Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 150kcal
As the sun starts shining and friends gather for backyard barbecues, there’s one dish that just steals the scene at any get-together—guacamole. Whether served alongside crispy tortilla chips, smeared on a fresh tortilla for tacos, or dolloped atop grilled meats, guacamole is the crowd-pleaser we all crave. Nothing beats the satisfaction of dipping into this creamy, flavorful goodness. And let’s be honest, the right guacamole can elevate your entire meal.
Today, I'm excited to share my 5-star guacamole recipe. This isn’t just any dip; it’s vibrant, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. My version of guacamole relies on high-quality ingredients that blend beautifully without overpowering the natural creaminess of ripe avocados. You’ll find that this recipe is simple yet delicious enough to make your friends and family think you’re a culinary genius—when in reality, it takes just minutes to whip up!
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This 5-star guacamole is sometimes considered a celebrity in the appetizer world. It balances the rich, creamy texture of avocado with zesty lime, fresh herbs, and just the right touch of spice. The result is a dip that's perfect for chips, slathered on sandwiches, or enjoyed with grilled seafood. While it pays homage to traditional recipes, my version is designed to be quick and hassle-free. Trust me, this guacamole will become a staple at all your gatherings!
To make this fabulously creamy guacamole, here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 ripe avocados - for that creamy base
- ¼ cup of finely chopped fresh cilantro - adds a refreshing herbal flavor
- ¼ cup red onion, diced - gives a slight crunch and sweetness
- Zest and juice of 2 limes - for zingy freshness
- 1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced - adds a touch of heat
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste - essential for flavor enhancement
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin - optional, but recommended for earthiness
- 1 Roma tomato, seeded and diced - for color and a burst of juicy sweetness
- 1 clove garlic, minced (new addition) - brings depth to the flavor profile
Now that you've gathered your ingredients, let’s dive into how to put everything together. Making guacamole is truly a simple process, but following these steps ensures your dip comes out just perfect.
First things first, you’ll need to slice open those luscious avocados. Use a sharp knife to cut them in half lengthwise, carefully avoiding the pit. Twist the halves gently to separate them, and use a spoon to scoop out the vibrant green flesh into a mixing bowl. Here’s a pro tip: If the avocados are ripe, they should give slightly when pressed.
Once your avocados are in the bowl, grab a fork or a potato masher. Feeling a bit adventurous? You could use a mortar and pestle for a classic touch! Gently mash the avocado until it reaches your desired consistency—smooth or chunky, the choice is yours. Don’t over-mash; you want to preserve that creamy texture.
Now, it’s time to get to the fresh ingredients. Toss in the diced red onion, chopped cilantro, diced jalapeño, minced garlic, and the diced Roma tomato. When mixing, try not to break down the tomato too much; you want those lovely chunks to enhance your dip.
Next, add the zest and juice of those juicy limes to your mix. Lime juice is the secret superstar here; it not only adds flavor but also prevents the avocados from browning. Now sprinkle in the sea salt and the optional cumin. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. If you're feeling adventurous, a dash more salt can make all the difference.
Although you might be tempted to dig right in, letting your guacamole rest for about 10 to 15 minutes can work wonders, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. This isn’t a must-do, but hey, good things come to those who wait, right?
- Choose the Right Avocado: Always select avocados that are slightly soft to the touch but not mushy.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh lime juice instead of bottled for superior flavor.
- Experiment with Heat: Not everyone enjoys spice, so adjust the jalapeño according to your crowd's preferences.
- Tomato Variations: If Roma tomatoes aren't your favorite, try cherry tomatoes, or leave them out entirely for a more classic guacamole.
- Storage Tip: If you’re making this in advance, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole to minimize browning.
If, and that’s a big if, you have leftovers, storing them properly is key to keeping them fresh. Transfer the guacamole to an airtight container. Press plastic wrap directly on the surface to minimize air exposure, which helps reduce browning. Store in the refrigerator and try to finish it within one to two days for the best quality. For an even longer shelf-life, consider freezing it, although the texture may change slightly once thawed.
Guacamole can be a nutritious addition to your diet. Each serving, with an average of about 150 calories, is packed with healthy fats from the avocados, offering a great source of vitamins C, E, and K. It’s also high in fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.
If you’re looking to amp up your appetizer game, here are some delicious sides that pair wonderfully with guacamole:
- Tortilla Chips: The classic choice, these provide a crunchy, salty counterpart to the creamy guacamole.
- Veggie Sticks: Carrot, celery, and bell pepper sticks add a fresh, healthy crunch.
- Tacos: Whether chicken, fish, or veggie, guacamole adds a lovely creaminess.
- Quesadillas: Melted cheese and guacamole make a match made in heaven.
- Corn on the Cob: Slather a bit of guacamole on grilled corn for a tasty twist.
Customization is at the heart of this recipe. Here are some substitutes to consider:
- Green Onions Instead of Red Onion: Offers a milder flavor that adds a nice touch.
- White Wine Vinegar for Lime Juice: Like a splash of citrus, it brightens the flavor.
- Cilantro Paste for Fresh Cilantro: If you want to save time, this is an excellent option.
- Sour Cream for Extra Creaminess: Add just a spoonful for a different flair.
- Grapes for a Sweet Twist: Diced grapes can add a fun sweetness to the mix.
In a world where appetizers come and go, this 5-star guacamole recipe is here to stay. It’s easy to prepare, completely customizable, and filled with fresh, flavorful ingredients that will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!). So, whether it's for casual hangouts, holiday gatherings, or just a Thursday night snack, you can’t go wrong with this dip. Grab some avocados and start mashing—your taste buds will thank you!
Today, I'm excited to share my 5-star guacamole recipe. This isn’t just any dip; it’s vibrant, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. My version of guacamole relies on high-quality ingredients that blend beautifully without overpowering the natural creaminess of ripe avocados. You’ll find that this recipe is simple yet delicious enough to make your friends and family think you’re a culinary genius—when in reality, it takes just minutes to whip up!
Servings 6
- Choose the Right Avocado: Always select avocados that are slightly soft to the touch but not mushy.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh lime juice instead of bottled for superior flavor.
- Experiment with Heat: Not everyone enjoys spice, so adjust the jalapeño according to your crowd's preferences.
- Tomato Variations: If Roma tomatoes aren't your favorite, try cherry tomatoes, or leave them out entirely for a more classic guacamole.
- Storage Tip: If you’re making this in advance, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole to minimize browning.
Iris Miller is a registered dietitian and the creator of Friendsgiving Food Ideas, a blog dedicated to festive, accessible recipes that bring people together. Based in Colorado, Iris combines her passion for nutrition and love of celebrations to create crowd-pleasing dishes for holidays and special occasions. Her goal is to make hosting easy, fun, and inclusive for all dietary needs.