Anyone can make this homemade guacamole recipe, even if cooking intimidates you, or you just don’t like cooking. It’s simple, easy to make, and simply delicious. Let’s face it, store-bought guac just can’t compete with fresh, homemade guac. It’s the perfect blend of subtle, buttery avocado flavor and peppery, garlicky spice. If you have a few minutes to spare, and even if you don’t, it’s well worth the time spent to make what I call the best homemade guacamole.

Originally published 8/27/13. Updated 1/29/21 and 4/14/24.

Guacamole in stone bowl with chips and cucumbers in background

I like to make homemade guac for a side when we have tacos or enchiladas here at home. But it also makes a great healthy appetizer dip. Serve alongside tortilla chips or your favorite sliced veggies, like cucumbers!

What ingredients do you use for homemade guacamole?

In it’s most basic form, guacamole, or guac as it’s informally known, consists of mashed avocados and salt. After that, you may find other ingredients like lime juice, cilantro, chopped tomatoes, diced jalapeno peppers, onion, and garlic. Personally, I like to add a little cumin to the mix for a little more depth of flavor. For this best homemade guacamole recipe, I use the following ingredients:

Ripe avocados
Kosher salt
Finely chopped onion
Diced roma tomatoes
Diced ancho pepper (or poblano or jalapeno)
Fresh lime juice
Minced garlic
Chopped fresh cilantro
Ground cumin

Is guacamole healthy?

Guacamole can absolutely be part of an overall healthy diet! After all, its primary ingredient is avocados, which are known for their heart health benefits. While they are high in fat and calories, those calories are nutritionally dense and contain a good kind of fat called monounsaturated fat, which is konw for it’s heart healthy benefits. Avocados also provide a rich source of Vitamin K and folate, and are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, vitamin E, B vitamins, and fiber. Their fat and fiber also help you feel full and satisfied.

So, avocados are healthy. But what about guacamole? Well, the healthiest option is to make it homemade, with fresh ingredients when you can. When you make it at home, you can avoid the higher sodium levels and additives of store-bought guac. Avocados – and guacamole – definitely deserve a place on your table.

How to choose a good avocado

Once ripe, avocados don’t last very long, so it’s important to know how to tell if an avocado is ripe. If you’re using them right away, choose avocados that are firm, but yield to gentle pressure. They shouldn’t be too soft (mushy) or too hard. And they should still have the “belly button,” the stem end, intact. Look for those a little darker in color, but not too dark. If it will be a few days before you need them, pick those that are more on the green, or unripe side, that’s still a bit firm. Most of all, practice makes perfect. After you’ve shopped for them a few times, you’ll know what you’re looking for.

How to make guacamole

Guacamole is easy to make at home. Start by prepping your add-ins. Chop or dice the peppers, tomatoes, garlic, onions, and cilantro, and juice the lime. Then, simply scoop the avocado out of its shell and mash it with a fork or potato masher. Stir in your salt, spices, and favorite add-ins, and you’re good to go. That’s it! If you’re unsure of how to cut an avocado see this video by California Avocados.

Best Guac Recipe Tips and Tricks

How do I keep guacamole from turning brown?

Guacamole tends to turn brown rather quickly. Lime juice helps to a degree, but to keep it green and appealing if you’re not using it right away, or have leftovers, you’ll need to keep oxygen away from it! Oxygen is the culprit that turns it brown through a process called oxidation. Simply spoon the guac into a storage dish and pat down fairly flat. Place a piece of plastic wrap over it, making sure it’s flat against the gaucamole and cover with the lid. If parts of it do turn brown, it’s still safe to eat as long as it’s been stored properly in the refrigerator. Just skim off the brown section and mix the rest together and serve.

How long does homemade guacamole last?

You likely won’t have leftovers. But if you do, store covered as above, in the refrigerator and eat within three days.

Can I make guacamole without onions or garlic?

Yes, you can! You can add or delete whatever you want. Except for the avocados, of course. Some people don’t tolerate onions or garlic very well, so simply leave them out. If you miss the flavor they provide, there are substitutes you can get that will give you that flavor. One of our favorites is Free FOD Garlic Replacer and Free FOD Onion Replacer.

What can I serve with this Best Homemade Guacamole?

Fresh cucumber slices or spears, celery or carrot sticks, pepper strips
Tortilla chips
Tacos
Enchiladas
Burritos
Salmon patties or beef burgers – guac makes a great topping
Use as a spread for toast, a wrap, or a sandwich
Crostini

Do you like avocados? How do you include them in your diet? Share your thoughts and ideas below!

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