Simple Fresh Authentic Guacamole (Mexican)

5 from 21 votes
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A simple, fresh traditional Mexican authentic guacamole made up of only a few ingredients; avocado, onion, chilli, coriander, salt and lime – with optional added tomato, and black pepper.

Guacamole may be a super simple dish, made up of just a few ingredients – but they can definitely be bad or good. In fact, in the last few years, a whole slew of store-bought guacamole has arrived in stores with a whole variety of flavour combinations and spices. Traditional authentic guacamole is actually made up of just a few fresh ingredients, though, and this is the best guacamole recipe I’ve ever had:

Mixed ingredients for Traditional Mexican Guacamole

  • Avocado
  • Onion – I’ve used red onion, but white onion works well too.
  • Salt
  • Lime Juice (and even this is seen as optional)
  • Chilli
  • Coriander

Note* Because of the simplicity of this dish, some may feel that lime juice overpowers the dish and ruins the balance of flavours. However, I think this is mostly up to personal choice – I love lemon and lime juice so happily add a generous amount to any guacamole, but you may want to be a bit more sparing with it.

Guacamole in a bowl

I’ve then taken things a  little further with additional ingredients including tomato, coriander and chilli. I’ve seen some argue that some or all of these ingredients are also included in authentic Mexican guacamole too. However, others argue that this turns the dish from guacamole into an avocado dip.

I love both versions so I thought I’d included both so that people can make up their mind. Either way, this is a ridiculously easy guacamole dip to make, within just five minutes.

The most important thing about making delicious homemade guacamole is using the right ingredients. By that, I mean – with a fresh dish with such a few ingredients, it makes it even more important to use fresh, quality ingredients. After all, with so few ingredients, you’re sure to pick up on a dud.

Guacamole on toast

How To Choose Perfect Avocados

Of course, the most crucial element to delicious homemade guacamole is picking the right avocados. We all know how finicky it can be to find a perfectly ripe avocado- but have no fear I’m here for you.

So how can you spot a ripe avocado? There are two methods I’ve been known to use:

The Stem Method: One of the best ways to tell the ripeness of an avocado is by peeking under the stem (usually just a cap, from supermarkets). If the stem won’t easily come free from the avocado, then the avocado isn’t ripe yet. If you peel it off and it’s green underneath, then the avocado should be ripe and green. If it’s browning underneath, then your avocado also likely has brown spots.

The Squeeze Method: I like to combine this with the stem method. Ripe avocados are usually not only darker in colour, but they will yield slightly when pressed at the end. It should feel slightly soft but definitely not mushy.

Don’t press too hard, though, as this can cause bruising and will affect the colour of the guacamole.

Guacamole served on toast

The Authentic Guacamole Recipe

Making homemade guacamole is so simple and easy. Of course, you could always just mash some avocados and squeeze some lime juice on top of them – but adding just a few more fresh ingredients makes for an amazing yet easy authentic guacamole recipe.

The Traditional Version

Ingredients for Traditional Mexican Guacamole

  • 3 ripe avocados
  • 1 small red onion
  • 2 limes, juiced (optional) 
  • 1/4 tsp salt 
  • 1/4 cup chopped coriander leaves (or less, to taste)

Although it’s not always used, I like to include coriander (cilantro) into the base guacamole. The amount can be adjusted, to taste, as it has quite a strong flavour.

Optional:

  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (126g)
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1 green small jalapeño chilli
  • Dash of garlic powder

When adding tomato, you’d usually de-seed them first. However, as I used cherry tomatoes, I chose not to do this.

A bowl of guacamole and tomatoes

How To Make The Guacamole

Chop the onion, chilli and coriander. Squeeze out the lime juice.

Chopped veggies for Ingredients for Traditional Mexican Guacamole

Gently mash the avocados with a fork. Optionally, use a potato masher, till the avocado is creamy and ever so slightly chunky.

Mashed avocados for Traditional Mexican Guacamole

Mix the chopped veggies, lime juice (optional) and salt into the avocado mash.

Note* I add jalapeno and cilantro into my base guac. However, these are optional for the base.

Assembling ingredients for Traditional Mexican Guacamole

Mix and enjoy or take it one step further with some additional ingredients.

A bowl of Traditional Mexican Guacamole

For even more nutrients, chop some tomatoes and any of the optional ingredients and add them to the guacamole.

Tomatoes added to Guacamole

Sprinkle some pepper on top.

Guacamole and tomatoes bowl

Serve with some crackers or tortilla chips – delicious.

Close up of guacamole on toast

How To Keep Your Guacamole Fresh & Stored

Guacamole (and avocado in general) is notoriously difficult to keep fresh and green (because no one likes it when their guac turns brown). Lime juice can certainly help to keep the guacamole from becoming brown for a little while (as can lemon juice but I wouldn’t recommend that for this recipe). However, even that has its limitations. Plus, if you want to keep this recipe lime-juice free then obviously that isn’t an option.

There are two alternative methods that I can suggest:

  • The first is laying a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the guacamole, and this should keep the guacamole from turning brown for a couple of days (maximum). I haven’t yet had the chance to see if this would work with beeswax wrap, to avoid single-use plastic.
  • The Second Method may sound a little suspect – but it works. And that is to transfer it to an airtight container, pour a small layer of water over the guac ( about 1cm), close the container, and store in the fridge. This can work to keep your guac green for up to three days.

And if you’re wondering if you can freeze guacamole, then the answer is yes. The trick is to keep the guacamole simple – so that means sticking to four ingredients. No watery tomatoes or onions, as they won’t freeze well.

Frozen guacamole can then be stored for up to three months in the freezer. To defrost the guacamole, just leave it to thaw in the fridge – At this point, you can also add in any extras you’d like ( the tomato, onion etc.). Then serve as usual – my favourite way is with some high fibre crackers or tortilla chips.

You might also like my tips for how to freeze avocado.

Other Recipes You May Like

If you’re in the mood for other Mexican food inspired recipes then you may like this Mexican Inspired Salad in A Jar Recipe. For other dip recipes you may like then how about these  Rainbow Hummus 6 ways or Vegan Moutabal Aubergine Dip

As always, if you try this recipe then, let me know. I’d super appreciate a rating or comment. You can also tag me in your recreations on Instagram @Alphafoodie.

Simple Fresh Authentic Guacamole (Mexican)

5 from 21 votes
By: Samira
A simple, fresh traditional Mexican authentic guacamole made up of only a few ingredients; avocado, onion, salt and lime - with optional added tomato, coriander and chilli.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients 
 

  • 2 avocados
  • 1 red onion
  • 1/4 cup coriander leaves or less, to taste
  • 2 limes
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Optional

  • 1 green chili jalapeño
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp pepper

Instructions 

  • There are a couple of variations to this recipe. The base authentic guacamole can be made of just four ingredients; avocado, onion, salt, and lime juice ( which is also technically optional, for some people). However, I also always add the chilli and coriander (cilantro) to my base too. Feel free to omit these, if preferred.
  • Finely chop the onion, chilli and coriander.
  • Gently mash the avocados with a fork till creamy but still slightly chunky. Optionally, use a potato masher.
  • Mix the chopped veggies into the avocado and pour over the lime juice and salt.
  • Mix and enjoy!
  • For even more nutrients, chop some tomatoes and add them to the guacamole. Sprinkle some pepper on top. Serve with some tortilla chips or crackers.

Video

Notes

How To Keep Your Guacamole Fresh & Stored

Guacamole (and avocado in general) is notoriously difficult to keep fresh and green (because no one likes it when their guac turns brown). Lime juice can certainly help to keep the guacamole from turning brown for a little while (as can lemon juice but I wouldn't recommend that for this recipe). However, even that has its limitations. Plus, if you're wanting to keep this recipe lime-juice free then obviously that isn't an option. 

There are two alternative methods that I can suggest:

  • The first is laying a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the guacamole and this should stop it from going brown for a couple of days (maximum). I haven't yet had the chance to see if this would work with beeswax wrap, to avoid single-use plastic.
  • The Second Method may sound a little suspect - but it works. And that is to transfer it to an airtight container, pour a small layer of water over the guac (about 1cm), close the container, and store in the fridge. This can work to keep your guac green for up to three days. 
And if you're wondering if you can freeze guacamole, then the answer is yes. The trick is to keep the guacamole simple - so that means sticking to four ingredients. No watery tomatoes or onions, as they won't freeze well. 
Frozen guacamole can then be stored for up to three months in the freezer. To defrost the guacamole, just leave it to thaw in the fridge - At this point you can also add in any extras you'd like (the tomato, onion etc). Then serve as usual - my favourite way is with some high fibre crackers or tortilla chips.
Course: Snack
Cuisine: Mexican
Freezer friendly: 3 Months
Shelf life: 3 Days

Nutrition

Serving: 1Side, Calories: 189kcal, Carbohydrates: 16g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 194mg, Potassium: 602mg, Fiber: 9g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 322IU, Vitamin C: 28mg, Calcium: 29mg, Iron: 1mg

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

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