There are thousands of different guacamole recipes floating around and it can be tough to know which one is best. Today we want to share our easy, authentic recipe, which creates a creamy dip with the occasional crunch that will fast become a favorite for National Guacamole Day (September 16).

What Is Guacamole?

Guacamole is an avocado-based dip that is quite common in Mexican cuisine. It’s often eaten with tortilla chips or used to top tacos for a quick snack or light meal.

Guacamole has its roots in the south of Mexico where it appears in written records dating back to the 16th century. Throughout the centuries, the recipe has been altered to suit tastes, however, the main elements are always avocado, tomato, onion, and cilantro.

Is Guacamole Healthy?

In short, yes.

Guacamole is made from avocados, tomatoes, onions, and lime juice, and sometimes calls for other ingredients like garlic, jalapeño peppers, and cilantro. The health benefits of guacamole primarily come from the avocado.

Avocado is full of folate and vitamin E – vitamins that help reduce the risk of heart disease. It also contains oleic acid which has been strongly associated with reduced risks of diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure.

Added health benefits come from the fiber and healthy fats present in avocado. It takes the body more time to digest these substances, so you feel full for longer after consuming them.

Most importantly, the healthy fats in avocados are monounsaturated fats – the best kind to assist you on your weight loss journey.

Another healthful ingredient in guacamole is tomato. Tomatoes have a sufficient amount of the antioxidant vitamins C and E to boost your immune system and improve your overall health.

1. Calories

We serve our guacamole with chips, which makes each serving provide 256 calories. We recommend serving the dish as a side accompanied by a main dish to reach 750 calories for lunch or dinner.

2. Carbs

There are 25.4 grams of carbohydrates in one serving of our guacamole, which accounts for 9 percent of the USDA recommended daily carbs intake.

Guacamole Ingredients

This guacamole recipe is meant to be easy to prepare and delicious. Our blend contains fresh ingredients that seem to melt together nice and smoothly.

1. Avocado Guacamole

Avocado guacamole is the most authentic recipe and calls for some simple ingredients: avocado, onion, lime juice, cilantro, jalapeno pepper, and salt. Don’t let the simplicity of the recipe fool you, there’s a good reason this creamy dip has always been a staple in Mexican cuisine.

Thanks to the combination of creamy, sharp, and sour elements, the resulting flavor is way more diverse than the short list of ingredients. You can scoop it up with tortilla chips, spread it on sandwiches or wraps, or simply combine it with a salad.

It’s easy to master guacamole and once you make this basic version successfully, you can experiment with all of your favorite add-ins.

2. Spicy Guacamole

If you prefer things a little hotter, peppers pack in extra heat and flavor to the creamy and chunky avocado. The crunchiness of onion and freshness of cilantro balance out the flavor and feel of the guacamole, making sure that your dip has a nice touch of heat from chilies but that it isn’t overwhelming.

Pro tip: If the heat is too intense for you, remove the seeds and the white membranes of peppers before chopping them.

Guacamole Seasoning

Everyone has their own opinion when it comes to seasoning this avocado-based dip.

Some like to keep it simple so that they can enjoy the fresh mild taste of avocado by adding only salt and lemon juice. Others like to go crazy with added seasoning: ground peppers, chilies, garlic powder, onion powder, or cumin.

If you’re feeling adventurous, here are some inspired combos:

1. Taco Seasoning

Mix the same spices you would use for tacos to make a savory guac that pairs beautifully with chicken or beef tacos.

2 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground black pepper

2. Chipotle Seasoning

This chipotle seasoning is not only great on meat but also works with guac. Combining the two creates a great spicy note for any Mexican dish.

1 tbsp chipotle powder
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp salt

What Else Goes With Guacamole

Guacamole can be made with many different ingredients and additives. A small tip on how to create a new tasty guacamole recipe is to think in terms of flavor pairings.

1. Peas

Green peas intensify the green color of your guac and stay green as they don’t turn brown like avocado. And you really can’t taste them, they just add a slight sweetness to the dip. Not to mention, peas are a great source of fiber, vitamin A, iron, and folate.

Just thaw frozen green peas before using. Then combine them with the other ingredients in a food processor and blend until they reach the desired consistency.

2. Salsa

Marry two of your favorite Mexican dips in one bowl and you’ll create the mouth-watering salsa guacamole. The tangy flavor from tomatillos and silky texture from avocado really elevate the dish, making it a joy to eat.

3. Sour Cream

Sour cream adds a little acidity which helps the fresh color of avocado last longer. Plus, it also makes the dip extra creamy, smooth, and more addictive. You can try adding roasted corn for a contrasting texture and vibrant color.

4. Mayo

A teaspoon of mayonnaise is perfect to amp up the creaminess of your guac. This dip is great on burgers or dolloped in a salad.

How to Make Homemade Guacamole

Step 1: Mash avocado

Add avocado, salt, cumin, and lime juice to a bowl. Use a fork to mash the mixture together until blended.

Step 2: Combine tomatoes, pepper, onion

Add tomatoes, jalapeno pepper, red onion, garlic, scallion, and cilantro. Fold until combined, being careful not to overmix the dip.

Step 3: Serve

Serve with tortilla chips.

Is It Okay To Eat Guacamole That Has Turned Brown?

This actually depends. If the guacamole has turned brown due to oxidation, then it’s fine and should not make you sick. However, the flavor is nowhere near as nice as when it’s still green. On the other hand, if the brown is due to a microbial or fungal invasion, then it’s probably not safe to have a bite.

“So, how do you tell the difference between the two?”, you might ask.

No need to worry or wonder. Fungus-invaded avocados can be identified right from the outlook, which means you steer clear of them long before you make your guacamole.

Avocados with microbial problems normally appear pale with brownish scars on their skin, resembling damage from fungus. Sometimes they come covered with webbed patterns or roundish blotches which rot to the inner fruit flesh, so there’s no longer the fresh, green color.

Can You Make Guacamole Ahead Of Time?

Yes, but still – it’s better to enjoy guacamole the same day you make it. Avocados will go brown quickly whenever they have been cut and kept for over a day, even under refrigeration.

In case you have no other alternative but to leave leftovers to brown – don’t fret, just scrape off the top darker layer and the remaining underneath should be green and edible.

How Long Does Guacamole Last?

Guacamole, containing avocado, turns brown quickly as a result of air exposure. You should keep the dish at room temperature for 2 hours maximum.

For longer storage, place plastic wrap directly on top of your guacamole to protect it from oxidation. The dip can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Can You Freeze Guacamole?

Yes, you can. However, we wouldn’t recommend it as the freezing and thawing process will change the texture. The liquid might separate from the mixture which affects the fresh and buttery taste of the dip.

If you do need to freeze some, you should put it in a bowl, along with some cut up lime slices or drops of lime juice on the surface. Then, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap.

Otherwise, spread a thin layer of sour cream onto the smooth surface of the guacamole and cover it with plastic wrap before freezing it. Both methods help to slow oxidation.

What to Eat With Guacamole

Composed of avocado, diced onions, tomatoes, and cilantro, guacamole is both delicious and versatile. Here are just a few options to pair it with:.

1. Chips

There has been a longstanding courtship between guacamole and tortilla chips. Chips are starchy enough to support guacamole and salty enough to complement the creaminess of the dip.

2. Seafood

Roasted shrimp tastes amazing when paired with guacamole. Another way to enjoy this dip is to spread it directly on smoked salmon, then serve it with some rice or pasta for a filling and nutritious meal.

3. Vegetables

And you can forget about the fatty ranch and other sauces. Dip crunchy, cool veggies like carrots into guacamole for a delicious, healthy midday snack.If you are looking for other healthy snacks or light appetizers, our pico de gallo is a great option and works well with our guacamole.

More Quick & Easy Related Recipes:

Hot Tags