Best Ever Guacamole

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This is the absolute Best Ever Guacamole recipe! Super easy to make and fully customizable. Perfect look, flavor and texture. Let's learn how to make it!

Two bowls of guacamole, a lime, a chili pepper and scattered tortilla chips.

This is the best ever guacamole recipe of all time for a reason! Fresh avocado, tasty spices and fresh veggie chunks galore!

Make a big batch and serve it with our Cauliflower Soyrizo Tacos or our Vegan Sofritas Tamales. You absolutely can't go wrong!

Bowl of guacamole on a pink surface with tortilla chips.

Ingredients

Here's a short explanation as to why each ingredient is used in this recipe:

ripe avocados – The creamy, rich base of guacamole; ripe avocados are essential for the smooth, buttery texture and mild flavor.
Juice of 1 lime – Adds brightness and acidity, enhances flavor, and helps prevent the avocados from browning too quickly.
red onion – Adds sharpness and crunch, balancing the richness of the avocado with a mild bite.
garlic – Introduces depth and a savory, aromatic quality that enhances the overall flavor.
jalapeño – Brings heat and a subtle fresh spice that gives guacamole its signature kick.
roma tomato – Adds freshness, moisture, and a slight sweetness to balance the flavors.
chili powder – Adds a warm, earthy spice and a bit of complexity.
salt – Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors of the other ingredients.
black pepper – Adds mild heat and enhances the savory components of the dip.

Bowl of guacamole and a wooden cutting board with guacamole ingredients.

Why you'll love this recipe:

Ultra creamy texture from perfectly ripe avocados.
Balanced flavor with the right mix of spice, acidity, and richness.
Fresh and vibrant ingredients like tomato, lime, and red onion add layers of taste.
Quick and easy to make — ready in under 10 minutes.
Bold, savory notes from garlic and chili powder elevate it beyond basic guac.
Perfectly seasoned — not bland, not overpowering. Just right.
Versatile — great as a dip, topping, or spread.

How to Make Guacamole (with pictures!):

Please see the recipe card at the bottom of the page for full instructions and ingredient measurements.

Begin by prepping all of your ingredients. Chop, dice and mince your veggies and pit your avocados.

guacamole ingredients on a wooden cutting board.

Add all of your pitted avocados to a large mixing bowl. Mash with a fork or potato masher until your desired consistency is reached.

Drizzle in the fresh lime juice and stir thoroughly to coat the mash avocados to prevent browning.

guacamole ingredients in a large glass bowl.

Add the rest of the ingredients to the bowl and gently fold them in.

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, making sure the wrap is touching the guacamole directly. This will keep extra air out.

Chill guac for at least 1 hour prior to serving. This will allow time for the flavors to meld.

Secret to Good Guacamole

Here are some top tips for making perfect guacamole every time:

Choose ripe avocados: They should yield slightly when pressed. Too firm = bland and chunky. Too soft = mushy or overripe.
Add lime juice right away: It brightens the flavor and helps prevent browning. Add more to taste, but don’t skip it.
Use fresh ingredients: Select ripe tomatoes, onions, garlic, and jalapeño for maximum flavor. Fresh ingredients will enhance the overall taste of your guacamole.
Mince ingredients finely: Especially onion, garlic, and jalapeño—so they blend smoothly into the avocado instead of overwhelming it.
Add tomatoes last: They add freshness but can make guac watery. Gently fold them in at the end.
Season well: Salt is crucial to bring out the flavors. Start with a little, then taste and adjust.
Mash to your preferred texture: Use a fork or potato masher—some like it chunky, others smoother. Just don’t over-process.
Serve fresh (but you can chill briefly): Guacamole is best right after making, but a short chill (30-60 minutes) helps meld flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if an avocado is ripe enough for guacamole?

Gently squeeze near the top (stem end)—it should give slightly but not feel mushy. If it's rock hard, wait a few days. If it leaves an indent, it may be overripe.

Can I make guacamole ahead of time?

Yes, but it's best eaten fresh. If making ahead, store it in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface and refrigerate for up to 1–2 days.

How do I keep guacamole from turning brown?

Lime juice helps, but the biggest trick is reducing air exposure. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface or cover tightly with a lid. You can also smooth the top and add a thin layer of lime juice or water (drain before serving).

How can I make guacamole spicier (or milder)?

For more heat, add extra minced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne. For a milder version, remove jalapeño seeds and membranes or skip it entirely.

Can I use a food processor to make guacamole?

You can, but it's easy to over-process. For better texture, mash avocados by hand with a fork or potato masher—this gives you more control over consistency.

Can I freeze guacamole?

Technically yes, but the texture may suffer once thawed. If you try freezing it, do so without any watery add-ins (like tomato), and seal it tightly with minimal air.

Two bowls of guacamole on a pink surface with scattered tortilla chips.

Serving/Pairing Ideas

Here are some delicious serving suggestions and pairing ideas for your guacamole:

Classic

Tortilla chips – A timeless and perfect pairing.
Fresh veggie sticks – Like cucumber, bell pepper, jicama, or carrots for a lighter option.
Warm pita or flatbread – A soft, chewy alternative to chips.

Meal Pairings

Tacos – Spoon it onto black bean, veggie, or tofu tacos for creamy contrast.
Burrito bowls – Add a generous scoop to bowls filled with rice, beans, grilled veggies, and salsa.
Quesadillas – Use as a dip or spread inside for extra flavor.

Creative Uses

Toast topper – Spread on sourdough and top with cherry tomatoes or radishes.
Burger or sandwich spread – Especially great on vegan burgers or grilled portobello sandwiches.
Salad dressing base – Thin it out with lime juice and a splash of olive oil.

Bowl of guacamole, lime halves and a linen napkin.

Recipe Variations

Here are some tasty and fun recipe variations to put a twist on classic guacamole:

Tropical Guacamole: Add ½ cup diced mango or pineapple. Optional: a bit of chopped mint or cilantro also pairs nicely here!
Roasted Corn Guacamole: Mix in ½ cup roasted or grilled corn kernels. A touch of smoked paprika gives it a warm, smoky depth.
Black Bean Guacamole: Stir in ½ cup cooked black beans. Adds protein, texture, and an earthy flavor.
Creamy Vegan Guac: Add 2 tablespoons vegan sour cream or plain unsweetened non-dairy yogurt. Makes it ultra smooth and tangy.
Crunchy Cucumber Guacamole: Fold in ¼ cup finely diced cucumber. Refreshing, hydrating, and adds a cool crunch.
Herb-Loaded Guac: Add chopped fresh cilantro, parsley, or even basil. Great for an herbaceous twist.

Chip dipping into a bowl of guacamole on a pink surface.

Bowl of guacamole, spoonful of salt and scattered tortilla chips.

Storage

Here are a few storage tips to keep your guacamole from turning brown:

Use an airtight container: Transfer guac to a small container that minimizes air space.
Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface: This is key to reducing browning. Smooth the guacamole and press the wrap so it touches the top of the guac with no air pockets.
Optional: Add a protective layer - Pour a thin layer of lime juice or cold water on top before sealing. Drain it off before serving—this barrier helps prevent oxidation.
Refrigerate immediately: Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s best eaten within 24 hours for optimal flavor and color.
Stir before serving: If it slightly browns, stir the top layer into the rest. It’s still safe to eat unless it smells off or turns grayish-brown throughout.

Hand holding a chip dipped in guacamole.

Please remember if you make this recipe to snap a pic and share with @censoredbaker on instagram!