Guacamole is a great side dish to whip up alongside your favorite Mexican entrees like tacos or quesadillas. Or make a for a quick and easy appetizer to eat with chips and veggies. Serve at parties, pot-lucks or a side dish to go with dinner.  Everyone always loves the fresh ingredients combined with the creamy avocado.

Why this is the best guacamole recipe!

The best guacamole recipe lets the simple ingredients shine. It tastes fresh and doesn't need a lot of additional ingredients! I love easy recipes that require minimal ingredients. Plus it tastes so much better than store bought that has preservatives added. Take the time to make your own guacamole at home!

Key ingredients & varitations

avocados-picking out ripe avocados is crucial for good guac. See tips below for selecting perfect avocados.

cilantro-fresh cilantro is a must!

tomato-ripe roma tomatoes are my favorite. Dice them into small pieces. No need to peel or seed.

lime juice- fresh lime juice is the best! You can substitute lemon juice. The acid will help slow the browning of the avocados.

If you like a spicy guacamole add a little chopped jalapeno pepper or other hot peppers.

Also red onion or white onion is a great addition to guacamole if you like raw onions.

Step-by-step instructions

Start by cutting your avocado in half and squeezing the flesh out into a medium bowl. The best way to mash the avocado is using a fork or potato masher. Add the lime juice to make it a little easier to mash. I like my guacamole a little chunkier but you can mash to a very smooth consistency if you prefer.

Add the cilantro, tomatoes and salt to the mashed avocados. Give a stir and your guac is ready! Get your chips ready to dunk in this delicious simple guacamole recipe!

How to serve guacamole

My favorite way to eat guacamole is with a big bowl of tortilla chips. Try these homemade lime chips for a healthier baked option. You can also dip carrot and celery sticks in gauc.

Add a dollop to your tacos, quesadilla or a salad. It can be served chilled or at room temperature.

expert tips

• Avocados are the main ingredients in this recipe, so selecting the perfect avocado is important. When you are at the grocery store make sure you give them a lite squeeze. Firm avocados will take a few days to ripen. You want them to be just a tad soft but not mushy. Mushy avocados do not taste very good. Ripe Hass avocados will be a darker green color to almost black color.
• If you have unripe avocados you can ripen in 1-2 days by placing them in a brown paper bag with an apple or banana.

faq's

Why does homemade guacamole turn brown?

The flesh of avocados turn brown once they are cut and exposed to air. It is an oxidation process similar to cut apples. To prevent this serve immediately and use lime or lemon juice to slow the browning process.

Does authentic guacamole have tomatoes in it?

Yes, traditional guacamole does have chopped tomatoes. Just a bit to add a little color and flavor to the avocado.

Can you use canned tomatoes in guacamole?

Of course there are times when finding good ripe tomatoes are difficult. If you must use canned tomatoes you could use Rotel which has some added diced green chilis. Or you could add a spoonful of pico de gallo to the mashed avocados.

Storing leftover guacamole

Because guacamole browns quickly it is best served right away. If you do need to store leftovers squeeze lime juice over the surface of the guacamole and press plastic wrap over the top. Keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container for a couple of days.

If it does brown a little bit, scrap the brown parts of the top. It is safe to eat, it just doesn't look as appetizing.

Looking for other appetizer ideas? Try these!

Roasted Garlic Hummus Recipe {In the Vitamix}

Goat Cheese Stuffed Peppadew Peppers

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