Best Guacamole Recipe (VIDEO)

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This authentic Guacamole Recipe is loaded with avocados, tomato, onion, cilantro, plenty of lime juice, salt, and pepper. Learn how to make the BEST Guacamole with our easy video tutorial.

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Guacamole RecipeWe take our guacamole very seriously – just like we do Pico de Gallo. We make it on our regular rotation (at least once a week), and after making hundreds of batches, it has been perfected over the years. We even included it in Natasha’s Kitchen Cookbook. I’m convinced this is the only guacamole recipe you’ll need. It’s creamy, chunky, fresh, and has just the right amount of lime zing. It’s so satisfying that it’s hard to stop eating it.
Guacamole is the perfect appetizer with crunchy tortilla chips but it’s also amazing as a topping for Taco Salad, it’s delicious on Tostadas and so good on Chicken Fajitas. It complements so many Mexican recipes.
Guacamole VideoIf you love guacamole recipes, this classic one is the base for so many awesome variations like Corn Guacamole, or even Spicy Guacamole if you want to add some heat. It’s so easy to master guacamole and once you have this basic recipe down, you can experiment with adding your favorite flavors.
Ingredients for GuacamoleOnce you have selected your perfectly ripe avocados, getting the ratio of ingredients is important for the most authentic-tasting guacamole. Here’s what you will need for homemade guacamole:

Avocados are the star of the show. Make sure you pick ripe ones (see our tips for selecting avocados below).

Lime Juice – use 1 Tbsp of FRESH lime juice for every 1 large avocado. It helps to prevent browning and the right amount will make your guacamole come alive (but not literally, don’t worry). You can substitute for equal parts lemon juice if needed.

Onion – because of its crisp, fresh, and clean flavor profile, white onion is our top choice for authentic-tasting guacamole, but you can substitute whichever onion (yellow, or purple) that you have on hand.

Tomato – not everyone adds tomatoes but I love the color and juicy sweetness it adds to guacamole. If your tomato is very juicy when diced, strain off the juices before adding it.

Cilantro – I don’t think you can have a proper batch of guacamole without the freshness of cilantro. That said, I also recognize some people don’t like cilantro. In that case, you might try parsley, basil, dill, chives or green onions.

Salt and Pepper – Salt enhances the flavor of avocado and tomato and balances the acidity of lime juice, while freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle heat. You can add both to taste.

How to Pick Ripe AvocadosWhen you are buying avocados, consider when you will be making your guacamole and if they need time to ripen. If you want guacamole tonight, select perfectly ripe avocados. If you are shopping ahead, you can get firm avocados and follow our tips below for faster ripening.

Select Ripe Avocados – the stems should be attached and you should be able to push the sides in slightly with your fingertips.

Avoid overripe avocados – very soft, squishy, or hollow-feeling avocados are more likely to be browned on the inside. How To Soften Hard AvocadosPlace underripe avocados in a paper bag with an apple or banana (which releases ethylene gasses to speed up ripening) and leave at room temperature for 2-3 days.
How to Slow Down Avocado RipeningIf your avocados are getting ripe and you aren’t ready to use them, you can slow down the ripening process by placing whole avocados in the refrigerator.

How to Make GuacamoleThis is the same basic process for making every guacamole recipe and you will have it memorized in no time.

Prep avocados – Start by cutting the avocado in half lengthwise to remove the pit, then use a spoon to scoop out the flesh, and transfer it to a mixing bowl. Coarsely mash with a potato masher or a fork to a chunky consistency.

Add lime juice – Squeeze lime juice directly over the top to prevent browning.

Add remaining ingredients – add diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and onion.

Season – add salt and pepper to taste, and stir just to combine. Pro Tip:Watch the video tutorial above to see our favorite way to cut, pit, and peel avocados.

Make-AheadGuacamole tastes best enjoyed within a day or so of making it, but there is a better way to store leftovers to prevent discoloring:

To Refrigerate: you can whip up a batch of guacamole a day ahead. Air is the enemy of avocados and will cause it to brown. You can preserve your guacamole by placing plastic wrap directly over the surface of the guacamole, pushing out all extra air. Even if stored in closed Tupperware, putting plastic wrap directly over the guacamole first will keep it looking green and vibrant.

Freezing: we do not recommend freezing since the veggies can get soggy and mealy when thawed. Ways to Serve GuacamoleFrom a stand-alone appetizer to a topping, dip, or garnish, there are so many great ways to serve guacamole. It’s great for Cinco de Mayo or any time of year. Here are some of our favorite ways to serve it:

Appetizer – serve with tortilla chips, Pita Chips, or crackers
Tacos – spoon onto Breakfast Tacos or Fish Tacos
Toast – Spread onto crisp breakfast toast
Salmon – Serve it on Grilled Salmon or Pan-Seared Salmon
Burgers – Try guacamole inside juicy Burgers
Nachos – Scoop guacamole over servings of Baked Nachos

We can’t get enough of this homemade guacamole. I’d love to hear about your favorite guacamole ingredients. Is there anything special that you love to add?
More Appetizer RecipesIf you are looking for more appetizer ideas for your next party, these are some of our best-loved, crowd-pleasing appetizers: