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

Guacamole is the perfect appetizer with crunch 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.

Authentic Guacamole loaded with avocados, tomato, onion, cilantro, plenty of lime juice, salt and pepper.

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Guacamole Recipe

We take our guacamole very seriously – we make this on our regular rotation (at least once a week) and after making hundreds of batches, it has been perfected over the years. This is the only guacamole recipe you’ll need. It’s creamy, chunky, so fresh, and has just the right amount of lime zing. It’s so satisfying and hard to stop eating it.

Guacamole Video

If you love guacamole recipes, this classic guacamole 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.

3 bowls of guacamole with classic guac, corn guac and spicy guac

Ingredients

Once 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 – avocados are the star of the show so make sure you pick ripe avocados (see our tips for selecting avocados below).
  • Lime Juice – we use 1 Tbsp of FRESH lime juice for every 1 large avocado. The lime juice helps to prevent browning and the right amount will make your guacamole come alive (but not literally, don’t worry).
  • Onion – the flavor profile of white onions 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 are genetically predisposed to not liking cilantro. If that is you, 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.
Guacamole ingredients with avocados, tomato, onion, cilantro, lime, salt and pepper

How to Select Avocados

When 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 – ripe avocados should have stems attached and you should be able to push the sides in slightly with your fingertips.
  • Avoid overripe avocados – overly soft and squishy avocados or avocados with missing stems are more likely to have browned on the inside.
  • To soften hard avocados – place 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.
  • To slow down ripening – if 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.
Ripe avocados mashed and combined with guacamole ingredients with tortilla chip

How to Make Guacamole

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

  1. Prep avocados – Start by cutting the avocado in half lengthwise then remove the pit, use a spoon to scoop out the flesh and transfer it to a mixing bowl. Coarsely mash with a potato masher to a chunky consistency.
  2. Add lime juiceSqueeze lime juice directly over the top to prevent browning.
  3. Add remaining ingredients – add diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and onion.
  4. 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.

Making guacamole process with mashed avocados, lime juice, tomatoes, onions, cilantro

Ways to Serve Guacamole

From a stand-alone appetizer to a topping, dip or garnish, there are so many great ways to serve guacamole. Here are some of our favorites:

Common Questions

Is Guacamole healthy?

Check out the nutrition label below to see the calories and carbs for guacamole. Avocados are nutrient-rich and contain fiber and good fats. To make it healthier, you can control your portion sizes by eating in moderation. Also, instead of chips for dipping, try whole grain crackers or use fresh veggies like cucumbers.

Can I substitute lime juice?

Lime juice is the traditional choice, but we often substitute lime juice with lemon juice if that is what we have on hand. If substituting, use the same amount of lemon juice. The KEY is to use freshly squeezed juice and never from concentrate or it will taste like boring store-bought guac.

What is the best onion for guacamole?

White onion is the classic choice for guacamole because of its crisp, fresh, and clean flavor profile. You can substitute for yellow onion or red onion like we did with the Corn Guacamole, but white onion is most commonly used in authentic guac.

Guacamole prepared in a bowl served with tortilla chips

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?

Make-Ahead

Guacamole 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.

More Appetizer Recipes

If you are looking for more appetizer ideas for your next party, these are some of our best loved, crowd-pleasing appetizers:

Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

Best Guacamole Recipe

4.98 from 67 votes
Author: Natasha Kravchuk
Guacamole served in a bowl with tortilla chips
How to make the BEST EVER Guacamole. This authentic guac recipe is loaded with avocados, tomato, onion, cilantro, plenty of lime juice, salt and pepper. The only guacamole recipe you’ll need!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 6 people as an appetizer
  • 3 avocados, (large, ripe)
  • 1 tomato, (medium), seeded and diced
  • 1/2 white onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup cilantro, (1/3 bunch) finely chopped
  • 3 Tbsp lime juice
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

Instructions

  • Cut 3 avocados in half lengthwise, remove pits, scrape the flesh of the avocado out with a spoon. Place in a medium bowl with a flat bottom and mash avocados with a potato masher to a chunky consistency.
  • Squeeze 3 Tbsp of fresh lime juice directly over avocados while prepping the rest of your ingredients.
  • Add diced tomatoes, onion, and chopped cilantro. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir just until combined and serve.

Nutrition Per Serving

171kcal Calories11g Carbs2g Protein15g Fat2g Saturated Fat203mg Sodium565mg Potassium7g Fiber2g Sugar407IU Vitamin A16mg Vitamin C16mg Calcium1mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Best Guacamole Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
171
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
15
g
23
%
Saturated Fat
 
2
g
13
%
Sodium
 
203
mg
9
%
Potassium
 
565
mg
16
%
Carbohydrates
 
11
g
4
%
Fiber
 
7
g
29
%
Sugar
 
2
g
2
%
Protein
 
2
g
4
%
Vitamin A
 
407
IU
8
%
Vitamin C
 
16
mg
19
%
Calcium
 
16
mg
2
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: guacamole, guacamole recipe
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $
Calories: 171

Natasha Kravchuk

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog together and share only our best, family approved and tested recipes with YOU. Thanks for stopping by! We are so happy you're here.

Read more posts by Natasha

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Linda
    March 23, 2024

    This recipe and all of your recipes are fantastic, every time I make them, the compliments are never ending. Thank you so much for making my cooking so much fun, easy and delicious.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 23, 2024

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Linda!

      Reply

  • Vanderbilt Man
    March 18, 2024

    Great proportions…I like a little hint of pepper, cumin, chili powder and fresh garlic in my Guacamole…

    Reply

  • Diane Moloney
    January 1, 2024

    Arriba! Best guacamole recipes ev—er! Will include cumin in my next batch. Avocados are considered a health food now. Thank you Natasha! I love the way you savour your creations and enjoy the process.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 1, 2024

      Hi Diane! You’re very welcome. Thank you.

      Reply

  • Nicole
    November 23, 2023

    Really delicious this recipe!
    I use chives instead of onion and parsley instead of cilantro!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 23, 2023

      Thank you for sharing, Nicole! So glad you loved it.

      Reply

  • Katheryn h
    September 9, 2023

    Wonderful recipe. I’ve been making it for years but, I add a little cumin and I don’t add pepper. ( I don’t like pepper) I add a little paprika instead

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      September 9, 2023

      Sounds wonderful!

      Reply

  • Michele
    August 31, 2023

    Great recipe!
    If I may, my mom bought me an air tight Guacamole Keeper Bowl, which pushes out the air when you put the top on and it stayed fresh and green for a week!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      August 31, 2023

      That’s wonderful, Michele! What a great gift.

      Reply

  • Gayle
    July 10, 2023

    If you don’t like raw onion (or it doesn’t like you) how much onion powder would you use in place of raw onion in this recipe?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      July 10, 2023

      Hi Gayle. You can experiment with it and add it to your preferred taste. I did a quick Google search and found that one tablespoon of onion powder equals one cup of fresh onion. I hope that helps give you a reference point.

      Reply

  • l giblette
    June 27, 2023

    Thankyou Natasha! That is my go to recipe for guac. Theds get in my way

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 27, 2023

      I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe!

      Reply

  • Vicky Lynn Rodriguez
    May 25, 2023

    Hi Natasha, I have read this entire page and can not find the link for your prep gloves. I also went on your Amazon page and they aren’t there either. Please where do you get them. V

    Reply

  • Rick
    May 9, 2023

    Very good spicy guacamole!
    I can never find the notes where you link to products. Where are they?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      May 9, 2023

      Hi Rick! If you read through my blog post above, anything that is linked will be in red font. You can click on the words in red font and it will take you directly to the link for that. You can also find all my supplies on my amazon shop by clicking on “shop” at the top of the page. I hope that helps.

      Reply

      • Janet
        May 27, 2023

        Can you tell me any Great tips for keeping the guacamole from getting so brown the next day? TIA

        Reply

        • NatashasKitchen.com
          May 27, 2023

          The lime juice will help with that. Often times people leave in the pits/seeds too.

          Reply

  • S.G.
    May 3, 2023

    This is how I have always made it only I use garlic salt and it really is delicious 😋 love all of your Shares!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      May 3, 2023

      Thank you! So glad you are enjoying my recipes.

      Reply

  • Babs
    April 29, 2023

    This is a great recipe. I don’t know why most put garlic in. It just does belong. Garlic is used way too much

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 29, 2023

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me. We love garlic, but you can omit it and adjust to personal preference.

      Reply

  • Junebbug
    April 28, 2023

    My 2nd note because I meant to say RealLime Juice instead of Lemon. So… If I have RealLime juice instead of a lime, can I use that instead?? Thank you Natasha. This looks so good, I’m thinking I’m going to be eating it by the spoon fulls. 🙂

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      April 28, 2023

      Got it, I assumed thats what you meant, but I responded to other comment. 🙂
      I hope you love this recipe.

      Reply

  • Junebug
    April 28, 2023

    If I don’t have a lemon on hand, can I use RealLemon Juice?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      April 28, 2023

      Hi! We love the taste of fresh lime juice, but yes, you can if that is all that you have.

      Reply

  • Karen Uyesugi
    April 25, 2023

    I love making guacamole!!! I use everything that you have here and I add minced jalapenos (in winter) that I froze from my garden. I also add more onion, and a bit of
    minced garlic

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      April 25, 2023

      Sounds great, Karen! Thank you for sharing. 🙂

      Reply

  • Olivia
    April 25, 2023

    This really is the best guacamole recipe ever!! Thanks for sharing this amazing recipe, definitely going to be using it again!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 25, 2023

      You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Olivia! Thank you so much for sharing that with me.

      Reply

  • Julia
    April 25, 2023

    Didnt have to alter this recipe at all. So perfect! Its our go-to recipe during the summer time.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 25, 2023

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Julia!

      Reply

  • Kristyn
    April 25, 2023

    Love a chunky guacamole!! This stuff is addicting & so delicious!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 25, 2023

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review!

      Reply

  • Varash
    March 29, 2023

    I made it several times since a few weeks ago! I love guacamole and happy to able to make it at home rather than buying from restaurant w a high price! I also make a variation for my 19 month old (only avacado, tomato and lime) and he loves it! Very healthy!
    Thank you for making it easy to make it at home!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 29, 2023

      You’re very welcome! 🙂

      Reply

  • Cheryl
    March 4, 2023

    Awesome! Delicious, easy and quick to make. Thank you for yet another awesome recipe!❤️

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 4, 2023

      Hi Cheryl! That’s wonderful. I’m glad you loved it. Thank you.

      Reply

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