’s on the table, it steals the show no matter what accompanies it.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving guacamole in individual cups for easy, mess-free snacking at parties. Spoon it directly onto tostada shells or inside halved bell peppers for fun, edible “bowls.” For a truly memorable twist, use it as a vibrant layer in a seven-layer dip or swirl it into soup for a pop of creamy green.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with extra guacamole (a rare occurrence!), spoon it into an airtight container. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface to minimize air exposure and keep it as fresh and green as possible. Store it in the refrigerator for up to two days—after that, the color and flavor start to fade.
Freezing
Guacamole isn’t ideal for the freezer because the fresh ingredients can lose their texture. If you do decide to freeze it, use only avocado, lime juice, and salt (hold off on the tomatoes, onion, and cilantro). Thaw in the fridge, then stir in the remaining ingredients just before serving for a fresher taste.
Reheating
Luckily, guacamole doesn’t need to be reheated—just a quick stir is all your leftover dip needs. If some liquid has separated, pour it off or gently mix it back in. If the top’s a bit brown, scrape off the surface; the green guac underneath is usually perfect.
FAQs
How do I pick perfectly ripe avocados for guacamole?
Look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure but aren’t mushy or overly soft. They should feel heavy for their size, with no sunken spots or signs of over-ripeness. Check under the stem—if it’s green beneath, you’re good to go!
Can I use a different pepper instead of serrano?
Absolutely! Jalapeños are a popular substitute and are milder. If you want more heat, a bit of finely chopped habanero will do the trick, but always remove seeds for a gentler kick.
Is it okay to make guacamole ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can make guacamole a few hours ahead. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap pressed against the surface and refrigerate. The lime juice helps keep it green, but too much time can dull the flavors and color.
What if I don’t like cilantro?
No problem! Try swapping in fresh parsley for a different herbaceous note, or leave it out altogether—the guacamole will still taste delicious and vibrant.
How do I fix guacamole if it turns out too salty or spicy?
Stir in a bit more mashed avocado to balance excess salt or spice. Adding extra tomato or a squeeze of lime can also tame an assertive batch, bringing it back to smooth, shareable perfection.
Final Thoughts
Bringing homemade guacamole to your table is one of life’s little joys—whether you’re sharing with friends or savoring every scoop yourself. Give it a try and watch this simple, colorful dip steal the spotlight at your next gathering!
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Guacamole Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious homemade guacamole with ripe avocados, fresh lime juice, and flavorful seasonings. This easy recipe is perfect for parties or as a tasty snack!
Ingredients
Ripe Avocados:
- 2 large avocados
Fresh Lime Juice:
- Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tbsp)
Serrano Pepper:
- 1 serrano pepper, finely chopped
Tomatoes:
- 2 campari tomatoes, chopped
Cilantro:
- 1/4 cup (13 g) finely chopped cilantro, packed
Red Onion:
- 1/3 cup (50 g) finely diced red onion
Garlic Salt:
- 1/4 tsp garlic salt (NOT garlic powder)
Sea Salt:
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
Instructions
- Mash Avocados: In a large bowl, mash the avocados using a fork, leaving it slightly chunky for texture.
- Combine Ingredients: Add lime juice, serrano pepper, tomatoes, cilantro, red onion, garlic salt, and sea salt to the bowl. Mix well to combine.
Notes
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Mashing, Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 174 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 447mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
