This healthy guacamole recipe is my favorite. Made with fresh ingredients and minimal prep, it’s easy to make at home. You’ll need ripe avocados, cherry tomatoes, purple onion, garlic, lime, fresh cilantro and coarse salt.
What is guacamole dip and how to make it
Guacamole comes from Mexico and traditionally consists of mashed avocado and salt. Adding lime juice, tomatoes and other fresh ingredients brightens the flavor and makes a more vibrant dip. Make this healthy guacamole for a party snack or a relaxed weekend treat.
How to make healthy guacamole dip
Preparing guacamole is straightforward. The most important element is ripe avocado.
How to recognize a ripe avocado
Ripe avocados show a deep green to almost black skin and yield slightly when gently pressed. If the skin is bright green and the fruit is firm, it’s not ready. Unripe avocados taste bland and have firmer flesh.
Why buy avocados green and firm
I prefer buying avocados when they are still firm because many store-bought avocados are either underripe or already overripe. Overripe fruit will have brown flesh and an off smell, making it unusable.
How to ripen avocados faster
To speed ripening, leave avocados in a fruit basket at room temperature for a day or two. When the skin darkens and the fruit yields to gentle pressure, it’s ready to use.
Ingredients for healthy guacamole
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor:
- Avocado — ripe, skin dark and slightly soft to the touch.
- Onion — purple (red) onion adds a sweeter, sharper bite; white onion works too.
- Cherry tomatoes — sweeter and juicier than large tomatoes; cut in half.
- Garlic — a small amount of crushed garlic adds depth.
- Lime — fresh lime juice brightens the dip; lemon can substitute but changes the flavor.
- Cilantro — optional if you dislike it; parsley can be used sparingly instead.
- Salt — coarse or flaky salt enhances the flavors.
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Ingredients for guacamole -
Avocado with cherry tomatoes and purple onion
How to cut the avocado and remove the pit
Wash the avocado. With a chef’s knife, slice it lengthwise around the pit, twist the halves apart, then carefully strike the pit with the knife, twist and lift it out. Scoop the flesh into a bowl with a spoon.
Mash the avocado gently with a fork, leaving some small chunks for texture. Immediately add finely chopped onion, halved cherry tomatoes, crushed garlic, juice from two limes, salt and chopped cilantro. Stir to combine, taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or lime if needed. Serve with tortilla chips.
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Remove the avocado flesh from the skin -
Add cut cherry tomatoes and purple onion
What to serve with guacamole
- Corn tortilla chips — a classic pairing.
- Carrot sticks — a sweet and healthy alternative.
- Cucumber slices — crisp and refreshing dippers.
- Celery stalks — mild and nutritious.
- Sourdough bread — spread the guacamole on toasted sourdough and add seeds for texture.
Serve guacamole at room temperature. Refrigerating dulls some flavor, so bring it to room temperature before serving if stored cold.
How to store guacamole
Leftover guacamole keeps best in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Avocado oxidizes and turns brown over time, but you can slow this process.
To help prevent browning, pour a little fresh lime or lemon juice over the surface of the guacamole, press a layer of plastic wrap directly onto the dip so there’s no air between the wrap and the surface, then seal the container with its lid.
Other ways to use avocado
Guacamole is a versatile condiment. Besides serving as a dip for chips, it makes a great topping for nachos, tacos, burritos, or a creamy addition to salads and sandwiches.
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Mashed avocado for guacamole dip
BEST GUACAMOLE EVER
Ingredients
- 4 medium ripe avocados
- 1 medium purple onion, finely chopped
- 15–20 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 medium limes (juice)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped
Instructions
- Wash and halve the avocados lengthwise. Remove the pit by carefully striking and twisting the knife, then lift the pit out.
- Scoop the flesh into a bowl and mash with a fork, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Add chopped onion, halved cherry tomatoes, crushed garlic, lime juice, salt and chopped cilantro. Stir to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or lime juice as needed. Serve at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure avocados are ripe before using.
- Purple onion adds a pleasant bite; white onion is milder and sweeter.
- For heat, add a small jalapeño (seeded and finely chopped).
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