Fresh and Simple Homemade Guacamole Recipe

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Looking for the perfect guacamole recipe that isn’t fussy or over-complicated? Look no further!

Making your own guacamole is definitely worth the effort.

It’s the perfect dip when hosting a party as it satisfies your guests before the rest of the food is ready to be served!

It’s always a crowd-pleaser, especially during spring and summer when people crave something cool and fresh.

Guacamole served with tortilla chips in a blue platter

If you don’t have any experience making your own guacamole, don’t worry – it’s a very simple dish to whip up.

And you can let your tastebuds lead you – no need to follow strict measurements, this is just a guide but you can add a pinch (or more) of salt or spice.

First let’s talk about the key ingredients.

You’ll need ripe avocados – that’s key. You want your avocadoes to feel firm but not hard and definitely not squichy. A squishy, overly soft avocado means it’s too ripe and likely has started to brown inside.

That leaves you with a funny taste that no one wants from their avocadoes.

This simple recipe also calls for fresh diced tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt. That’s it!

These ingredients work together to create crisp, well-balanced flavor.

Now, for the recipe. Follow this step-by-step guide and you’ll have a bowl of delicious guacamole in no time. Grab your ingredients and let’s get started!

Below I’ll talk about why these simple ingredients are so essential for guacamole and why they work so well together. Understanding the basics will give you a good foundation for creating your own guacamole recipe down the road!

Essential Guacamole Ingredients

If you want to make the best guacamole you can make at home, the right ingredients will help you get there.

Guacamole ingredients: avocado, tomatoes, chopped onion, cilantro, limes, salt and pepper

TIPS FOR PICKING OUT THE BEST INGREDIENTS:

Avocados

The star of any guacamole recipe is, of course, the avocado. Look for ripe avocados that are slightly soft to the touch but not mushy, as I stated above. It’s worth repeating! Don’t waste your money on avocadoes that have been sitting ripe in the grocery store for too many days.

You’ll need about 3-4 medium-sized avocados for a standard recipe.

Citrus Juice

Much of the flavor of guacamole comes from the lime or lemon juice. It makes it taste fresh and zesty.

It also services another purpose: helping to prevent your guacamole from turning brown (yuck!).

You can opt for lime OR lemon juice. Oftentimes, this comes down to preference. You’ll use about 2-3 tablespoons of juice for every 3-4 avocados.

Salt and Seasonings

You cannot have a good guacamole without salt!

It brings out the flavor of the dish and is a good contrast to the creaminess of the avocado.

Start with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and adjust to taste. I like plenty of salt, but nothing that will overwhelm the dish!

After salt, you can a kick by using chili powder, cayenne pepper, red pepper, or cumin. My preference is chili powder and cayenne pepper.

Fresh Cilantro

Adding fresh cilantro is a must. I make sure to chop it well so that I don’t have large chunks of leaves in the guacamole. You’ll need about 1/4 cup for a good platter of guacamole.

Sliced limes on cutting board next to chopped cilantro and sliced avocado

Onions and Garlic

Chopped onions and garlic add a crunchy texture to the guacamole. They’re a great contrast to the creamy mixture of avocadoes. Red onions are a popular choice, but you can also use white or yellow onions.

You’ll need about 1/4 cup of onions and 1-2 cloves of garlic. (Many people skip the garlic altogether and just use onion in this dish).

Tomatoes and Peppers

You can’t have decent guacamole without beautiful, ripe tomatoes. Any type of tomato will do. I find it easier to work with Roma tomatoes but I’ve also used grace and cherry tomatoes.

Fresh chili pepper is also an excellent addition, especially for those who like spice. Pick out a fresh jalapeno for this Mexican dip!

Equipment Needed for Guacample

You don’t need anything special to make guacamole, just a large mixing bowl and fork.

I like using a large mixing bowl, a good cutting knife and board, a large fork, and my measuring spoons for the spices.

Using a large fork helps to make chunky guacamole instead of super smooth.

Preparation Techniques

Preparing guacamole is an art that requires attention to detail and proper techniques. Here are some useful tips to help you create the perfect guacamole.

Selecting Avocados

Choosing the right avocados is crucial for making delicious guacamole. Look for avocados that are ripe but not too soft. A ripe avocado should give slightly when you press it gently with your fingers. If the avocado is too soft, it may be overripe and have a brownish color inside.

Dicing Ingredients

The key to a great guacamole is the balance of flavors and textures. To achieve this, it’s important to dice the ingredients finely and uniformly. Start by dicing the onions, tomatoes, and jalapeños into small pieces. Then, chop the cilantro finely. This will ensure that each bite of guacamole has a perfect blend of flavors.

Serving of guacamole next to tortilla chips and a whole jalapeno

Mashing and Mixing

To mash the avocados, cut them in half and remove the pit. Use a spoon to scoop the avocado flesh into a bowl. Mash the avocados with a fork or a potato masher until they are smooth but still slightly chunky. Next, add the diced ingredients to the bowl and mix well. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the guacamole too mushy.

Adjusting Texture

If your guacamole is too thick, you can add a little bit of water or lime juice to thin it out. If it’s too runny, add more avocado or diced vegetables to thicken it up. Taste the guacamole and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, lime juice, or jalapeños to give it a little kick.

By following these simple preparation techniques, you can create a delicious and flavorful guacamole that will impress your friends and family.

Flavor Balancing

When it comes to making the perfect guacamole, flavor balancing is key. You want to make sure that all the ingredients work together to create a delicious and harmonious taste. Here are some tips on how to balance the flavors in your guacamole:

Acidity Adjustment

The acidity of your guacamole can make or break the dish. Too much acidity can overpower the other flavors, while too little can make it taste flat. To adjust the acidity, you can add lime juice, lemon juice, or vinegar. Start with a small amount and taste test until you reach the desired level of acidity.

Salt and Spice Levels

Salt and spice are important for bringing out the flavors in your guacamole. However, it’s important not to overdo it. Too much salt can make it taste too salty, while too much spice can overpower the other flavors. Start with a small amount and taste test until you reach the desired level of salt and spice.

Herb Infusion

Adding herbs to your guacamole can give it an extra burst of flavor. Cilantro is a popular herb used in guacamole, but you can also try adding parsley, basil, or mint. To infuse the flavors, chop the herbs finely and mix them into the guacamole. Be careful not to add too much, as it can overpower the other flavors.

By following these flavor balancing tips, you can create a delicious and well-balanced guacamole that will be a hit at any party or gathering.

Guacamole with tortilla chips, whole jalapeno

Easy Guacamole Recipe

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Easy Guacamole Recipe

Make this super easy yet delicious guacamole recipe for your next party or taco night! Fresh ingredients come together in a few simple steps to create a fresh and zesty Mexican dip!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 people

Ingredients

  • 3 Ripe Avocadoes
  • 1 Small Red Onion
  • 1-2 Jalapeno Peppers (chopped with seeds removed)
  • 2 Roma Tomatoes, chopped
  • 3-4 tbsp Cilantro, chopped
  • 1 Lime, juiced
  • 1 tsp Salt (more to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp Chili powder (optional)

Instructions

  • Chop your tomatoes, onions, peppers, and cilantro. Set aside
  • Slice the avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a mixing bowl
  • Juice one lime or lemon, set aside
  • Mash your avocadoes using a fork, creating the consistency you perfer.
  • Add your fresh ingredients (tomatoes, onion, peppers, cilantro) to the mixing bowl with the mashed avocados
  • Add fresh lime juice to the guacamole
  • Add salt and seasonings to taste
  • Mix all the ingredients well, until combined
  • Taste. Add more salt or seasoning if needed
  • Chill for 10 minutes or serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

Presentation Ideas

When it comes to serving guacamole, presentation goes a long way! You can make this dish into a beautiful work art.

Place it in a beautiful platter alongside tortilla chips. Then add some toppings to it, such as a whole jalapeno pepper a sprinkling of queso fresco or cotija cheese and chopped cilantro.

Guacamole with tortilla chops on blue serving plate

Accompaniments

Guacamole pairs well with a variety of foods.

Tortilla chips are a classic choice, but you can also try serving your guacamole with fresh veggies like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips.

Make bean tostadas then top with diced lettuce, queso fresco, and guacamole.

Use it as a topping on your tacos, fajitas, and grilled meats.

Storing Tips

If you have leftover guacamole, it’s important to store it properly to prevent it from turning brown. The best way to store guacamole is to place it in an airtight container and press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole to prevent air from getting in.

You can also add a squeeze of lime juice to help keep it fresh. Guacamole will typically stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.