The Easiest and Most Delicious Guacamole

Name: Guacamole
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2-3 Cups
Ingredients: 3 large avocados; 1/3 c. red onion, roughly chopped; 1/4 c. tomatoes, roughly chopped; 1-2 Tbsp. minced garlic, jarred or fresh; 1 - 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

Appetizers

Oct 16

Written By Kali Terry

Guacamole is one of those perfect dishes that can be enjoyed in almost any situation. Whether you're hosting a party, preparing for a family dinner, or simply craving a fresh snack, guacamole is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s creamy, savory, and packed with flavor, thanks to the richness of ripe avocados, the crispness of fresh vegetables, and the perfect balance of seasonings. This simple and delicious guacamole recipe is the ideal go-to for anyone looking to whip up a quick and tasty dip that will impress every time. 🥑🥑

Jump to Recipe

What makes this guacamole so special? First of all, it’s easy—simple, fresh ingredients come together to create a perfect balance of flavors. The avocados form the creamy base, while the red onion adds a mild sharpness, the tomatoes bring a juicy and refreshing element, and the garlic imparts a savory kick. A little kosher salt to taste ties it all together, enhancing all the flavors without overpowering them. There's no need for complicated ingredients or multiple steps. This is guacamole stripped down to the essentials, and the result is as good as it gets.

Let’s take a closer look at each of the ingredients and how they work together:

Avocados: The base of any guacamole, and for good reason. Avocados are rich and creamy, and their buttery texture serves as the perfect canvas for the other ingredients. You want to make sure your avocados are ripe—slightly soft to the touch, but not mushy.
Red Onion: Red onions are a great choice for guacamole because of their milder, slightly sweet flavor compared to yellow or white onions. When finely chopped, they provide a nice crunch and pop of color, making them an essential component of this dip.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes add a fresh and juicy element that balances the richness of the avocados. They bring some acidity and brightness, which contrasts nicely with the creamy texture of the guacamole.
Garlic: Fresh garlic (or jarred, if you prefer convenience) gives the guacamole a bit of a kick. Its savory punch complements the other ingredients without overpowering them.
Kosher Salt: Salt is crucial in bringing out the flavors in guacamole. Kosher salt is preferred here because its coarse grains allow for even distribution and a more controlled saltiness.

Customizing Your Guacamole: Make It Your Own

One of the best things about guacamole is its versatility. This simple recipe serves as a perfect base, but you can easily customize it to suit your own tastes or preferences. Whether you’re a fan of extra spice, a squeeze of citrus, or a more herbaceous flavor, there’s room for creativity. Here are some popular ways to tweak this recipe and make it your own:

1. Cilantro: To Add or Not to Add?

Cilantro is a classic ingredient in many guacamole recipes, adding a fresh, herbaceous flavor that some people absolutely love. However, cilantro is one of those ingredients that can be polarizing. For some, it’s a refreshing addition, while others may experience a phenomenon known as cilantro aversion—where cilantro tastes like soap! If you're one of those people who isn’t a fan of cilantro, feel free to skip it entirely or replace it with another fresh herb like parsley for a different twist.

For those who do enjoy cilantro, a handful of finely chopped leaves will provide that signature burst of flavor. It’s the perfect complement to the richness of the avocado and the sharpness of the onion. If you’re unsure about cilantro’s effect on your taste buds, try adding just a small amount to see how you like it.

2. Lime Juice: Brighten Things Up

Many guacamole recipes call for a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and for good reason—it adds a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the avocado. If you love the zesty kick of lime, adding the juice of half a lime (or more, depending on your preference) is an easy way to elevate the flavor of your guacamole. Lime also helps prevent the guacamole from browning, keeping it looking fresh for longer.

If you prefer a more subtle citrus note, you can adjust the amount of lime juice to your liking. For those who don’t have limes on hand, lemon juice works as an excellent substitute. It brings a similar acidity and freshness to the guacamole, though it does add a slightly different flavor profile.

3. Heat: Spice It Up

For those who like a little heat in their guacamole, adding chili peppers is an easy and effective way to customize the dip. Jalapeños are a popular choice, but you can experiment with other varieties like serrano peppers or even a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder spice, start with just a small amount of chopped jalapeño and taste as you go. For a fiery guacamole, go all-in with a few peppers!

If you want to control the heat, consider removing the seeds from the peppers before adding them to your guacamole, as the seeds are where much of the heat is concentrated. For extra smoky flavor, try adding a small amount of chipotle powder or smoked paprika.

4. Tomato Varieties: A Flavorful Twist

While this recipe uses classic vine tomatoes, you can experiment with different types of tomatoes for varying levels of sweetness and flavor. Cherry or grape tomatoes, for example, add a burst of sweetness that balances the savory ingredients beautifully. Alternatively, you can opt for heirloom tomatoes, which have a deeper, richer flavor. If you prefer your guacamole without tomatoes, simply omit them and let the other ingredients shine.

5. Creaminess: Add a Little Extra Texture

If you love super creamy guacamole, you can mix in a little sour cream or Greek yogurt to achieve that ultra-smooth texture. Just a spoonful will add a bit of tang and make the guacamole even richer. Alternatively, for a twist on the traditional, you can fold in some finely diced red bell pepper or cucumber for a refreshing crunch. These additions give a new texture to the dip and enhance its flavor with minimal effort.

Let the cooking begin!

TIPS AND TRICKS:

- Ensure that the container you use to store the guacamole in is truly airtight to prevent browning.

- The avocados need to be ripe when you make this or they will be impossible to crush.

- If you use table salt instead of kosher salt, use about half the amount listed in the recipe. Add more to taste as needed.

- I don't use fresh garlic in this recipe, but if you want to just adjust the amount to your taste.

Guacamole is an incredibly flexible dish, and the beauty of this recipe is that you can adjust it to match your personal tastes. Whether you’re a cilantro lover, a spice enthusiast, or someone who prefers a more subdued flavor profile, this guacamole recipe can be tailored to suit any palate. Don’t be afraid to play around with different ingredients until you find your perfect combination. After all, the best guacamole is the one that tastes just right for you!