You’re going to love this easy guacamole recipe—made from scratch with fresh, flavorful ingredients like perfectly ripe avocado, cilantro, red onion, jalapeño, and fresh lime juice. Bright, zesty, and ready in under 10 minutes, this guacamole is creamy, versatile, and perfect for snacking, tacos, nachos, fajitas, and more.
The best homemade guacamole
Homemade guacamole belongs at the center of every Mexican-inspired meal. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity: a handful of high-quality, fresh ingredients combine to create an irresistibly delicious dip.
We make this guacamole often because it’s quick, reliable, and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s just as good with chips or as a topping for tacos, enchiladas, burgers, or grain bowls.
All you need is one bowl and a few fresh ingredients for guacamole that beats any store-bought version. Below you’ll find tips for the best flavor and texture—plus tricks to keep it from turning brown when you make it ahead.
Why you’ll love this easy guacamole recipe
This guacamole is:
- Fresh
- Full of flavor
- Slightly spicy (optional)
- Bright and citrusy
- Versatile
- Quick and easy
- Creamy
- Irresistible
Ingredients
One great thing about homemade guacamole is how easy it is to customize. Omit the jalapeño for a milder dip, leave out cilantro if you prefer, or add extra lime for more brightness. The recipe below is a reliable base you can adjust to taste.
Core ingredients:
- Ripe avocados – Look for avocados with a little give for the creamiest texture.
- Jalapeño – Finely diced for a gentle heat; swap serrano for more spice or omit entirely.
- Red onion – Finely diced for crunch and bite; white or yellow onion or green onions can also work.
- Cilantro – Adds authentic freshness; optional if you’re not a fan.
- Lime juice – Freshly squeezed for bright, tangy flavor.
- Salt and pepper – Balances and enhances the flavors.
How to make the best homemade guacamole
Preparing this guacamole is fast and straightforward. Once your ingredients are ready, it takes less than 10 minutes to finish.
Step-by-step:
- Cut avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a large bowl.
- Add the diced jalapeño, finely diced red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper to the avocado.
- Mash with a fork to your preferred texture—smooth or chunky.
- Taste and adjust with more salt or lime juice if needed, then serve immediately.
How to keep guacamole from turning brown when you make it in advance
Use one of these simple methods to keep your guacamole fresh and green if you make it ahead:
- Press a layer of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole, removing as many air pockets as possible to minimize browning.
- Alternatively, smooth the surface flat, pour about 1/2 inch of cold water over it, and cover with a lid. Pour off the water and stir right before serving.
How to pick perfectly ripe avocados
Because avocado defines the texture of guacamole, choose the best fruit you can find. If you need avocados immediately, look for these signs:
- A smooth, evenly colored exterior without large depressions—too many dents usually mean overripeness.
- A gentle give when you press the skin—firm with a little give is ideal. Avoid very hard or overly mushy fruit.
- If the stem is present, pop it off and check the color beneath: green means good, brown or black spots indicate spoilage.
How long is guacamole good for?
Stored with the methods above, guacamole will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 2–3 days, with the best flavor and texture during the first 24–36 hours.
Can you make guacamole with just one avocado?
Yes. Simply halve the recipe. Approximate measurements for a single-avocado batch are:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1–2 teaspoons finely diced jalapeño
- 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons roughly chopped cilantro
- Juice of 1/2 lime, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
If you enjoyed this recipe, please take a moment to rate and review it below. Sharing any tweaks or substitutions helps other cooks, too!
Thank you for cooking with us—we’re glad you’re here!
Fresh Homemade Guacamole – 10 Minutes!
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
5 from 5 reviews
- Author: Nyssa Tanner
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This fresh guacamole is made quickly with ripe avocados, lime, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. It’s zesty, creamy, and perfect for gatherings or a quick snack.
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe avocados
- 1–2 tablespoons finely diced jalapeño, to taste
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/4 cup roughly chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (from about 1 lime), more to taste
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cut avocados in half and scoop the flesh into a large bowl.
- Add diced jalapeño, finely diced red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Mash with a fork to your desired consistency—smooth or chunky.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or lime juice, then serve.
Equipment
cutting board
knife
set of measuring cups
Notes
To make a single-avocado batch, halve the ingredients. To prevent browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the guacamole surface or cover it with a thin layer of cold water and a lid; discard the water and stir before serving.
Stored properly, guacamole will keep 2–3 days in the refrigerator, with peak flavor in the first 24–36 hours.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No cook
- Cuisine: Mexican