Easy Guacamole Recipe (Homemade in 5 Minutes) (2024)

By Laura

Posted Oct 13, 2019, Updated Feb 10, 2024

5 from 58 votes

48 Comments

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This quick & easy guacamole recipe is made with a handful of healthy ingredients and is ready in 5 minutes! This simple guacamole dip is our favorite appetizer and we always make it on tacos nights! Watch the video to learn how to make this guacamole recipe!

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Guacamole is the reason I eat tacos (like these chicken tacos and these sweet potato tacos).

Or any type of Mexican food really. When I say I’m craving tacos, what I’m really communicating is, “Tonight I want to eat my weight in guacamole” (with some homemade salsa on the side for good measure).

I’ve been making this easy guacamole recipe for as long as I can remember. It is made with a handful of healthy ingredients and is ready in 5 minutes! This simple guacamole dip is our favorite appetizer and we always make it on taco nights!

Easy Guacamole Recipe (Homemade in 5 Minutes) (3)

Easy Guacamole Recipe: Ingredients & Substitutions

  • Spices:If you notice, I opt for powdered spices in my guacamole (garlic powder, onion powder, etc). If you prefer the real thing (minced garlic, real onion) by all means go for it!
    • Garlic powder: use fresh minced garlic instead.
    • Onion powder:use finely chopped red onion (about ½ cup) in place of onion powder.
  • Tomatoes:If you’re a raw mater-hater, then you can leave out the tomatoes. I think they add something special to this Homemade Guacamole, but they are easily omitted without effecting the taste in the slightest!
Easy Guacamole Recipe (Homemade in 5 Minutes) (4)

How to Make Guacamole

When I give this the titleEasy Guacamole, I mean it. It only takes 5 minutes to whip up this guacamole recipe. However, it is preferable to let the mixture sit for a little while (15-30 minutes) so the flavors have a chance to blend.

But, to be honest, I usually just dive right in and throw flavor blending to the wind (because when it comes to guacamole I have zero self-control or patience)! SO let’s dive into how to make guacamole – and don’t forget to watch the video.

Mash the Avocados

First, use a fork or potato masher to carefully mash the avocados. Leave it a little chunkier than you’d like the final product to be, because it will get mashed more later on in the process as other ingredients are added.

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Add Lime Juice & Spices

Next mix in the lime juice and spices and stir until evenly distributed.

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Add Tomato, Cilantro & Onion

Next, add in the tomato, cilantro and onion (if you’re using onion and not onion powder)! Stir very gently until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

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Chill

Cover the guacamole and let it set for 15-30 minutes, if desired. You can also make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator completely covered with plastic wrap.

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Serve

Serve this guacamole with your favorite chips or veggies as an appetizer, or on the side of your favorite taco recipe!

Here are some yummy recipes that can be made and served with this easy guacamole recipe:

Black Bean Sweet Potato Tacos

Chicken Enchiladas

Easy Homemade Salsa Recipe

Crockpot Chicken Tacos (Mexican Chicken)

Best Nachos Recipe

Store

Store this homemade guacamole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I discuss how to prevent browning in the FAQ section below. I don’t recommend freezing this recipe.

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FAQS about this Guacamole Recipe

How do you prevent Homemade Guacamole from browning?

Nobody likes brown avocados, right?! So, if you choose to make this Easy Homemade Guacamole in advance, or have leftovers, here are a few tips to help prevent browning:

First, you need tounderstandwhy avocados turn brown:
Avocados turn brown because they contain an enzyme that causes thefatty acids in them to break down when exposed to oxygen. The broken-down fats become brown in color. There are two ways to keep thisfrom occurring…
1) Preventing oxygen from reaching the avocado &
2) Slowing down enzyme function.
Here are some ways to accomplish these goals:
Store in an airtight container covered in plastic wrap:
Remember,the less oxygen that hits the guacamole, the better. So if you store it in an airtight container without extra room, there will be less places oxygen can reach the guacamole tocause browning.
Also, trycovering the top layer with plastic wrap before putting the lid on. Press the plastic wrap on top of the guacamole to remove air bubbles andthen put the lid on the container.
Use Lime Juice
Spritz some extra lime juice on the top layer before covering the guacamole in plastic wrap. Acidic conditions caused by lime (or lemon) juice drastically slows down the enzymes that cause browning. So making sure any areas of the guacamole that are exposed to oxygen are coated in lime juice before storing will help prevent browning!
Keep it cold:
Enzymes work faster in warmer conditions (to a certain point), so chilling your guacamole recipe in the refrigerator is a great way to slow down the browning process too!

What is healthy to dip in guacamole?

If chips aren’t your thing, try fresh veggies! I love carrots, cucumbers, and raw broccoli to name a few.

Can I double this recipe?

I have doubled, tripled and quadrupled this recipe with excellent results.

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Easy Guacamole Recipe (Homemade in 5 Minutes) (18)

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Quick & Easy Guacamole Recipe

Laura

This quick & easy guacamole recipe is made with a handful of healthy ingredients and is ready in 5 minutes! This simple guacamole dip is our favorite appetizer and we always make it on taco nights! Watch the video to learn how to make this guacamole recipe!

5 from 58 votes

Course Appetizer, con, dip, Side Dish

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 8 Servings

Calories 116

Prep Time5 minutes minutes

Chilling time30 minutes minutes

Total Time5 minutes minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cut open avocados lengthwise, remove the pit, and use a spoon to scoop out the flesh into a medium-sized mixing bowl.

  • Use a potato masher or fork and gently mash the avocado, leaving it a little bit chunky at this point.

  • Add cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, ½ tsp salt, pepper and 1 TBS lime juice.

  • If you would like your guacamole smoother, use a fork or your potato masher to mix in the spices as you mash the mixture. If you like your guacamole a little chunkier, use a rubber spatula to stir in the spices until well combined!

  • Add cilantro and tomatoes and stir until combined.

  • Taste and add extra salt or lime juice if needed!

  • Let sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature before Serving.

  • You may place it in the fridge if making more than 30 minutes ahead of time. I recommend plopping a pit in the middle, adding a splash of lime juice to the top layer, and covering it very tightly with plastic wrap (so no air gets to the guacamole) in order to prevent browning.

  • Serve at room temperature or cold, whichever you prefer!

Video

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions:

  • Spices:If you notice, I opt for powdered spices in my guacamole (garlic powder, onion powder, etc). If you prefer the real thing (minced garlic, real onion) here’s what I suggest:
    • Garlic powder: use minced garlic.
    • Onion powder:use finely chopped red onion (about 1/2 cup) in place of onion powder.
  • Tomatoes:If you’re a raw mater-hater, then you can leave out the tomatoes. I think they add something special to thisEasy Homemade Guacamole, but they are easily omitted without effecting the taste in the slightest!

Store

Store in an airtight container wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Squeeze a little lime juice on the surface before storing to prevent browning.

Nutrition

Serving: 2Tablespoons | Calories: 116kcal | Carbohydrates: 7.3g | Protein: 1.6g | Fat: 10.1g | Saturated Fat: 1.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6.4g | Sodium: 74.2mg | Potassium: 400mg | Fiber: 4.8g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 285IU | Vitamin C: 12.1mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 0.5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question? Leave a comment below!

Try these recipes

Black Bean Dip

Chicken Enchiladas

Best Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

Cilantro Lime Rice

Mexican Corn Salad

Taco Salad

Easy Guacamole Recipe (Homemade in 5 Minutes) (2024)

FAQs

How much lime juice to keep guacamole from turning brown? ›

Editor's Tip: You may have heard a squirt of lemon or lime juice also keeps guacamole from browning. It's true—as long as you cover the entire surface of the dip with citrus juice.

What is traditional guacamole made of? ›

Here's all you need for traditional guacamole: ripe avocados, coriander/cilantro, red onions, jalapeño or Serrano chilli, lime and salt. Avoid unnecessary fillers such as sour cream and cream cheese. They only dilute flavour. Popular optional extras include: garlic, tomato, cumin powder.

How do Mexican restaurants keep guacamole from turning brown? ›

Pour a thin but visible layer of water or lemon/lime juice over the guacamole to form a barrier with the air. Cover the dish with plastic wrap, pushing the wrap, so it is flush with the guacamole to prevent air pockets, or put the guacamole in a sealed tub.

What makes guacamole taste better? ›

If you taste your guac and it is bland, start with more salt. Next, add lime juice. Often an additional pop of citrus is all guac needs to come alive and taste better. If you still aren't happy with the taste, you can rely on mix-ins to jazz it up.

Why you should leave the lime out of guacamole? ›

With ripe tomatoes so rare in the U.S., I generally leave them out.) I know what you're about to ask. "But what about oxidation?” While lime is touted as a way prevent avocados from browning, it takes a lot of lime for that to work—and it's generally a bad idea to transform a dish's taste for aesthetic reasons.

Can you put too much lemon juice in guacamole? ›

Typically the recipe is 3 to 4 avocados, 1 to 2 tomatoes, 1/2 onion, 1 to 2 hot peppers, 3 to 4 tablespoons chopped cilantro, 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice, 1 garlic clove (optional), and salt and pepper to taste. Adding too much lemon or lime juice can cause a very watery guacamole.

Can you put too much lemon in guacamole? ›

5- Adding too much of lemon juice

Preparing guacamole without mistakes also lies in the amount of lemon that is added. The lemon juice is used to give it a sour touch, and prevent it from oxidizing. However, adding too much will bitter the flavor of your guacamole.

What is a substitute for lime juice in guacamole? ›

Apple cider vinegar: This has a slightly sweet and tangy flavor that can be a good substitute for lime juice in guacamole. Use about half as much vinegar as you would lime juice. Orange juice: This has a sweet and citrusy flavor that can add a unique twist to your guacamole.

Should I put tomatoes in my guacamole? ›

Onion — the most typical onions used are white onion or red onion. My Mexican grandma-in-law swears by red onion in guac. Tomatoes — not all guac recipes have tomatoes in them but I sure love tomatoes in mine. I remove the seeds of the tomatoes so the guacamole doesn't become soggy.

What kind of onion for guacamole? ›

Most people prefer to use sweet white onion in their guacamole recipe. Red or yellow onion tends to give the guacamole too strong of a garlic flavor.

Do you put tomato in guacamole? ›

Authentic guacamole doesn't contain fillers and unnecessary ingredients. All you need is avocados, onion, tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeno pepper, lime juice, garlic, and salt.

Does lemon juice keep guacamole from turning brown? ›

DOES LEMON JUICE KEEP GUACAMOLE FROM TURNING BROWN? Yes!

Can I eat guacamole after it turns brown? ›

Although brown guacamole isn't the most appealing, it's completely safe to eat (as long as you've stored the guacamole in the refrigerator, and it isn't more than three days old). "While a bit off-putting to look at, brown guacamole is totally safe," confirms Food Network's nutritionist, Dana Angelo White, MS RD ATC.

What powder keeps guacamole from turning brown? ›

The avoFresh contains ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and calcium carbonate. You add the powder mixture to fresh mashed avocado. The avoFresh keeps the avocado fresh and from turning that off-putting brown that avocado pulp gets when exposed to air.

What are the symptoms of food poisoning from guacamole? ›

The most common symptoms of food poisoning are:
  • Diarrhea.
  • Stomach pain or cramps.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Fever.

What chemicals keep guacamole from turning brown? ›

Acidulants, such as citric and ascorbic acid found in lemon juice, help lower the pH of avocados and decrease the enzymatic activity, keeping them from turning brown ( 1 , 3 ).

What ingredient keeps guacamole from turning brown? ›

Pour a thin but visible layer of water or lemon/lime juice over the guacamole to form a barrier with the air. Cover the dish with plastic wrap, pushing the wrap, so it is flush with the guacamole to prevent air pockets, or put the guacamole in a sealed tub.

What would make guacamole bitter? ›

There are two reasons for avocados to taste bitter: underripeness, or because they have been cooked. If the avocado is fairly firm, then it's probably just underripe and you can wait.

References

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