Easy Guacamole Recipe

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Total Time 10 minutes

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This 3-ingredient simple Easy Guacamole recipe is easy, delicious, and never fails to wow everyone who’s ever tasted it. Made with ripe avocados, salt, and lime juice, you’ll never use another guacamole recipe again!

For more Mexican-inspired dips, check out my easy recipes for 5-Minute Fish Tacos Sauce, Fire-Roasted Salsa, and Cilantro Avocado Ranch Dressing.

guacamole with spoon and tortilla chips dipped

A few years ago, the hubs and I took a cruise to Mexico where we ate at an outdoor restaurant where the servers made guacamole right at the table. I watched him use avocados, lime juice, salt and, wait for it…nothing else. It was the actual best guacamole I’d ever eaten and since then, I have been making my guacamole like this (usually weekly as we LOVE guac in our house, even my little kids), bringing it to parties, and serving it when we have company, and it never fails to impress!

Here’s Why this Recipe Works

EasyThis 3-ingredient simple guacamole recipe is as easy as it gets while still being able to call this recipe guacamole. You cannot find a simpler guacamole recipe. Go ahead and try…I’ll wait…

Delicious – In the “tips” section, I discuss the ingredient qualities more, but you have to understand, this guacamole IS delicious, but it’s because of the choice of the 3 ingredients. What makes it delicious are perfectly ripe avocados, fresh lime juice, and a good salt (none of that table salt garbage).

Perfect for entertaining – This is the best guacamole for every occasion. Unexpected guests? Short on time? Need to bring something for a picnic or potluck but aren’t sure what? Guacamole, guacamole, guacamole, is always the best answer.

Pairs well with everything – Guacamole is amazing on tortilla chips, of course. But its delicious gifts go well beyond the chip. I like to dip veggies in guac and top my tacos, quesadillas, (like my Flank Steak Tacos and Slow Cooker Chicken Quesadillas) and Beef Empanadas in guacamole. I put it on my burgers, chicken sandwiches, and on top of grilled shrimp skewers. When I say it goes with everything, I’m not joking.

mashed avocado in bowl with sea salt on top and tortilla chips beside on table

Recipe Ingredients

ingredients for guacamole recipe
  • Avocados – Choose two avocados that are as perfectly ripe as you can find (see my section on selecting an avocado for ripeness, below).
  • Lime juice – I use only freshly squeezed lime juice, it’s key to getting the best flavor in the guacamole.
  • Sea salt – Just like fresh lime juice, using sea salt is also another key ingredient to this guacamole. It works and tastes the best when you use sea salt.

How to Tell if An Avocado is Ripe

Avocados are tricky! It’s hard to tell if they’re ripe or not. Try these tricks to check for ripeness and get that perfect avocado every time.

Give it a gentle squeeze with your hand to check the firmness – it should have some give (not be hard as a rock!) but not so much that it feels mushy or bruised. If you feel very soft spots or if it feels like there is a bit of a gap between the skin and the inner fruit of the avocado, it is way too ripe, and you should skip it. 

Pull the stem off to check for color ripeness. At the top of the avocado there is usually a little stub of a stem, use your finger to roll it off and check the color underneath. If it is bright green, the avocado is likely not yet ripe enough. The color under the stem should be dark. A dark color under the stem and a little bit of give when you squeeze is the best combo!

Here’s How You Make It

four steps of preparation of guacamole

Whether you’re making your guacamole tableside (fancy!) or in your kitchen, this homemade guacamole will soon become your go-to recipe!

  1. First, cut your avocados in half, lengthwise, and remove the pits. Use a spoon to scoop out the avocado flesh and put it in a bowl. (photo 1)
  2. Next, sprinkle cracked sea salt over the top of the avocado and then drizzle the lime juice over that. (photo 3)
  3. Using a fork, mash the avocado together with the salt and lime juice to your desired consistency. If you like it a little lumpy, that’s fine if you like it smooth, also fine! (photos 2 & 4)
  4. Taste the guacamole then add more lime juice or salt. Remember you can always add more ingredients, but you can’t take them away if you’ve over salted or juiced the guac.
  5. Serve with tortilla chips or as a topping on anything and everything.
overhead view of guacamole in a bowl with a spoon and salt in a pinch bowl

How to Store Guacamole

Don’t you hate it when your guacamole turns brown? It’s almost always a given. However, these tips can help keep it looking green and fresh when stored.

  • Add a little water – this might sound weird, but trust me, it works. Once you’ve gotten your guacamole into an airtight container, smooth it down with the back of a spoon. Then pour about ½ an inch of water over the top. Cover it tightly and put it in the fridge. This will keep the guacamole from browning for about 2 days. (Pour off the water before serving.)
  • Want a little extra tang to your guacamole? The trick above also works if you use lime juice instead of water to keep your guacamole from browning. You simply mix in the lime juice into the dip before serving, and cover tightly with plastic wrap.
  • Another topper option? Try sour cream. That’s right, add a layer of sour cream over the top of the guacamole before covering and putting in the fridge. Scrape it off before eating or mix it in for a creamy guac.

Expert Tips and Tricks

  • Since this recipe only calls for three very simple ingredients, each ingredient is key! Here are my best tips for choosing an avocado for guacamole:
  • Give it a gentle squeeze with your hand to check the firmness – it should have some give (not be hard as a rock!) but not so much that it feels mushy or bruised. If you feel very soft spots or if it feels like there is a bit of a gap between the skin and the inner fruit of the avocado, it is way too ripe, and you should skip it. 
  • Pull the stem off to check for color ripeness. At the top of the avocado there is usually a little stub of a stem, use your finger to roll it off and check the color underneath. If it is bright green, the avocado is likely not yet ripe enough. The color under the stem should be dark. A dark color under the stem and a little bit of give when you squeeze is the best combo!
  • Make sure you are using FRESH squeezed lime juice. Do not use concentrate, as fresh-squeezed lime juice is key to the best guacamole flavor. 
  • I never ever use iodized/table salt for cooking. In fact, I don’t even keep it in my pantry, I only use sea salt and pink/Himalayan salt. You can find these at any grocery store these days and they make SUCH a big difference in the flavor of your food. Sea salt or pink/Himalayan salt is especially important in your guacamole as it will give your guac the very best flavor. I like to use a salt grinder and crack the salt coarsely, or I use sea salt flakes. 

Ways to Customize Your Guacamole

  • If you like your guacamole to have a little bite, try adding finely diced red onion or any onion you like – just a tablespoon will do.
  • You can use chopped cilantro as a garnish or mix it in to the guacamole for that awesome cilantro flavor.
  • If the fork-smashing method doesn’t work for you, you can also use a potato masher for mashing up the avocados.
  • I like to add some diced tomato to my guacamole from time to time. It’s a great way to add texture, flavor, or use up those tomatoes you have that are just waiting to be eaten.
  • If you love the taste of lemon juice, why not try adding that to your guacamole instead of lime juice? Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best, of course!
guacamole in a bowl with tortilla chips and lime wedges and
guacamole with spoon and tortilla chips dipped
5 from 16 votes

Guacamole Recipe

This 3-ingredient simple guacamole recipe is easy, delicious, and never fails to wow everyone who's ever tasted it. Made with ripe avocados, salt, and lime juice, you'll never use another guacamole recipe again!
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 0 minutes
0 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
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Ingredients 

  • 2 avocados, see notes
  • juice of 1 lime, to taste, 1-1 1/2 tablespoons
  • sea salt , to taste

Instructions 

  • Cut your avocado in half lengthwise, remove the pit, and use a spoon to scoop out the avocado flesh into a bowl.
  • Sprinkle a generous amount of cracked sea salt over the top, then drizzle the lime juice over all of the avocado (this helps to tenderize the avocado flesh and make it easier to mash!).
  • Use a fork to mash the avocado to your desired consistency (I like mine to have a few lumps throughout so I am careful not to over-mash and this is why I like to use a fork!).
  • Taste, add more salt and lime juice to taste. Serve with tortilla chips or as a topping for your favorite meals.

Notes

Choosing avocados: since this recipe only calls for three very simple ingredients, each ingredient is key! Here are my best tips for choosing an avocado for guacamole:
  1. Give it a gentle squeeze with your hand to check the firmness – it should have some give (not be hard as a rock!) but not so much that it feels mushy or bruised. If you feel very soft spots or if it feels like there is a bit of a gap between the skin and the inner fruit of the avocado, it is way too ripe and you should skip it. 
  2. Pull the stem off to check for color ripeness. At the top of the avocado there is usually a little stub of a stem, use your finger to roll it off and check the color underneath. If it is bright green, the avocado is likely not yet ripe enough. The color under the stem should be dark. A dark color under the stem and a little bit of give when you squeeze is the best combo!
Lime juice: make sure you are using FRESH squeezed lime juice. Do not use concentrate! Fresh-squeezed lime juice is key to amazing guacamole flavor. 
Sea salt: I never ever use iodized/table salt for cooking. In fact I don’t even keep it in my pantry, I only use sea salt and pink/Himalayan salt. You can find these at any grocery store these days and they make SUCH a big difference in the flavor of your food. Sea salt or pink/Himalayan salt is especially important in your guacamole as it will give your guac the very best flavor. I like to use a salt grinder and crack the salt coarsely, or I use sea salt flakes. 

Nutrition

Calories: 107kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 325mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 98IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this?Leave a star rating or comment below!
Tiffany of Creme de la Crumb in the kitchen

Welcome!

Hey there, I’m Tiffany – chef, photographer, mother, and avid taco eater. I am passionate about turning simple flavors and ingredients into tasty meals the whole family will love, with minimal prep and cleanup so there’s more time to spend eating and enjoying. Stay awhile, and help yourself to a taco or two!

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11 Comments

  1. Vee says:

    5 stars
    Best quac recipe I have tried TD!

  2. MARYANN DAINO says:

    5 stars
    HELLO TIFFANY, I’M MAAER, I AM SO VERY HAPPY I FOUND YOUR SITE, YOU HAVE WONDERFUL RECIPES, MOST OF WHICH I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR A LONG TIME NOW! I WAS A BARTENDER IN NYC AND VISITED MANY RESTAURANTS OF ALL TYPES, I LOVED THE ADVENTURE, AND MANY OF THE AUTHENTIC RECIPES I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR I HAVE FOUND RIGHT HERE @cremedelacrumb! THANK YOU SO MUCH!! MAAER

    1. Tiffany says:

      You’re so kind, thank you! 🙂 I hope you continue to enjoy these recipes!

  3. Cindy says:

    5 stars
    Easy…. But more importantly, it’s delicious! Love it! Fast assembly, love the ability to make and serve in minutes.

  4. Betty Twiss says:

    5 stars
    I always thought you had to add many ingredients, but this is the best!

  5. Erin says:

    Another trick to keep the Guac from browning is to store it in a small airtight container with one or more of the round brown pits buried within. Remove the pits before serving.

  6. MT says:

    I like to add lots of cilantro and one green onion for every avocado. I also use ground cumin or ancho chili. And don’t forget a little garlic powder. A few more ingredients than yours, but truly great.
    Oh, you can add some tomatillo, too…

  7. Pat Shannon says:

    can you store this in your refridgerator ? thank you

    1. Tiffany says:

      Yes!

  8. SUZY says:

    Sounds delish! Since I have the ingredients, I am going to make some this afternoon!

    1. Tiffany says:

      Awesome! Thrilled to hear that. Enjoy!