Classic Guacamole
Creamy, chunky guacamole made with perfectly ripe avocados, fresh lime juice, and a kick of jalapeño. This authentic Mexican dip comes together in 10 minutes and is the ultimate companion for tortilla chips, tacos, or burrito bowls.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~2 min
Halve the avocados and remove the pits.
Slice each avocado lengthwise around the pit, twist to separate the halves. Remove the pit by gently tapping it with a knife blade and twisting it out. Scoop the flesh into a large bowl or molcajete.
TIPChoose avocados that yield slightly when pressed — rock-hard ones won't mash well and overripe ones turn mushy. - mix · ~1 min
Mash the avocados to your preferred texture.
Using a fork or the pestle of a molcajete, roughly mash the avocado to a chunky consistency. Traditional guacamole has some texture — stop while you still see visible pieces of avocado.
TIPMash gently and leave some chunks. Smooth, puréed guacamole loses its rustic character. - mix · ~1 min
Fold in the lime juice and salt immediately.
Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mashed avocado and add the salt. The acid from the lime slows browning and brightens the flavor. Stir to combine before adding other ingredients.
TIPAlways add lime juice first — coating the avocado with acid before folding in other ingredients preserves the vibrant green color longer. - mix · ~2 min
Add the aromatics and seasonings.
1.Add the finely diced red onion, minced jalapeño, minced garlic, and diced tomato.2.Sprinkle in the cumin powder.3.Add the chopped cilantro.4.Gently fold everything together until just combined — do not overmix.TIPFold rather than stir. Overworking the mixture breaks down the avocado chunks and turns the guacamole pasty. - mix · ~1 min
Taste and adjust the seasoning.
1.Taste the guacamole with a chip.2.Add more salt or an extra squeeze of lime juice if needed.3.If you want more heat, add a pinch more minced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce. - serve
Serve immediately with tortilla chips.
Transfer the guacamole to a serving bowl. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface if not serving right away, to prevent browning. Garnish with a few extra cilantro leaves and a lime wedge on the side.
TIPGuacamole is best eaten fresh, but if you must store it, press plastic wrap directly against the surface (air is the enemy of green avocado) and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a molcajete for a more rustic, authentic texture and subtle flavor from the stone.
- 2Cut the tomato in half and scoop out the seeds before dicing to prevent watery guacamole.
- 3Let the diced onion sit in lime juice for 5 minutes before adding to mellow its raw bite.
- 4To test avocado ripeness, gently press the stem end — it should yield slightly without being mushy.
- 5If making ahead, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface and add an extra lime juice layer to prevent browning.
- 6Taste with a tortilla chip, not a spoon — chips add salt that changes the final balance.
Adapt it for your goals.
Smoky-roasted
Char the jalapeño, half the onion, and a garlic clove on a dry skillet or open flame before dicing and adding. The smoky depth mimics a salsa brava and adds complexity.
mango fruitMango-fruit
Fold in 1/2 cup of diced ripe mango for a sweet-tangy contrast that pairs beautifully with spicy tacos or grilled fish.
herb swapHerb-swap
Replace cilantro with fresh mint or epazote (if available) for a different aromatic profile — mint works well with lamb or breakfast dishes.
extra creamyExtra-creamy
Add 2 tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the mash for a richer, smoother texture while keeping the chunkiness intact.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats, which support healthy cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation when part of a balanced diet.
Good Source of Fiber
Each avocado provides about 10 grams of dietary fiber, aiding digestion and helping you feel full longer.
Rich in Antioxidants
Cilantro, lime, and jalapeño provide vitamin C and other antioxidants that support immune function and skin health.
Low in Sugar
This guacamole contains no added sugars and the natural sugars from tomato and onion are minimal, making it suitable for low-sugar diets.
Frequently asked questions
Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to exclude air, and add extra lime juice — the acid slows browning significantly for up to 4 hours in the fridge.
