4-Ingredient Guacamole Recipe

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This 4-ingredient guacamole recipe is simple and bursting with flavor. Use up a bunch of those delicious, perfectly ripe avocados at once and simply add diced red onion, cilantro, and lime juice. Season to taste and enjoy this creamy mexican favorite at home.

unmixed guacamole showing four ingredients.

It seems that avocados like to ripen all at once, doesn't it? Not ripe, not ripe, not ripe, and then, bam! All the avocados you bought are ready to enjoy at the same time. While putting them in the fridge will give you a few extra days before they turn mushy, having a recipe to use a lot of avocados at once is a great way to use up this delicious fruit.

Enter, this easy guacamole recipe. Only 4 ingredients (5 if you add salt), and just as good as any mexican restaurant. It also happens to be gluten free, dairy free, vegan, nut free, and low carb.

When are avocados in season?

Avocados are typically in season during the late winter to early spring months, specifically from February to September. However, it's important to note that the exact avocado season can vary depending on the specific avocado variety and the region where they are grown. Avocados are available all year round at most grocery stores, but they are most affordable during the spring and summer months.

Why you'll love this recipe

Fast: This guacamole dip is so easy to make and takes less than five minutes, with minimal chopping.
Whole ingredients: This guacamole is made without a mix. No need to buy a seasoning packet or store bought. Just 4 fresh ingredients and you can control the seasonings and salt content.
Classic: It has all of the classic flavors, avocado, lime, and cilantro! Red onion adds crunch and flavor as well.
Customizable: This recipe is purposely kept super basic. See section below for optional ingredients to add to your guacamole.

How to tell if an avocado is ripe

Ripe avocados generally have a dark green or almost black skin color. Give it a gentle squeeze, a ripe avocado will yield slightly to gentle pressure without feeling too soft or mushy. Gently remove the small stem or cap at the top of the avocado. If you see bright green flesh underneath, it indicates that the avocado is ripe and ready to eat.

Ingredients

Avocado: Use ripe avocados, they are very creamy and mash easily with a fork.
Fresh lime juice: This adds a burst of fresh flavor and also helps the dip keep from turning brown as quickly. Lemon juice can be used as a substitute.
Fresh cilantro: Fresh cilantro has a distinct and vibrant flavor that can be described as herby and citrusy.
Red onion: I love the little bite and color red onion gives to the dip. If you want this to be a guacamole without onion, try 1-2 cloves of garlic as a replacement.

How to Prepare

To prepare guacamole, start by halving the avocados and removing the pit.

Scoop out the flesh into a bowl and mash it with a fork, Leave it slightly chunky for texture or mash thoroughly for a smooth dip.

Add lime juice, along with onions and cilantro. Season with salt to according to taste.

Expert tips

If you like to keep have avocados on hand, try buying some green and some brown. It's worth noting that avocados can ripen at different rates, so you can buy avocados at various stages of ripeness to have a steady supply over time.

Make this dip right before serving for freshest taste, color, and texture.

Optional add-ins

This guacamole is made with as little ingredients as possible, just the bare bones. Feel free to add any of the following add ins to enhance the flavor.

garlic
tomatoes
salsa
jalapeno
cumin
mango
pineapple

How to serve

finished guacamole with tortilla chips around.

Guacamole is delicious and healthy! It is great on its own with crunchy tortilla chips, but it's also a wonderful accompaniment to many dishes. Try it with tacos, salmon, even on a burger! Some tasty recipes to serve with this fresh guacamole are:

Storage

Guacamole is best eaten fresh, but if you have any leftover you can refrigerate it for 1-2 days.

To help improve the longevity when storing, squeeze half of a lime over top and don't stir. The acidic juice will act as a barrier to prevent browning. Seal in an airtight container.

You can also place a leftover avocado pit in the container as an additional way to help prevent browning.

4 ingredient guacamole in a white bowl unmixed with salt in the background.

Recipe FAQs

How do you ripen avocados fast?

You can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag with a ripe banana or apple. The ethylene gas produced by the fruits will help accelerate the ripening of the avocados. Make sure to leave them on the counter at room temperature.

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