Is it okay to make guacamole ahead of time?

You can, but guacamole really is at its best just after it’s made. For advance prep, prep the veggies and avo separately, then mash and combine everything at the last minute for maximum freshness.

How do I keep guacamole from turning brown?

Lime juice helps, but the real trick is to reduce air exposure by pressing plastic wrap directly onto the dip’s surface. Some people swear by leaving an avocado pit in the bowl—while it’s a fun trick, covering the guac is the most reliable method.

Can I leave out the cilantro?

Absolutely! If cilantro isn’t your thing, just skip it or sub in a little fresh parsley for color. The guacamole will still taste delicious.

What should I do if my avocados aren’t ripe?

If you’re in a pinch, place the avocados in a paper bag with an apple or banana for a day or two to speed up ripening. For this recipe, ripe avocados really are non-negotiable for the best texture.

Homemade Guacamole Recipe

Name: Homemade Guacamole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 large ripe avocados, peeled and pitted; 1/4 cup sweet onion, finely diced; 1/2 cup tomatoes, finely diced; 1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped; 1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice; 1/2 tsp. cumin; 1/4 tsp. paprika; 1/4 tsp. garlic powder; 1/2-3/4 tsp. salt, to taste; 1/4 tsp. black pepper, to taste

Description

This easy homemade guacamole is bursting with fresh flavors from creamy ripe avocados, zesty lime, aromatic spices, and vibrant chopped veggies. It comes together in just 15 minutes and is perfect as a dip with chips or as a topping for your favorite Mexican dishes.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Produce

4 large ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
1/4 cup sweet onion, finely diced
1/2 cup tomatoes, finely diced
1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped

Spices & Seasonings

1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/4 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/2–3/4 tsp. salt, to taste
1/4 tsp. black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Avocados: Place the peeled, pitted, and quartered avocados into a large bowl, and drizzle with the lime juice. This prevents browning and adds zesty flavor.
Mash the Avocados: Using a large fork or a potato masher, begin mashing the avocados until mostly smooth but still with some texture if desired.
Add the Seasonings: Sprinkle in the cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine the spices evenly throughout the mashed avocados.
Add the Vegetables and Herbs: Gently fold in the finely diced tomatoes, onions, and freshly chopped cilantro. Mix until just combined, being careful not to over-mix so the guacamole retains a bit of texture.
Serve: Serve your guacamole immediately with tortilla chips or as a topping for your favorite Mexican dish. Enjoy!

Notes

To Prep-Ahead: Chop the tomatoes, onions, and cilantro up to 1-2 days before assembling the guacamole for easy meal prep.
To Store: Best served immediately, but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent browning.
To Freeze: Freezing is not recommended as it affects the texture and flavor. Prepare guacamole fresh for best results.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe (about 1/4 cup)
Calories: 120
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg