Easy guacamole

Ingredients

• 1 1/2medium avocados (or 1 large)
• 15 ml (1 tbsp)lime juice
• 15 ml (1 tbsp)chopped cilantro
• 15 ml (1 tbsp)finely chopped red onion
• 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp)finely chopped jalapeño
• 1.25 ml (1/4 tsp)garlic powder
• 1.25 ml (1/4 tsp)salt

Instructions

1. 1

   Mash avocado

   In a medium bowl, mash the avocado with an avocado masher or the back of a fork. Leave some small pieces if you like a chunkier texture.

2. 2

   Mix ingredients

   Add the lime juice, cilantro, red onion, jalapeño, garlic powder and salt. Mix well and serve.

What is guacamole?

Guacamole is a dip made mainly from mashed avocado, with seasonings and fresh ingredients added for flavour. It has roots in Mexico and is now served in many different ways, including as a dip or a topping.

This version keeps the ingredient list short and the preparation simple. Lime, cilantro, red onion and jalapeño give the creamy avocado bright, savoury and gently spicy notes.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 494 calories, 6g protein, 29g carbs, 44g fat.

Most of the energy and fat in this serving comes from the avocado, while the lime, onion and jalapeño contribute most of the small amount of carbohydrate. The avocado also provides some of the protein, though the total remains modest; serve the guacamole with a source of protein and crisp vegetables for a more balanced plate.

Choosing the avocado

Ripe fruit: Choose avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure but are not mushy. Firm avocados are harder to mash and have less of the soft, creamy texture this dip relies on.

Balancing the flavour

Lime juice: It brings acidity to balance the richness of the avocado. Mix it in with the other ingredients so the flavour is distributed throughout.

Aromatics: Red onion, cilantro, jalapeño and garlic powder add savoury, fresh and spicy flavours. The jalapeño is finely chopped so its heat is spread through the dip.

Getting the texture right

Chunky or smooth: Mash with a fork for a coarse result, or keep mashing until the mixture is more uniform. Stop when it reaches the texture you prefer rather than aiming for a perfectly smooth purée.

Serving it fresh

Guacamole is at its best shortly after mixing, when the avocado is fresh and the onion and cilantro still taste bright. Serve it with tortilla chips, or add a spoonful alongside tacos, grilled vegetables or a simple rice bowl.

Adjusting the heat

Jalapeño: Its heat can vary, so chop it finely and mix it in evenly. For a milder dip, use less; for more heat, add a little more to taste.

Recipe notes & tips

• Mash the avocado in a medium bowl to leave enough room for mixing in the other ingredients.
• Finely chop the onion and jalapeño so they are easy to distribute throughout the dip.
• Add the ingredients to the mashed avocado and mix until evenly combined.
• Taste the jalapeño for heat before adding extra.
• Serve soon after mixing for the freshest flavour and colour.

Variations

• More heat: Add extra finely chopped jalapeño to taste.
• Milder flavour: Use less jalapeño for a gentler kick.
• Chunkier texture: Mash the avocado lightly and stop while small pieces remain.
• Smoother texture: Mash the avocado more thoroughly before mixing in the additions.
• Cilantro-free: Leave out the cilantro if you prefer a different fresh-herb flavour.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Unripe avocado: It will be difficult to mash; use fruit that yields slightly when pressed.
• Over-mashing: The dip can lose its texture; stop once it reaches your preferred consistency.
• Large onion pieces: They can dominate individual bites; chop the onion finely.
• Uneven seasoning: Ingredients may clump in one spot; mix thoroughly after adding them.
• Too much jalapeño: The heat can overwhelm the avocado; add it gradually to suit your taste.

How to store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and eat within 1–2 days. Pressing cling film directly against the surface may help limit contact with air; stir before serving and discard if it develops an off smell or appearance.

Frequently asked questions