If you’re like me and crave a fresh, zingy dip that just can’t be beat, you’ll absolutely love this Quick and Easy Classic Guacamole Recipe. It’s the kind of guacamole that feels just right for every occasion—whether it’s a casual snack or a party centerpiece. I’m excited to share the little tricks I’ve learned over the years that make this guacamole utterly fan-freaking-tastic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples that come together in minutes.
- Authentic Technique: The secret paste step amps up flavor like the best Mexican restaurants.
- Customizable Heat: You decide how spicy or mild you want it by adjusting the chili.
- Perfect Texture: Mashing to the right consistency ensures every bite is creamy with little onion bursts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Quick and Easy Classic Guacamole Recipe lies in fresh, quality ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Each one adds a layer of flavor or texture that brings the whole dip to life — plus, it’s super easy to find everything at your local market.
- White onion: Finely chopped so you get flavor without giant chunks; you can swap with red, brown, or yellow onions if you prefer a milder or sweeter taste.
- Jalapeño or serrano chili: Adds a lovely kick; adjust the amount or type of chili to match your heat preference.
- Salt: Enhances all the fresh flavors—start with the amount listed and tweak to taste after mixing everything together.
- Coriander/cilantro leaves: Freshness is key here—roughly chopped for that perfect herby zing.
- Avocados: The star! Look for ripe avocados that yield slightly when you press the skin gently.
- Lime juice: Brightens the whole dip and helps keep that gorgeous green color.
- Optional ripe tomato: Peeled, deseeded, and chopped for a juicy touch if you want a chunkier guac.
Variations
I love how versatile this Quick and Easy Classic Guacamole Recipe is! Over time, I’ve tried so many ways to make it uniquely mine — and you should too. Don’t hesitate to play with ingredients or heat levels based on what you have or who you’re feeding.
- Chunkier Guacamole: I add chopped tomato and leave the avocado mash a bit chunky for a rustic touch that my family loves.
- Milder Version: If you’re not into spice, try removing the seeds from the jalapeño or swap it for a sweet bell pepper for flavor without heat.
- Extra Zest: Adding a little minced garlic or a dash of cumin can take your guac in a new direction that’s fantastic with grilled meats.
- Vegan Twist: For a creamy twist, some folks mash in a little diced mango or pineapple for sweetness — try it and see if your taste buds dance!
How to Make Quick and Easy Classic Guacamole Recipe
Step 1: Make the Onion-Chili-Coriander Paste
This is my favorite little secret that takes your guacamole from good to unforgettable: finely chop the onion, jalapeño, half the coriander, and a pinch of salt, then mash them together on a cutting board or with a mortar and pestle until juicy and paste-like. Doing this releases the flavors and softens the sharpness of the raw onion so you don’t get harsh bites in your dip.
Step 2: Add and Mash the Avocado
Next, scoop the avocado into a bowl and add the remaining coriander. Mash everything with a fork until it’s as smooth or chunky as you like. Remember, the texture depends on your mood — I usually aim for creamy with some little lumps to remind you of fresh avocado goodness.
Step 3: Season and Taste
This is where you get to personalize it: squeeze in the lime juice (I start with about a quarter and add more if it needs brightness), then taste and adjust salt and chili heat. If you’re using tomato, fold it in gently now. Balance here is key — don’t hesitate to tweak until it sings.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
Guacamole is best fresh, so serve it right away with your favorite crunchy chips or freshly cut veggies. If you need to hold it, I’ve got some tips on storage below that’ll help keep it fresh longer.
Pro Tips for Making Quick and Easy Classic Guacamole Recipe
- Choose Ripe Avocados: I learned the hard way that unripe avocados make your guac bitter and tough, so look for ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure.
- Master the Mash: I find using a fork to mash gives me better control over the texture than a blender, avoiding a puree.
- Paste Your Flavors First: Mashing onion, chili, coriander, and salt first softens sharp edges and builds depth — it’s a game changer!
- Prevent Browning: Adding lime juice not only brightens flavor but slows avocado browning, so don’t skip it.
How to Serve Quick and Easy Classic Guacamole Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a few extra fresh coriander leaves and a light dusting of smoked paprika on top just before serving—it adds a pop of color and a subtle smoky flavor that everyone asks about!
Side Dishes
This guac is a party star with crispy corn tortilla chips, but I also love serving it alongside grilled chicken tacos, quesadillas, or even as a topping for burgers to give those meals a fresh, creamy lift.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, I’ve scooped my guacamole into hollowed mini bell peppers or avocado shells—so cute and they make for easy, edible serving dishes that everyone enjoys.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I recommend storing leftover guacamole in an airtight container with a thin layer of plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to minimize air exposure. This has helped me keep it fresher and greener for up to 24 hours.
Freezing
Freezing guacamole isn’t ideal because the texture can get watery and mushy when thawed, but if you must, freeze in small portions and thaw slowly in the fridge; then stir well before serving.
Reheating
Guacamole is best served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no reheating necessary. If you have leftovers, just take them out of the fridge about 20 minutes before serving to bring back a bit of that fresh texture.
FAQs
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Can I make this Quick and Easy Classic Guacamole Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance using airtight storage and pressing plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent browning. However, for the freshest flavor, I recommend making it right before serving.
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What can I use if I don’t have fresh coriander/cilantro?
If fresh coriander isn’t available, you can substitute a small amount of fresh parsley for a milder herb flavor. However, cilantro really adds a distinctive brightness that makes this recipe pop.
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How spicy is this guacamole?
The spice level depends on the type and amount of chili you use. I start with one tablespoon of finely chopped jalapeño or serrano, but you can adjust up or down depending on how much heat you enjoy.
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Why do I mash the onion, chili, and coriander first?
Mashing these ingredients together into a paste releases their natural juices and flavors, creating a more balanced and flavorful guacamole without sharp bursts of raw onion.
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Can I omit the tomato?
Absolutely! The tomato is optional and adds a juicy texture, but the guacamole tastes amazing without it. Use it if you want a chunkier, fresher variation.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Quick and Easy Classic Guacamole Recipe turns out every single time. It’s one of those dishes that’s simple yet so full of personality—and the way the flavors mingle just feels like a hug for your taste buds. When I first tried making guac this way, the paste step was a revelation, and now I can’t imagine doing it any other way. So next time you want a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing dip, give this recipe a try—you’ll find it’s easy, fresh, and absolutely crave-worthy. I promise you, it’ll become your go-to just like it did for me!
Print
Quick and Easy Classic Guacamole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Dip
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This classic guacamole recipe delivers a fresh, flavorful dip made the authentic Mexican way. Combining finely mashed onion, jalapeño, coriander, and salt to form a juicy paste before adding ripe avocado ensures maximum flavor and a smooth yet textured consistency. The addition of lime juice brightens the dish, while optional diced tomatoes add a subtle sweetness. Perfect as a snack with corn chips or as a topping for your favorite Mexican dishes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp finely chopped white onion (or red, brown, or yellow)
- 1 tbsp finely chopped jalapeño or serrano chili (or other chili of choice, adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 cup roughly chopped coriander/cilantro leaves
- 2 medium avocados (or 1 very large one)
- Lime juice, to taste (about 1/4 to 1/2 lime)
- Optional: 1 ripe tomato, peeled, deseeded, and chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the flavor base: Place the finely chopped onion, jalapeño, salt, and half of the chopped coriander on a cutting board. Use a fork to mash these ingredients together until they form a juicy, paste-like mixture. Alternatively, you can use a mortar and pestle to grind them into a paste. This step is crucial to release the flavors and avoid raw onion chunks in the guacamole.
- Combine with avocado: Scrape the mashed mixture into a bowl. Add the pitted and peeled avocado along with the remaining coriander. Mash everything together with a fork or potato masher until you reach your desired consistency, whether chunky or smooth.
- Season and adjust: Taste your guacamole and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt for flavor, lime juice for acidity, or extra chili for heat according to your preference.
- Add optional tomato: If using, gently fold in the peeled, deseeded, and chopped tomato for an added layer of texture and freshness.
- Serve: Serve immediately with corn chips or use as a topping for tacos, burritos, or salads for a burst of authentic Mexican flavor.
Notes
- Making a paste with the onion, chili, coriander, and salt before adding the avocado is the secret step that enhances flavor and texture.
- Mashing thoroughly is key to a balanced guacamole and to avoid overpowering chunks of raw onion.
- You can adjust the type and amount of chili to suit your spice preference.
- Use ripe avocados for the best creamy texture.
- Serve fresh for optimal taste and avoid browning by covering with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 77 g
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 238 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
