By Becky Hardin
Published Apr 19, 2023
I’m a big fan of Mexican food and all dips, so of course I’m obsessed with guacamole too. I cut this Simple Guacamole Recipe down to the basics and it is so fresh. Everything blends together to create the perfect, creamy flavor. This Homemade Guacamole Recipe is my favorite dip for Mexican dinners. I could eat it all day!
What’s in this Simple Guacamole Recipe?
I consider this the best guacamole ever because it’s just so simple. There’s nothing better than the fresh, creamy taste of avocado, mashed up perfectly so that it’s still a little chunky. The jalapeno, onion, and cilantro paste blends in so seamlessly with the creamy avocado to create the best guacamole recipe ever.
- Avocado: The perfect creamy, dreamy, and delicious base for any guacamole recipe. Look for avocados that are just beginning to turn soft but aren’t mushy.
- Onion: Because we’re leaving the onions raw here, sweeter white onions are the best choice!
- Jalapeño: Adds just a hint of spiciness. Feel free to adjust the amount according to your personal tastes.
- Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is the key to a great guacamole! I do not recommend using bottled.
- Cilantro: I know this can be a polarizing ingredient, but it adds so much freshness! If you have the cilantro tastes like soap gene, feel free to use parsley instead.
- Salt: Enhances all of the other flavors.
Pro Tip: If your onions still seem too strong, try soaking them in ice water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the paste.
Variations on Guacamole
This is the platonic ideal guacamole recipe. It’s a perfect blank canvas for all kinds of modifications. For a spicier guac, try swapping the jalapeño for a serrano or poblano pepper. Stretch this dip out by adding some corn or black beans.
For a bit of crunch, top your guacamole with toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds). For even more creaminess, top it with fresh cotija or feta cheese.
You could even mix this guacamole with some of my other favorite dips, like avocado corn salsa , esquites , salsa verde , or cowboy caviar !
Guacamole contains healthy nutrients like monounsaturated fats, fiber, folate, and potassium. However, it is a calorically dense food, so enjoy it in moderation!
Homemade guacamole should last in the refrigerator up to a couple of days. If your guacamole does turn brown, it’s still okay to eat it. Just scrape away the layer of brown and eat the green guacamole. It’s best not to consume the oxidized (brown) portion. And if it’s been more than 3 days, you should throw it out and make a new batch.
Since this is the best guacamole recipe, you definitely want to keep it from turning brown before it’s gone. What’s the easiest way to stop guacamole from turning brown? Eat it all at once! But if you can’t do that, use these tricks: 1) Store your guacamole in an airtight container 2) Seal the top of the container with plastic wrap before putting the lid on top 3) Add extra lime juice on top of the guac before sealing 4) Try putting the avocado pit straight into the container of guacamole before storing 5) Add a thin layer of water or olive oil on top of the guac & seal shut
I do not recommend freezing guacamole, as the texture changes dramatically once thawed.
Yes! Basic guacamole is keto-friendly. It’s usually all the extra additions that make guac less keto friendly, so keep it simple!
How to Store
Store leftover guacamole in an airtight container with a layer of plastic wrap between the container and the lid. Spritz the surface of the guacamole with lime juice before sealing.
You can also add the avocado pit to the container or top the avocado with a thin layer of water or olive oil to help prevent browning. Guacamole will keep for up to 3 days if stored properly in the refrigerator. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature. I do not recommend freezing guacamole.
Serving Suggestions
This simple recipe is the perfect topping to add to your tacos, burritos, and nachos. And of course, it’s the most delicious dip for your tortilla chips! Enjoy it on top of Baked Chicken Tacos , Queso Smothered Chicken Fajitas , Cheesy Enchilada Stuffed Peppers , Chicken Quesadillas ,or Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas . Use it in 7 layer dip or guacamole bean dip for that extra homemade touch.
This homemade guac would go perfectly with any of those dishes… and it would also taste great on mini taquitos , on this Mexican Chicken Salad Sandwich , or with these Foil Packet Nachos . I think you get my point!
For a ton of serving suggestions, see our Cinco de Mayo recipes !
Ingredients1x2x3x
- ▢ ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro divided
- ▢ 3 tablespoons minced white onion
- ▢ ½-¾ teaspoon kosher salt not table salt or fine grain salt
- ▢ 1 fresh jalapeño pepper stem, seeds, and membranes removed; diced
- ▢ 2 pounds avocados (about 4 small) halved, pitted, and cubed
- ▢ 2-3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice from 1-2 limes
- ▢ Chopped fresh tomatoes optional, for garnish
- ▢ Tortilla chips for serving
Video
Instructions
- Mash 2 tablespoons cilantro, minced onion, ½ teaspoon salt, and jalapeño into a paste using a mortar and pestle. ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro, 3 tablespoons minced white onion, ½-¾ teaspoon kosher salt, 1 fresh jalapeño pepper
- If the mortar is large enough, add the avocado and lime juice to the cilantro paste and lightly mash together to desired consistency. (If the mortar is too small, transfer all ingredients to a bowl to mix.) Gently mix in reserved cilantro. 2 pounds avocados, 2-3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- Season to taste with more salt and/or lime juice.
- Garnish with chopped tomatoes, if desired, and serve with chips. Tortilla chips, Chopped fresh tomatoes
Equipment
- Mortar and Pestle
Becky’s Tips
- This is a well-balanced guacamole with mild heat. If more heat is desired, add another jalapeno.
- This recipe calls for a Mortar and Pestle. If you don’t have one, you can use the bottom of a sturdy glass and a cutting board…or anything that could easily mash/crush ingredients together.
- Nutritional information does not include optional ingredients or tortilla chips.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
More Guacamole Recipes We Love
- Food Processor Guacamole
- Tequila Guacamole
- BLT Guacamole
Guacamole Recipe
Equipment
- Mortar and Pestle
Ingredients
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro divided
- 3 tablespoons minced white onion
- ½-¾ teaspoon kosher salt not table salt or fine grain salt
- 1 fresh jalapeño pepper stem, seeds, and membranes removed; diced
- 2 pounds avocados (about 4 small) halved, pitted, and cubed
- 2-3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice from 1-2 limes
- Chopped fresh tomatoes optional, for garnish
- Tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
- Mash 2 tablespoons cilantro, minced onion, ½ teaspoon salt, and jalapeño into a paste using a mortar and pestle. ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro, 3 tablespoons minced white onion, ½-¾ teaspoon kosher salt, 1 fresh jalapeño pepper
- If the mortar is large enough, add the avocado and lime juice to the cilantro paste and lightly mash together to desired consistency. (If the mortar is too small, transfer all ingredients to a bowl to mix.) Gently mix in reserved cilantro. 2 pounds avocados, 2-3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- Season to taste with more salt and/or lime juice.
- Garnish with chopped tomatoes, if desired, and serve with chips. Tortilla chips, Chopped fresh tomatoes
Video
Notes
- This is a well-balanced guacamole with mild heat. If more heat is desired, add another jalapeno.
- This recipe calls for a Mortar and Pestle. If you don’t have one, you can use the bottom of a sturdy glass and a cutting board…or anything that could easily mash/crush ingredients together.
- Nutritional information does not include optional ingredients or tortilla chips.
Nutrition
By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017
This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.
Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!
Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On
Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)
Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen
Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen
Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use
26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them
What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?
Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)
How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)
Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
