Simple 4-Ingredient Guacamole Recipe - Easy Dip Tutorial (2024)

By Marjory Pilley Published · Updated

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This simple 4-ingredient guacamole recipe makes the best homemade dip. Try it, and you'll be hooked on fresh guac for parties and snacks!

Simple 4-Ingredient Guacamole Recipe - Easy Dip Tutorial (1)

If you think it's too complicated to make, this easy guacamole recipe will change your mind! It takes minutes to prepare and uses basic ingredients you may have in your kitchen.

I make this quick guacamole recipe at least once a week because I always have avocados on the counter. And we love Mexican food. And it's healthy.

In fact, I will go out on a limb and say that we all need more creamy, savory, tangy guacamole in our lives. It brings people together!

  • It's a crowd-pleasing appetizer, especially for a game-day party menu.
  • It's low-carb, served with vegetables or low-carb tortilla chips.
  • It's naturally vegan and gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it.
  • It's festive, so a dollop on burrito bowls or your favorite Mexican meal makes dinner special!

Whether making a big batch for a gathering or one avocado guacamole, you'll need just four things: avocados, lemon juice, salt, and onion. That's it! The proportions are perfect, and it tastes fantastic.

Add other ingredients, like tomatoes, cilantro, and Mexican chiles, depending on what's in the house, your preferences, and the occasion.

Below you'll find step-by-step instructions on how to make the best guacamole, along with tips to customize it.

Plus, you'll learn creative ways to enjoy your guacamole beyond just dipping chips!

Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • Directions
  • How Long Does Guacamole Last in the Fridge?
  • FAQ
  • What to Eat with Guacamole
  • 📋 Recipe

Ingredients

These are the four main ingredients needed to make delicious guacamole:

  • Ripe Hass Avocados are most commonly used to make this type of dip and are easy to find in the grocery store. You can recognize them because the skin is bumpy and turns from green to purple as it ripens. When it's just soft to the touch, it's ready to go.
  • Lemon brightens the dip, adds tanginess, and prevents browning. Use freshly squeezed for the very best taste. I find fresh lime juice overpowering in this dip, but it can be used instead and is loved by many.
  • Salt brings out the flavor of the avocadoes and is a must. Start with the amount indicated and adjust to taste.
  • Onion adds a subtle sweetness to guac. Use red onion for a bit more bite. Garlic and green onions are also options.

Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete list of ingredients with measurements plus recipe instructions.

Simple 4-Ingredient Guacamole Recipe - Easy Dip Tutorial (2)

Make this 4-ingredient guacamole even better by adding one or both of these to the base recipe:

  • Tomatoes - Roma tomatoes are easy to dice!
  • Cilantro is my favorite herb to add! If you're not a fan, parsley is also a good choice.

Make the basic guacamole recipe spicier by adding:

  • Jalapeños -slice, remove the ribs, and finely dice.
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Garlic cloves - minced or pressed.

Directions

Here's how to make this easy 4-ingredient guacamole recipe:

Simple 4-Ingredient Guacamole Recipe - Easy Dip Tutorial (3)
  1. Cut avocados in half, remove the pits, and scrape the flesh of the avocados into a medium-sized mixing bowl.
  2. Sprinkle salt and squeeze the juice of a lemon over the top of the avocado pulp.
  3. Use a potato masher or fork to mash the pulp until it's as smooth as you like. I prefer it a little chunky.
  4. Finely dice and fold in onions and any other ingredients you're using.

Once everything is mixed, drizzle the top with more lemon juice. This will help keep the dip fresh and green until serving time.

Note: Guacamole should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours to avoid foodborne illnesses. Keep it refrigerated until you're ready to enjoy it.

How Long Does Guacamole Last in the Fridge?

Store leftover guacamole in an airtight container for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. Before putting the lid on, press a piece of plastic wrap over the surface of the guacamole to reduce the amount of browning. Even better, drizzle a little juice and water on the surface first that you can pour off later.

Simple 4-Ingredient Guacamole Recipe - Easy Dip Tutorial (4)

FAQ

Can you freeze guacamole?

Guacamole can be frozen for about 3 months but will be slightly grainy once it defrosts. For the best results, drizzle a little lemon or lime juice and water on top, place a piece of plastic wrap against the surface of the dip, and then put on a tight-fitting lid. When you're ready to enjoy it, defrost it in the refrigerator overnight, and stir before using.

Is brown guacamole safe to eat?

Brown guacamole may be unappealing to look at, but it is safe to eat. It results from air contacting the cut avocado flesh, also known as oxidation. Simply scrape away any spots that are brown. As always, follow your gut and get rid of anything that smells bad or has been unrefrigerated too long.

What to Eat with Guacamole

Here are some ways to enjoy delicious guacamole:

  1. With your favorite tortilla chips!
  2. With a plate of veggies that includes cucumber slices, baby carrots, celery sticks, and pepper strips.
  3. Make guacamole toast for breakfast! It's like avocado toast with tangy flavor!
  4. On top of a sweet potato or baked potato with fresh salsa and black beans.
  5. It's a topping for burrito pie or steak fajitas!

See more of the best things to serve with guacamole!

Simple 4-Ingredient Guacamole Recipe - Easy Dip Tutorial (5)

Did you make this recipe?
Please leave a rating and tell us how you liked it!

📋 Recipe

Simple 4-Ingredient Guacamole Recipe - Easy Dip Tutorial (6)

Simple 4 Ingredient Guacamole Recipe - Easy Dip Tutorial

This simple 4-ingredient guacamole recipe makes the best homemade dip. Try it, and you'll be hooked on fresh guac for parties and snacks.

4.99 from 50 votes

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 10 servings

Author: Marjory Pilley

Ingredients

  • 3 ripe Hass avocados
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 Tablespoon lemon juice plus a little more to sprinkle on top to prevent browning (lime juice can be used instead)
  • ½ cup diced red onion chopped, or white onion

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1 cup Roma tomatoes chopped
  • ¼ cup cilantro minced

Instructions

  • Cut avocados in half, remove the pits, and scrape the flesh of the avocados into a medium-sized mixing bowl.

  • Sprinkle salt and squeeze lemon juice over the top of the avocado pulp. Use a fork to mash the pulp until it's as smooth as you like it. I prefer it a little chunky.

  • Add diced onions and any other add-in ingredients to the bowl and mix to combine.

  • Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of lemon juice over the top and enjoy!

Notes

See more expert tips and pictures above.

Storage: Store leftover guacamole in an airtight container for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. Before putting the lid on, press a piece of plastic wrap over the surface of the guacamole to reduce the amount of browning. Even better, drizzle a little juice and water on the surface first that you can pour off later.

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Nutrition

Calories: 98kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 121mg | Potassium: 307mg | Fiber: 4g | Vitamin A: 190IU | Vitamin C: 7.6mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 0.3mg

Nutritional and Food Safety Disclaimer

This recipe was originally posted on January 16, 2013 and has been updated to improve the reader experience.

Simple 4-Ingredient Guacamole Recipe - Easy Dip Tutorial (2024)

FAQs

What is traditional guacamole made of? ›

Here's all you need for traditional guacamole: ripe avocados, coriander/cilantro, red onions, jalapeño or Serrano chilli, lime and salt. Avoid unnecessary fillers such as sour cream and cream cheese. They only dilute flavour. Popular optional extras include: garlic, tomato, cumin powder.

What is plain guacamole made of? ›

All you need is avocados, lime juice, salt and hot sauce to throw together this classic Mexican side that's ready to serve in just 10 minutes. Call for the kids and have them help you make this simple guacamole recipe.

What is the difference between avocado dip and guacamole dip? ›

The primary ingredient in guacamole is avocado. An avocado has a golfball-sized pit in the center, guacamole does not. Guacamole is mashed up avocado which also includes other ingredients for flavoring such as onions, cilantro, tomato, cumin, lime juice, jalapeno pepper, salt and pepper, among other things.

What is the difference between Mexican guacamole and American guacamole? ›

Generally speaking, the guacamole in Mexico is going to taste a bit fresher. The avocados, cilantro, and even the chiles used in the Mexican version are likely to be significantly fresher than those in the U.S. version.

Do Mexicans put tomatoes in guacamole? ›

Authentic Mexican Holy Guacamole is a healthy Chipotle-style guacamoles appetizer, snack, or topping made with avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro. While most of us know that guacamoles are deliciously creamy and green, that's where our understanding of the appetizer, snack, and topping stops.

How to make easy guacamole? ›

Mash avocado in a medium serving bowl. Stir in onion, tomato, and garlic. Season with lime juice, salt, and pepper. Cover and chill guacamole for 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.

What is the secret to great guacamole? ›

7 Secrets to Making the Greatest Guacamole
  • 01 of 07. Choose the Best Avocados—and Make Sure They're Ripe. ...
  • 02 of 07. Use a Molcajete (Mortar and Pestle) ...
  • 03 of 07. Avocado First, Veggies Last. ...
  • 04 of 07. Secure the Bowl. ...
  • 05 of 07. Fresh Lime Juice, Folks. ...
  • 06 of 07. Change Up Your Ingredients. ...
  • 07 of 07. Opt For The Right Onion.
Jul 27, 2020

Is guacamole dip the same as guacamole? ›

Guacamole is aguacate molido, mashed or chopped avocado, perhaps with a dash of lemon juice and salt, and maybe a very little salsa, minced onion and cilantro. Guacamole dip stirs in something to add liquid and fat to the thoroughly mashed vegetable.

Is guacamole just crushed avocado? ›

Guacamole is traditionally made by mashing peeled, ripe avocados and salt with a molcajete y tejolote (mortar and pestle). Recipes often call for lime juice, cilantro, onions, and jalapeños. Some non-traditional recipes may call for sour cream, tomatoes, basil, or peas.

What is in Cardi B dip? ›

Ingredients
  • 1 bunch Cilantro.
  • 2 Avocados.
  • 3 Limes, juiced.
  • 2 blocks Cream Cheese.
  • 1 cup Sour Cream or Mexican Crema.
  • 14 oz Pickled Jalapeños.
  • 2 tsp Black Pepper.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder.
Oct 30, 2023

Why you should leave the lime out of guacamole? ›

Lime is an integral part of great guacamole—or so we thought. Turns out, you get to taste and enjoy the pure flavor of avocado better in guacamole without the lime.

Are you supposed to put tomatoes in guacamole? ›

You're allowed to do it any way you like it. Onion, cilantro, persley, garlic, serrano chiles, jalapeño chiles, pomegranate, lime juice, vinegar, olive oil, mango, chicharrón (crunchy pork skin) salt, pepper and of course red or green tomato are some of the items you might add to you guacamole.

How do restaurants keep guacamole from turning brown? ›

Pour a thin but visible layer of water or lemon/lime juice over the guacamole to form a barrier with the air. Cover the dish with plastic wrap, pushing the wrap, so it is flush with the guacamole to prevent air pockets, or put the guacamole in a sealed tub.

What is traditionally the main fruit ingredient in a guacamole? ›

What is Guacamole? Guacamole is basically mashed, raw avocados mixed with other ingredients to taste. The avocados give guacamole the green base, and other ingredients, such as tomatoes and onions give it some textured flavor. Guacamole is especially popular on Super Bowl Sunday and Cinco de Mayo.

Does authentic guacamole contain garlic? ›

FYI: Authentic Guacamole consists of four ingredients and one is still optional: Avocado, finely diced sweet or red onion, salt and if you wish, lime. That is it. And absolutely never, ever, garlic!

Why is restaurant guacamole so green? ›

It isn't exposed to air

When avocados are exposed to air, they begin to oxidize. That's when and why they start to turn brown. But if you can eliminate any contact with air, guacamole — or even an avocado half — can be stored for longer without changing colors.

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