Classic, homemade guacamole is irresistible. Creamy avocado, zesty lime and a touch of crunch combine to create big flavour from just a few fresh ingredients — perfect as a dip or a side for many dishes.
I make a lot of Mexican-style family dinners, so it makes sense to share my easy homemade guacamole. While store-bought tubs are convenient, fresh guac tastes better and you control the ingredients.
If time is tight I’ll sometimes use shop-bought guacamole, but when I have a few minutes I prefer to make it from scratch — the flavour is far superior and it’s quick to prepare.
The method is simple, but a few tips will help you make outstanding guacamole every time:
➡️ Use ripe avocados: Plan ahead if your avocados are hard — they need to be slightly soft when you squeeze them gently. Underripe fruit will be hard to mash and can taste bland.
➡️ Right consistency: Mash with a fork or potato masher to leave some small chunks of avocado for texture. Traditionally guacamole is made in a mortar and pestle, which breaks down chilli and onion beautifully, but finely dicing the onion and chilli works just as well at home.
➡️ Keep it fresh: Preventing browning is about limiting air contact. Two reliable methods are:
1. Cover the surface with cling film so it touches the guacamole, or
2. Spread the guacamole flat in a container, then very gently pour about 1 cm of water over the surface before sealing and refrigerating. The avocado won’t absorb the water; pour it off carefully when ready to serve.
Either method keeps air away from the avocado and helps maintain that fresh green colour.
Why you’ll love this easy guacamole recipe
⭐️ Fresh, unprocessed ingredients
⭐️ Creamy, moreish and full of flavour
⭐️ Ready in about 10 minutes
Notes from the cook
Some people add tomatoes to guacamole. I tested this both ways and prefer it without tomatoes so the avocado flavours remain front and centre. Tomatoes are great in salsa, but for a classic-style guac I leave them out.
Guacamole is versatile — serve it with tortilla chips as a dip, alongside chilli con carne or chicken fajitas, spoon it onto tacos, or spread it on toast with eggs for a delicious breakfast twist.
Guacamole Ingredients
- Avocados – 3 large ripe avocados. They should be slightly soft when gently squeezed.
- Red onion – 1 small, very finely diced for crunch and a mild bite.
- Jalapeño or green chilli – 1 small, very finely chopped. Adjust to taste.
- Garlic – 1 clove, peeled and crushed.
- Lime – Juice of 1 lime for freshness and acidity.
- Coriander (cilantro) – A small handful, finely chopped to add bright herbal notes.
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper – To season to taste.
How to make guacamole
1. Halve the avocados, remove the stones and scoop the flesh into a bowl.
2. Mash lightly with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth but still with small chunks for texture.
3. Stir in the finely diced red onion, chopped chilli, crushed garlic and chopped coriander.
4. Add the lime juice, then season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately for best flavour and colour.
Storing
Best eaten immediately.
If you need to prepare guacamole ahead of time, use one of these methods to reduce browning:
1. Cover with cling film, pressing it so it touches the entire surface of the guacamole, or
2. Spread guacamole flat in a container and pour about 1 cm of water over the surface before sealing and refrigerating. The water protects the surface from air; pour it off carefully when ready to serve.
Getting the right consistency
Using a fork or potato masher preserves pleasant chunks of avocado. If you have a mortar and pestle you can use it to further break down chilli and onion for a smoother, more integrated texture, but finely chopping these ingredients works perfectly for most kitchens.
What to serve guacamole with
Under 15 minutes
Veggie Loaded Nachos — 10 minute meal
Under 30 minutes
Easy Salmon Tacos — 30 minute meal
Under 15 minutes
Mexican Style Salad
One Pot
Mexican Chicken & Rice — One Pot
I’d love to know how your guacamole turned out. If you try this recipe, leave a rating or comment to help others find it and to let me know what worked for you.
Fresh Guacamole Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 Large ripe avocados
- 1 Small red onion, very finely diced
- 1 Small jalapeño (or green chilli), very finely chopped
- 1 Garlic clove, peeled and crushed
- 1 Lime, juice only
- 15 g (1/4 cup) Coriander (cilantro), chopped
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Prep the avocado: Halve the avocados, remove the stones and scoop the flesh into a bowl.
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Mash it up: Mash lightly with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth but still with small chunks.
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Add the rest: Stir through the red onion, chilli, garlic and coriander.
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Add the lime juice, then season with sea salt and a few grinds of black pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
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Notes
Storing: For best results, eat immediately. If preparing ahead, cover with cling film so it touches the surface, or pour 1 cm of water over the spread guacamole in a container before sealing and refrigerating. Pour off the water before serving.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 22g
Nutrition information is an approximation and should be used as a guide. Values are per portion unless stated otherwise.
Additional Info
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