This simple 4-ingredient guacamole recipe is the perfect dip made from healthy, basic ingredients. It's such an easy guacamole recipe that comes together in just minutes and can be part of a perfect snack, along with my favorite tortilla chips (and they're healthy!).
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This delicious guacamole is a great addiction to any tailgate, potluck, or get-together with friends and family. All 4 ingredients balance each other out so well - from the creamy avocados to the fresh cilantro and red onion to the tart lime juice. It's also a great meal prep recipe is a flavorful topping for chicken tortilla soup!
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Equipment
- Large mixing bowl - I like using at least a 3-quart mixing bowl to make this 4-ingredient guacamole. You just want to make sure there's enough room to mash the ingredients together!
- Potato masher - my favorite way to get the perfect guacamole consistency is by using a potato masher! You can use a fork or spoon as well.
Ingredients
Full ingredients, measurements, and instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Avocados - ripe hass avocados are packed with healthy fats and fiber. The key is to use ripe ones, as they mash better and have a better consistently for guacamole!
- Red onion - red onion actually does have some nutritional benefit, as they contain quercetin and anthocyanins, which are both strong antioxidants! Plus they go well in guacamole 🙂 You can sub yellow or sweet onion but red is best in this recipe!
- Fresh cilantro - cilantro is a staple guacamole ingredient. It also contains some nutrients like vitamin K, which is important for bone formation and blood clotting! I definitely recommend using fresh cilantro as opposed to dried.
- Fresh lime juice - not only does fresh lime juice prevent the avocados from browning, but adds a hint of tangy citrus flavor (and some vitamin C)! You can use store-bought lime or lemon juice.
- Table or kosher salt and/or black pepper (optional) - you can use whichever type of salt you prefer! These are both optional but I highly recommend adding at least salt to enhance the flavors in this recipe.
Instructions
Step 1: Scoop out the flesh of the avocados, dice the red onion, chop the cilantro, and juice the lime. Combine all of the ingredients (plus any seasonings) in a large 3-quart bowl.
Step 2: Mash all ingredients together with a potato masher until desired consistency is reached. I like mine a little bit chunky still but mostly smooth!
Variations & Substitutions
Variations
- You can add a dash or two of garlic powder or finely diced garlic cloves for a hint of garlic in this guacamole.
- Sprinkle pomegranate seeds and feta cheese on top for a unique spin on classic guacamole!
- Top with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a salty crunch.
- Stir in ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt for extra tangy and creamy guacamole that's higher in protein and contains some probiotics.
- Stir in strained fire-roasted tomatoes if you like tomatoes in your guac!
- Fresh chopped jalapeno is a great addition if you like spicy.
Substitutions
- You can substitute lemon juice for lime in this recipe.
- Other types of onions could be used in lieu of red, but red is best (in my opinion!).
- Fresh parsley could replace cilantro but it wouldn't have the same flavor. If you aren't a cilantro fan, I would omit altogether!
Pro Tips
- It takes some planning but if you have unripe avocados, store then in a brown paper bag with bananas and/or apples. The gases released from the fruit will help to expedite avocado ripening!
- Sprinkle extra lime juice on top of the guacamole to prevent brown spots from showing up.
How to Enjoy this 4-Ingredient Guacamole
Here are some of the best ways to enjoy this simple guacamole recipe:
- I love making avocado toast with leftover guacamole and adding scrambled or soft boiled eggs on top.
- Top burrito bowls, tacos, enchiladas, chicken tortilla soup, or your favorite Mexican recipe with this delicious guacamole!
- Pair with pico de gallo and/or queso as part of a tailgate spread
Storage & Make Ahead Instructions
This avocado dip can be left at room temperature for 4 hours but should be refrigeratored soon after to prevent it from spoiling.
I highly recommend eating this fresh for best results but it can be made the day before. I would be sure to store it in an airtight container to make sure minimal air gets in to oxidize, or gives it that brown color, the avocados. You could also put a piece of plastic wrap on the surface of the guacamole to take it a step further!
FAQ
The key to a good guacamole is using fresh and ripe ingredients! Ripe avocados, fresh cilantro and lime juice, and red onion are key. I would also slowly add a little bit of salt at a time (like a teaspoon), stir, and taste to see if that enhances the flavor.
The tartness of lime juice adds a nice flavor and prevents the guacamole from browning, so I would use any citrus juice like lemon or even orange instead of lime juice. These may alter the flavor slightly, however!
I recommend storing the avocados in a brown paper bag (sealed with a paper clip or clip of some sort) with bananas and/or apples. The ethylene gas produced by the fruit will help ripen the avocados faster. I'd leave the bag at room temperature for 3-4 days so it's worth planning this step ahead!
What to Pair with this Healthy Guacamole
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4-Ingredient Guacamole
This simple 4-ingredient guacamole recipe is the perfect dip made from healthy, basic ingredients. It's such an easy guacamole recipe that comes together in just minutes and can be part of a perfect snack, along with my favorite tortilla chips (and they're healthy!).
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 3 cups 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 6 ripe hass avocados
- ½ cup (45g) diced red onion
- ¼ cup (16g) finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 Tablespoon table salt (optional)
Instructions
- Slice avocados in half and remove pits.
- Spoon flesh of avocado out of its skin and put in a large mixing bowl with remaining ingredients.
- Using a potato masher, mash to your liking (more mashing = smoother guac, less mashing = chunkier guac).
- Serve with chips, veggies, or on your favorite dish and enjoy!
Notes
- It takes some planning but if you have unripe avocados, store then in a brown paper bag with bananas and/or apples. The gases released from the fruit will help to expedite avocado ripening!
- Sprinkle extra lime juice on top of the guacamole to prevent brown spots from showing up.
- This avocado dip can be left at room temperature for 4 hours but should be refrigeratored soon after to prevent it from spoiling.
- I highly recommend eating this fresh for best results but it can be made the day before. I would be sure to store it in an airtight container to make sure minimal air gets in to oxidize, or gives it that brown color, the avocados. You could also put a piece of plastic wrap on the surface of the guacamole to take it a step further!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: 128
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 582
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 0
- Cholesterol: 0
Keywords: How to make guacamole without mix, Basic ingredients for guacamole, 4-ingredient guacamole recipe, creamy guacamole recipe, 5 ingredient guacamole recipe
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