Best Guacamole Recipe (VIDEO)
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.
![How to make the BEST Guacamole. An authentic guacamole recipe loaded with avocados, tomato, onion, cilantro, and plenty of lime juice. Authentic Guacamole loaded with avocados, tomato, onion, cilantro, plenty of lime juice, salt and pepper.](https://natashaskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Guacamole-Recipe-5.jpg)
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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.
![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! 3 bowls of guacamole with classic guac, corn guac and spicy guac](https://natashaskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Guacamole-Recipe-2.jpg)
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.
![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! Guacamole ingredients with avocados, tomato, onion, cilantro, lime, salt and pepper](https://natashaskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Guacamole-Recipe.jpg)
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.
![How to make the BEST Guacamole. An authentic guacamole recipe loaded with avocados, tomato, onion, cilantro, and plenty of lime juice. Ripe avocados mashed and combined with guacamole ingredients with tortilla chip](https://natashaskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Guacamole-Recipe-7.jpg)
How to Make Guacamole
This is the same basic process for making every guacamole recipe and you will have it memorized in no time.
- 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.
- Add lime juice – Squeeze lime juice directly over the top to prevent browning.
- Add remaining ingredients – add diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and onion.
- 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.
![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! Making guacamole process with mashed avocados, lime juice, tomatoes, onions, cilantro](https://natashaskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Guacamole-Recipe-12.jpg)
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:
- Appetizer – serve with tortilla chips, Pita Chips, or crackers
- Toast – Spread leftover guacamole on crisp toast for breakfast
- Salmon – Serve it on Grilled Salmon or Pan-Seared Salmon
- Burgers – Try guacamole inside juicy Burgers
- Nachos – Scoop guacamole over servings of Baked Nachos
- Deviled Eggs – Guacamole Deviled Eggs are surprisingly delicious
Common Questions
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.
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.
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.
![How to make the BEST Guacamole. An authentic guacamole recipe loaded with avocados, tomato, onion, cilantro, and plenty of lime juice. Guacamole prepared in a bowl served with tortilla chips](https://natashaskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Guacamole-Recipe-8.jpg)
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:
- Buffalo Wings
- Spinach and Artichoke Dip
- Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
- Pico De Gallo
- Ceviche
- Cheeseburger Sliders
Best Guacamole Recipe
![Guacamole served in a bowl with tortilla chips](https://natashaskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/untitled-150x150.jpg)
Ingredients
- 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.
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
Sounds wonderful!
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!
That’s wonderful, Michele! What a great gift.
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?
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.
Thankyou Natasha! That is my go to recipe for guac. Theds get in my way
I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe!
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
Hi Vicky! These are the vinyl glovesI used.
Very good spicy guacamole!
I can never find the notes where you link to products. Where are they?
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.
Can you tell me any Great tips for keeping the guacamole from getting so brown the next day? TIA
The lime juice will help with that. Often times people leave in the pits/seeds too.
This is how I have always made it only I use garlic salt and it really is delicious 😋 love all of your Shares!
Thank you! So glad you are enjoying my recipes.
This is a great recipe. I don’t know why most put garlic in. It just does belong. Garlic is used way too much
Thank you so much for sharing that with me. We love garlic, but you can omit it and adjust to personal preference.
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. 🙂
Got it, I assumed thats what you meant, but I responded to other comment. 🙂
I hope you love this recipe.
If I don’t have a lemon on hand, can I use RealLemon Juice?
Hi! We love the taste of fresh lime juice, but yes, you can if that is all that you have.
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
Sounds great, Karen! Thank you for sharing. 🙂
This really is the best guacamole recipe ever!! Thanks for sharing this amazing recipe, definitely going to be using it again!
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Olivia! Thank you so much for sharing that with me.
Didnt have to alter this recipe at all. So perfect! Its our go-to recipe during the summer time.
That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Julia!
Love a chunky guacamole!! This stuff is addicting & so delicious!!
That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review!
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!
You’re very welcome! 🙂
Awesome! Delicious, easy and quick to make. Thank you for yet another awesome recipe!❤️
Hi Cheryl! That’s wonderful. I’m glad you loved it. Thank you.
I gave this recipe a 4 star because of the cilantro. You said to definitely add it. I absolutely would not any cilantro. I’m one of those who thinks cilantro tastes like a bar of soap. Sorry
HI Kathy, from what I understand, that is a genetic thing where it tastes that way to some people. In that case, you could sub with parsley, but cilantro is traditional for guacamole.
One tip I’ve learned from a Mexican restaurant is to add the lime juice to the onions. This will take some of the bite out of the onions and soften them. Let it sit about 15 minutes before you add to your avocado. It does make a difference!
Thank you for the tip, Karin! 🙂
Can this be made the night before ? If I use the plastic cover will it not turn brown ?
Hi Bonnie, make sure to put the plastic wrap direclty over the surface of the guacamole without any air bubbles underneath for better results and to prevent browning. It might still brown slightly but you can re-mix just before serving and it will be great. We do this often.
I love that you list nutrition information, but it doesn’t print. Can’t wait for the cookbook!
This recipe is almost identical to the recipe I use except for two ingredients. It is so simple and delicious, but if you really want to “up the flavor” 2 more notches, add in a teaspoon each of ground cumin and garlic powder!! That is our fabulous family favorite for taco night (or any other Mexican food night!) And of course, we make a much larger batch! 😀
And now,…after reading the other comments…I see that others mention the cumin and garlic. Also the oregano which I forgot was in mine too! It’s so yummy–thanks so much for posting this! I love your recipes!
You’re welcome! Glad you loved the recipe.
That’s a great idea! Thank you for your comments and tip – we appreciate it!
We LOVE guacamole too, can’t wait to try your different ones. did you know that if you put the pit back in the guacamole after it done, it really helps to keep it nice and green… and not brown!!
Thanks for sharing, Lisbeth. I hope you’ll love the recipes that you will try!
Can you use lemon juice instead of lime juice?
Hi Ellie, yes you can. 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.
I love, love, love, your recipes. Love being able to print out the recipes. Can’t wait to try all of these. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome, Wanda. Hope you’ll love all the recipes that you will try!
Hallo Natasha!
I tried this and it was awesome!! You can also add pieces of mango, it gives a bit of sweetness and sourness….
Oh great idea!! I love that! Thank you for sharing Luna!
Hello Natasha
Love your blog. How do you stay so thin. OMG I can eat those all week with chips LOL.
You’re so nice! Thank you!
I add a finely diced jalapeño pepper (seeded). It adds a kick.
Sounds good, Lynn! Thanks for the suggestion.
Very nice recipe ,, try ripening avocados in fridge they ripen from inside out I do this also an banana in paper is used for a faster method !!!
I’m so glad that was helpful Joseph!
Favorite guacamole I’ve ever made! Followed the recipe but left out the tomatoes ( son doesn’t like tomatoes much ) really good!
Hi Jean, it’s still yummy without tomatoes. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
I often use red bell pepper in place of tomato. It gives it a little crunch and adds flavor where tomatoes sometimes are not very flavorful and adds too much moisture. Try substituting the red pepper for tomatoes once and it will be your new favorite 🤩
I like to use grated garlic in place of the onion.
Thank you so much for sharing that with me.
I make the same recipe but do not use black pepper, but instead I add 1/2 tsp of cumin and a dash of red pepper flakes (to taste). I use 1 lime to 3 avocados and don’t worry if it is exactly 3 TB of juice but squeeze it all out. Salt is also to taste as it will taste way off without it (we tried).
That’s great to know! Thanks for the tip and for sharing some suggestions with us, Angela.
Hi Natasha, my sister and I made this guacamole today. It was so good! We loved it! Our family tore it up. We topped it on top of our nachos. It was delicious! Thanks for the recipe!
Hello Zoie, so lovely to hear that! Thank you so much for your awesome feedback, I’m so glad your family enjoyed this recipe.
Fantastic and delicious!
Thank you for the great review!
Absolutely delicious!!
Thank you for shar
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed that!
Perfect taste! Simple ingredients. Love!
I’m happy you enjoyed that!
Followed recipe as written and I wouldn’t change a thing. This was delicious! thank you for a winner.
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Joan!
This is the best ever! This is my go to place for recipes and they turn out amazing every time! Thanks lovely😍
Thank you for that wonderful compliment! Happy New Year Karisa!
luv your recipes, ty for posting n sharing them! my husband and i are eating much better variety of foods. they are easy to follow which is helpful to someone like myself who is not a skilled cook; but they’ve been turning out really good!
Hello Tania, I’m so glad that you and you’re both enjoying my recipes. I hope that you will both love every recipe that you will try from my website!
I made this exactly as recipe stated. There was too much lime taste. It was all I could taste.
Hi Paula, it will tone down as it stands for a bit, but that can depend on the size of your limes and how juicy they are.
Try using oregano instead of black pepper for your guacamole. To me, it makes it taste much better. My Guatemalan tip 🙂
Thanks for sharing! That sounds like a fun experiment. Dried oregano, correct?
Cant wait to try your guacamole!! Looks divine!!
Can you send a link to the food scraper you use in your videos please?
You are awesome!
Bernie
I think you will love it! You can see the kitchen tools that I use here in our Amazon Page.
Quite literally the best guac recipe! I’ve already made it twice and friends told me it was the best guac they’ve ever had. Thank you for sharing this one with us!
Love it! Thanks for sharing your great experience with us, Jane.
No garlic? Gotta have garlic!
No garlic but you are definitely welcome to add that!
Hey,
Love your recipes 🙂
Can you please add the link for best garlic crusher you used ?
Thanks
Hi Amber, this is the garlic press that we love from OXO.
Hi Natasha, I am new to your blog. In your video, you mentioned that you will add the link to where I can find the gloves you used. I can’t find it here. Please help. I’d like to get one the same as what you used. Many thanks.
Hi Jen, you can find our favorite tools in our Blog Shop HERE and in our Amazon Shop HERE. I hope that helps
Hi Jen, here’s the link to the gloves that I used in that video.
This is so good! Any good recipes for French onion soup?
Hi Sheri! This is at the top of our list! We hope to have one on the blog soon.
This is such an amazing guacamole recipe! Everyone at my house loved it!
Sounds like you found a new family favorite! That’s so great!
So much flavour I can barely stand it!! Thank you for yet another winner!
That’s so great! I’m so glad you enjoyed that Julia!
This guac was perfect, I love a good chunky style guac and this was the perfect addition for our taco night.
Wonderful to hear that Natalya. Thanks for giving this recipe great feedback!
Link for those gloves please. Thank you for the awesome recipes. I will definitely be making those guacs.
Hi Helen! I hope you love this recipe. Here’s the list of kitchen tools that I am using and I think the gloves is also in this list.
Is there a link for the scoop spoons?
Hi Melissa, I used this Fruit Scoop.
San Diego is the avocado capital of America and I have been enjoying them almost for 50 years. I get very annoyed when I open a new one from the grocer and find so many bruised spots! (squeezing to see if it’s ripe?) I find just holding it in my hand and gently squeezing with my palm will tell me if it is soft inside and just ripe. I have also inserted a paring knife tip into it and if it goes in easily it is ripe enough. If not, just set it aside for another day… the knife slit will not hinder it in any way. Another tip: sprinkle a little “Fruit Fresh” into the guacamole and it keeps its bright green color.
Thank you so much for sharing those tips with us Mary Ann!
Hi Natasha:
Love the way you explain recipes! Definitely going to try this guac recipe. I may have missed it, but I didn’t see the reference to the kind of food prep gloves you use. The ones we have are too large for my hands. Thanks!
Thank you Barb, I’m so glad you love the recipes that I have. Yes please give this a try and let us know how it goes! Here’s the list of kitchen tools that I am using and I think the gloves is also in this list.
I made this just like you said. loved it. so simple
So glad you enjoyed it Faye!
Hi Natasha,
I just watched your video on making spicy guacamole and you mentioned adding 1/2 tsp cumin. Yet in your written recipe, it is omitted. Should we still add it?
Hi Mollymae, the cumin was added to the Corn Guacamole Recipe, not the ‘Best Guacamole Recipe’ I hope that helps.
LOVE the new photography!! Congrats to your husband.
I made this last night. Very good.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Natasha, just a hint if you leave the seed in avocados it stops it from browning.
Oh is that so? Thanks for the tip! I should try that next time.
What can I use instead of cilantro?
You can omit it or try parsley? Let me know how it goes.
Exactly like I make it – chunky. I substitute 1/3 of a can of diced, fire roasted tomatoes, drained for the fresh because out of season tomatoes are basically flavorless. Freeze the remainder. A pinch or two of ground cumin and garlic powder finishes it off.
It stores well in a nifty container called a guaclock. Another trick is to level the container of guac then float a thin layer of water over the top to seal out air then cover with the lid.
So awesome thank you for the tip and thanks for sharing how you prepare your guacamole!
I have used some of your recipes with my6 smoked neat. Delicious,
So nice to know that, Jerry. Thanks for sharing!
Super women !!!
Thank you!
Natasha how did you know? Haha I was just talking about making our own guacamole a few days ago. Can’t wait to try it!
I love when that happens! I hope you enjoyed this recipe!
What a delicious recipe, I love adding guacamole to my breakfast toast and this was the perfect guac. with the perfect hint of citrus. Thank you. I will defiantly be using this again for Cinco de Mayo.
I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!
This Guac is unbelievably good! We’re so obsessed! Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it!
Trying to find the grilled corn guacamole recipe. Looks delish.
Hi Darlene, we have a link in the recipe above for future reference but here is a direct link to the Corn Guacamole recipe. Also, anytime you are looking for a recipe, you can click the search bar on my site and type in the name and it should come up quickly.
Can you tell me where to get the kitchen tool you use to scrape up ingredients. It’s a half circle of stainless with a black handle edge? Thank you
Hi Debi, we have it linked in our Amazon shop here.
I have also tried this recipe as a salad, not a dip by adding a little less avocado, plus black beans, red peppers and roasted corn. It’s for the time when avocados are not as cheap anymore 🙂
Oh that’s brilliant! Thank you!
you should add jalepeno pure or cut up a small amount. it adds some nice spice and the avocado really soothes at the same time. mmm so good! P.S. my advice is to slightly mash the avocados with a fork leaving a few chunky pieces seems to taste so much better! 🙂
Yay, Cycaha, I was wondering why no one mentioned green chile or jalapeno! That’s how we like it in NM. Chunky too.
Very good recipe. Thank you. I would recommend to substitude onion for red onion and lemon juice for lime juice. Also add some halapeno or some hot sauce to make it more authentic.
Sounds good! Thanks Charlie!
I lived in Mexico for a year and never saw a lemon. Lime is the ticket. Try it in the guacamole, but great squeezed in a bowl of chicken soup too. Just moved to Ukraine in October. Trying to learn the language. Great to see some recipes that I can completely understand. keep up the good work.
We will try that. We have been using lime in guacamole but not salsa. Sounds like lime will make it more authentic.
I really like this version of guacamole. If you want Cali style, sub the lemon with lime and add a dash of cayenne pepper and your favorite finely chopped chilis to suit your heat level. We make this dip into a spread for turkey, swiss and spinach wraps. It’s amazing!
Those are some great tips! We are huge guacamole people 🙂 Using it as a spread like you mentioned sounds great. Thanks Whitney!
it is deilcious as a spread in a wrap instead of mayo. also great on a grilled chicken with toasted bun. YUM!
I meant “grilled chicken breast”…And yes, use Lime instead of lemon.
If you are in a major hurry(someone pops over without calling) I just add a good “fresh salsa that has been made with all the ingreidients listed”
use a “slotted spoon(to get rid of excess liquid) add to mashed Avacoda, and “you are “set to go!”…Just make sure its not a brand like “Taco bell”. Buy deli made…This saves chopping time.
Oh great ideas! Thanks Christine 🙂
Amazing taste
sounds a lot simpler than my recipe. will deffinatly need to try yours out!
Hope you enjoy it as much as we do 🙂
this dip is the bomb, i’ve made it a couple times, fedor loves it!
I’m glad you guys like it :).
I LOVE GUACAMOLE! Thanks for sharing Vadim’s tried and true recipe.
You are welcome Veronica :).