Name: Quick and Easy Classic Guacamole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 ripe avocados, halved and cores removed; Juice of 1/2 a lime; Juice of 1/2 a lemon; 1/4 cup sweet onion, small dice; 2 roma tomatoes, seeds removed, diced; 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, minced; 1/2 jalapeño, seeds removed as desired, minced; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 3/4 teaspoon coarse salt; Pinch cayenne, as desired

Jump to Recipe

If you are searching for a vibrant, flavorful, and downright irresistible dip to elevate your snack game, look no further than this Quick and Easy Classic Guacamole. Perfectly creamy with a zesty kick and a touch of freshness, this guacamole recipe is a celebration of ripe avocados combined with just the right blend of herbs, spices, and citrus. It’s a crowd-pleaser whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just craving something fresh and wholesome for yourself. Trust me, once you try this, homemade guacamole will become your new favorite ritual!

Quick and Easy Classic Guacamole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this guacamole lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is straightforward and plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this dip so unforgettable. From creamy avocados to the brightness of lime and lemon, plus the subtle heat from jalapeño and the fresh burst of tomatoes and cilantro, every element adds character without overpowering.

3 ripe avocados, halved and cores removed: The creamy base that makes guacamole luscious and satisfying.
Juice of 1/2 a lime: Adds a bright, tangy freshness that keeps the avocado from browning.
Juice of 1/2 a lemon: Balances acidity and boosts overall flavor complexity.
1/4 cup sweet onion, small dice: Gives a mild crunch and delicate sweetness for contrast.
2 roma tomatoes, seeds removed, diced: Adds juicy texture and vibrant color without too much moisture.
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, minced: Infuses a classic herbaceous note that’s essential in guacamole.
1/2 jalapeño, seeds removed as desired, minced: Adds a gentle heat that wakes up all the flavors.
1 clove garlic, minced: Brings a subtle depth and savory warmth to the dip.
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin: Introduces an earthy nuance that elevates the guacamole’s complexity.
3/4 teaspoon coarse salt: Enhances all flavors and ensures the guacamole isn’t bland.
Pinch cayenne, as desired: For those who like an extra hint of spicy excitement.

How to Make Quick and Easy Classic Guacamole

Step 1: Scoop Out the Avocado

Start by cutting your ripe avocados in half lengthwise, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a medium-sized bowl. The key here is to choose perfectly ripe avocados—they should give slightly to gentle pressure but not feel mushy. This ensures your guacamole’s texture will be creamy but not sloppy.

Step 2: Add Citrus Juices

Pour in the fresh lime and lemon juice over the avocado. These citrus juices not only bring a bright zing but also serve as natural preservatives to slow browning, keeping your guacamole looking fresh and inviting for longer.

Step 3: Mix in the Veggies and Herbs

Next, stir in your onion, tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeño, and garlic. The diced onion and tomatoes provide a lovely crunch and juicy bursts, while the fresh cilantro and jalapeño add that unmistakable punch of herbal brightness and spicy warmth that guacamole is famous for.

Step 4: Season with Spices and Salt

Finally, sprinkle in the ground cumin, coarse salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. The cumin lends a slightly smoky earthiness, salt amplifies the natural flavors, and cayenne adds a gentle heat that will tantalize your taste buds without overpowering the creamy avocado.

Step 5: Gently Combine

Fold all the ingredients together gently, just until combined. Over-mixing can make the guacamole too mushy, while under-mixing leaves uneven flavors. Aim for a balance where you have creamy avocado speckled with vibrant bursts of color and texture.

How to Serve Quick and Easy Classic Guacamole

Garnishes

While this guacamole shines on its own, adding garnishes can bring an extra layer of sophistication and flavor. Try sprinkling chopped fresh cilantro or thinly sliced radishes on top for a colorful touch. A few pomegranate seeds sprinkled over the surface can add a pop of sweetness and a jewel-like appearance that impresses every time.

Side Dishes

This Quick and Easy Classic Guacamole traditionally pairs with crunchy tortilla chips, but don’t stop there. It’s also fantastic alongside grilled meats, atop tacos, or dolloped over roasted vegetables. For a lighter option, serve with fresh veggie sticks like carrot, cucumber, or bell peppers for a refreshing crunch that contrasts the creamy dip beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to jazz up your guacamole presentation? Serve it in a hollowed-out avocado shell for a fun and eco-friendly touch that will get your guests talking. You can also layer it in transparent glasses with salsa and sour cream to create guacamole parfaits that look as delicious as they taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Guacamole is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to minimize air exposure and browning. Keep it refrigerated and consume within 1-2 days for the best flavor and vibrant green color.

Freezing

Freezing guacamole isn’t typically recommended because the texture of avocados changes when thawed; it often becomes watery or grainy. However, if you must freeze it, store it in a freezer-safe container with as little air as possible and use within a month. Thaw in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before serving, though the texture won’t be quite the same.

Reheating

Guacamole is generally served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If you prefer a warmer dip, consider using it as a fresh topping on a warm dish rather than heating the guacamole itself to preserve its creamy texture and fresh flavors.

FAQs

Can I use other types of avocados for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Hass avocados are preferred for their creamy texture and rich flavor, any ripe avocado variety will work. Just ensure they are ripe so your guacamole stays smooth and flavorful.

How do I keep my guacamole from turning brown?

The key is citrus juice and limiting air exposure. The lime and lemon juice in this recipe help tremendously, and pressing plastic wrap directly onto the guacamole’s surface before storing slows oxidation, keeping it green longer.

Can I make this guacamole spicier?

Definitely! The jalapeño is adjustable based on your heat preference, and you can add more cayenne pepper or even diced serrano peppers if you like your guac with a hotter kick.

Is it okay to mash the avocado completely smooth?

It’s all about preference! Traditional guacamole often has a chunky texture to enjoy those bursts of flavor from the veggies and herbs, but if you prefer a smoother dip, you can mash it more thoroughly.

Can I substitute fresh cilantro if I don’t like it?

Yes, you can skip cilantro or replace it with fresh parsley or basil if cilantro is not your favorite, though the flavor profile will differ slightly from the classic taste.

Final Thoughts

This Quick and Easy Classic Guacamole is more than just a dip; it’s a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. It’s easy to make, endlessly versatile, and sure to delight your taste buds every single time. Give it a try, share it with friends, and you might just find yourself reaching for avocados a little more often from now on!

Quick and Easy Classic Guacamole Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 11 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Quick and Easy Classic Guacamole recipe offers a fresh and zesty twist on the traditional avocado dip. Combining ripe avocados with lime and lemon juice, sweet onion, tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, and spices, this guacamole delivers a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. Ready in just minutes, it pairs perfectly with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos and salads.

Instructions

Prepare Avocado: Scoop out the flesh of the 3 ripe avocados into a medium-sized bowl, ensuring all the creamy parts are removed from the skin and pit.
Add Citrus Juices: Pour in the juice of 1/2 a lime and 1/2 a lemon to add brightness and to prevent the avocado from browning.
Mix in Vegetables and Herbs: Add the diced sweet onion, diced roma tomatoes with seeds removed, minced fresh cilantro, and minced jalapeño to the bowl. Stir gently to combine.
Season the Guacamole: Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, coarse salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper according to your spice preference. Mix everything thoroughly but gently to keep some texture.
Serve Fresh: Serve your guacamole immediately with your favorite tortilla chips or as a topping for Mexican-inspired dishes for best flavor and freshness.

Notes

Adjust jalapeño quantity to control spiciness.
Use fresh lime and lemon juice for best flavor and to prevent browning.
Consume immediately or store airtight in the refrigerator with plastic wrap touching the surface to minimize discoloration.
For a smoother guacamole, mash the avocado more thoroughly before mixing.
Optional: Add diced red onion instead of sweet onion for a sharper flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dip
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: Mexican