This Homemade Guacamole Recipe is loaded with creamy avocados, fresh lime juice, tomatoes, cilantro, and is so quick and easy to make! It’s the absolute BEST healthy dip and a super popular game day snack or Cinco de Mayo appetizer.  Learn how simple it is to make this low-carb and keto dip with ripened avocados in less than 20 minutes!

A tortilla chip being dipped into a healthy guacamole dip with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.

Avocados can be found occupying our refrigerator or countertop 90% of the time.  The “problem” sets in when I overbuy them and 5 avocados are perfectly ripe and ready to eat.

But let’s be real… this is obviously not a real problem at all because the solution is… to make a big bowl of homemade guacamole!!

If you just came home from work and want a healthy snack… make some of this yummy dip!

When you’re having friends over for a party, potluck, or dinner and need an easy appetizer… whip up a batch.

Or even on those nights when your hangry is setting in and you have no patience for slaving away over a hot stove… a creamy guacamole dip is the answer.

And this guacamole is SUPER special in that it reminds me of that mound of avocado delightfulness that Chipotle restaurant employees throw on your burrito bowl.

Yes, this recipe is very similar to the Chipotle version we all know and love!

It’s also incredibly simple and easy to make whenever your guac craving strikes.

A white bowl full of a simple guacamole recipe with limes, tomatoes, and onions to garnish.

What is Guacamole?

Guacamole is a dish made up of mashed avocados, freshly squeezed lime juice, and cilantro.  Tomatoes, onions, and other seasonings are often added, too.

This avocado-based dip or spread is typically used in Mexican cuisine and can often be found internationally and in American cuisine as well.  (And especially if you live in South Texas or Southern California!)

Avocados, tomatoes, onion, lime juice, and cilantro as guacamole ingredients.

Ingredients

While guacamole is largely made up of ripened avocados, there are a few other simple ingredients you will need to make this dip recipe:

  • Avocados. Fully ripened is crucial.  Read below to learn a few ways to quickly ripen or read here about how to cut an avocado.
  • Lime Juice. A touch of citrus lightens up this recipe.  The acidity also helps to prevent the guacamole from turning brown, so make sure you do not leave this out!  And yes, lemon juice can also be substituted but it won’t have quite the same flavor.
  • Cilantro. Probably the most important ingredient besides the avocado in this dip.  However, if you have someone that doesn’t like fresh cilantro (you know, they claim it tastes like soap?!) then feel free to leave it out.
  • Onion. Finely diced sweet onion gets evenly dispersed throughout the dip to give it an extra punch of flavor. Yellow onion and red onion will also work well.
  • Tomatoes. Feel free to dice up any tomatoes you happen to have on hand.  I have used cherry and grape tomatoes, Campari, vine-ripened, and Roma tomatoes all with equal success!
  • Cumin + Paprika. What I like to consider my secret ingredients in this simple recipe.  They add a special depth of flavor to the dip.  You can also try mixing in a dash of some Taco Seasoning, too!
  • You can even change it up a little and make a Pineapple Guacamole!
Two whole avocados and two avocado halves to show how to ripen avocados.

How to Make Homemade Guacamole

These are the simple steps to follow to make Homemade Guacamole. See the recipe card for more detailed ingredients amounts.

Peel and Pit

If your avocados are ripe, it’s time to make some guacamole. If they are a little hard, see below for tips to soften them quickly. Check here for how to cut an avocado.

Peel, pit, and quarter the avocados. First, use a knife to cut each one in half. Then, remove the pits.

With the skin still on, carefully cut the inside of each half into quarters. Be sure not to cut through the skin to your hand. It is best to place the avocado on the counter or use a dull knife. Then, use a large spoon to scoop slices out.

Place peeled, pitted, and quartered avocados into a large bowl. Ensure your bowl is large enough to add other ingredients. Then, sprinkle lime juice over the slices.

Mash

Using a large fork or potato masher, mash avocados well. The longer you work them, the smoother the guacamole will be.

Alternatively, you can use a high-speed mixer, but you will end up with more of a fluffy and super creamy texture. Or, you can place the slices in a large ziplock bag. Then, squeeze and knead the avocado until you reach your desired consistency.

A fork mashes sliced avocados in a bowl.

Mix-ins

Add seasonings and mix well. Do this first before combining other ingredients for consistent taste. If you are using really salty chips, err on the side of not adding too much salt. You can always put in more later.

Diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. The smaller the pieces, the more evenly dispersed the flavor will be.

Then, mix in chopped tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.

Serve immediately with tortilla chips or your favorite Mexican dish!

Ripen Avocados

Sometimes you may not be so lucky as to have 4 or 5 avocados that are all perfectly ripened at the same time.  Or, the ones at the grocery store are not quite where they should be.

In moments like this, there are a few tricks you can try to quickly ripen avocados:

Tips:

  1. Place avocados in a paper bag.  They will release ethylene gas that will speed up the ripening process.
  2. Add a banana or apple to the paper bag to increase the amount of ethylene gas that is released.
  3. Wrap avocados in aluminum foil and place them in a 200 °F oven for 8-10 minutes.  Check every few minutes for desired ripeness.

While all of these methods will work, it’s best if you just give them a little time and patience as they naturally ripen on the counter at room temperature.

Meal Prep & Storage

  • To Prep-Ahead: Chop tomatoes, onions, and cilantro up to 1-2 days ahead of time.
  • To Store: Guacamole is best served immediately after making, but it can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24-48 hours. Be sure to completely cover with plastic wrap so no dip is exposed to air. This will keep it from turning brown.
  • To Freeze: I would not recommend freezing.  The taste, texture, and consistency will be largely affected.  You are better off just making it from scratch!

FAQs

Is guacamole good for you?

Yes!  It is pretty healthy and good for you. Since this dish is made primarily of avocados, it boasts A TON of good-for-you monounsaturated fatty acids, more potassium than bananas, and a good bit of fiber. Add fresh tomatoes and onions and we have ourselves one nutrient-packed dip made from super fresh ingredients.

What are some guacamole variations?

There are many ways to change up this classic dip. For more spice, add in some jalapeño or serrano pepper, or opt for cayenne. You can sweeten it up by using pineapples or mangoes, as well.

What makes guacamole turn brown?

An enzyme in the flesh of avocados reacts with air to turn the meat brown. This is called oxidation, similar to apples and other fruit. To avoid this, include citrus, like lime juice, and ensure as little air as possible touches the dip by using plastic wrap or Ziploc bags when storing.

A hand dipping a corn tortilla chip into a big bowl full of a simple guacamole with tomatoes and onions.

Make it a Meal

Since guacamole is a traditional Mexican cuisine dip, there are numerous dishes you can serve it with.  A few of my favorites include:

More Healthy Dip Recipes

If you love dips, try one of these other delicious snack and appetizer recipes:

Tap stars to rate!

5 from 2 votes

Homemade Guacamole Recipe

This Homemade Guacamole Recipe is loaded with creamy avocados, fresh lime juice, tomatoes, cilantro, and is so quick and easy to make! It's the absolute BEST healthy dip and a super popular game day snack or Cinco de Mayo appetizer.
Yield 8 servings
Prep 15 minutes
Total 15 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 4 large avocados ripe, peeled, pitted
  • 1 Tbsp. lime juice fresh
  • ½ tsp. cumin
  • ¼ tsp. paprika
  • ¼ tsp. garlic powder
  • ½-¾ tsp. salt to taste
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup sweet onion finely diced
  • ½ cup tomatoes finely diced
  • ¼ cup cilantro finely chopped

Instructions 

  • Place peeled, pitted, and quartered avocados and lime juice in a large bowl.
  • Begin mashing avocados with a large fork or potato masher.*
  • Add cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  • Add tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.  Mix ingredients until just combined and guacamole is to your desired creaminess.
  • Serve guacamole immediately with tortilla chips or with your favorite Mexican dish.  Enjoy!

Tap stars to rate!

5 from 2 votes

Video

Notes

Meal Prep & Storage

  • To Prep-Ahead: Chop tomatoes, onions, and cilantro up to 1-2 days ahead of time.
  • To Store: Guacamole is best served immediately after making, but it can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24-48 hours. Be sure to completely cover with plastic wrap so no dip is exposed to air. This will keep it from turning brown.
  • To Freeze: I would not recommend freezing.  The taste, texture, and consistency will be largely affected.  You are better off just making it from scratch!

Nutrition

Calories: 167kcal, Carbohydrates: 10g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 128mg, Potassium: 522mg, Fiber: 7g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 335IU, Vitamin C: 12.4mg, Calcium: 15mg, Iron: 0.8mg

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

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Comments

    1. Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for sharing, and thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment!

  1. 5 stars
    Simply delicious!! Much better & more satisfying than the guacamole recipe I used to make. I am so happy & excited to have discovered Evolving Table a while back! Every dish I have tried has been great. And, I’ve been able to prepare super yummy gluten free recipes for my co-worker. Thanks so much & keep the delicious coming!

    1. Yay! I’m so excited you discovered it, too, and that you enjoyed the guacamole recipe! Let me know if there are any particular recipes you’re looking for and I’ll see what I can do 🙂

    1. Great question! You can either use a large fork or a paring knife and slice it until it’s your desired consistency.

  2. I never made guacamole before because my husband doesn’t like it. I made this particular version for a get together and everyone there loved it including my husband. Will make this again. Thank you. Tina Werts

    1. Yay for a hubby-approved-recipe WIN! So happy to hear you both enjoyed it so much. Thanks for your comment and rating, Tina!

  3. Why don’t I make my own guac all the time? It’s this easy and everyone loves it! Also – I’m all for the potato masher 🙂