This article contains affiliate links. We may be compensated if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
Making authentic guacamole is easy and rewarding. Follow this 4-ingredient guacamole recipe and you’ll have a delicious party dip in just minutes.
![Close-up of guacamole and chips](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Guacamole-and-Chips-Closeup-1024x683.jpg)
![Close-up of guacamole and chips](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Guacamole-and-Chips-Closeup-1024x683.jpg)
![Close-up of guacamole and chips](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Guacamole-and-Chips-Closeup-1024x683.jpg.webp)
![Close-up of guacamole and chips](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Guacamole-and-Chips-Closeup-1024x683.jpg.webp)
Guacamole sounds exotic. However, the words guacamole literally translated avocado sauce That’s it. In a sense. You can also mash a few avocados and add them to the bowl on their own, but a pure avocado dip won’t taste as good. That’s why it’s important to add a variety of flavorful ingredients to make this avocado dip special.
Guacamole can be punched up in many different ways. You can also add tomatoes and garlic. I’ve also seen recipes for guacamole that include bacon, mango, and pomegranate. It’s a difficult pass for us. Creativity is great, but we want our guacamole to taste like guacamole.
Our authentic guacamole recipe calls for four simple ingredients (plus salt and optional cilantro). The avocado’s rich vegetable fat content is offset by a flavorful combination of tangy acidity and zesty chili pepper heat, creating a wonderfully authentic guacamole.
real guacamole ingredients
![Guacamole mise en place](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Mise-en-Place-for-Guacamole-1024x859.jpg)
![Guacamole mise en place](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Mise-en-Place-for-Guacamole-1024x859.jpg)
![Guacamole mise en place](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Mise-en-Place-for-Guacamole-1024x859.jpg.webp)
![Guacamole mise en place](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Mise-en-Place-for-Guacamole-1024x859.jpg.webp)
When it comes to delicious guacamole, the rich avocado provides the rich bite that guacamole is all about, while the other ingredients serve as the foundation for the sauce. Ingredients like onions, chili peppers, and lime (along with salt and optional cilantro) provide a flavor platform comparable to sofrito.
Here are the ingredients used in this 4-ingredient guacamole recipe:
I know what you’re thinking – salt and coriander have more than 4 ingredient counts. To us, salt is like water. Everyone has salt, and it is virtually as ubiquitous as water. As for coriander, it’s a completely optional finishing herb. Our recipes – our rules.
avocado
![3 ripe avocados](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/3-ripe-avocados-1024x746.jpg)
![3 ripe avocados](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/3-ripe-avocados-1024x746.jpg)
![3 ripe avocados](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/3-ripe-avocados-1024x746.jpg.webp)
![3 ripe avocados](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/3-ripe-avocados-1024x746.jpg.webp)
To make great guacamole, you need one non-negotiable. Its ingredient is ripe avocado.
For those who don’t eat black-skinned fruit every day, whether it’s ripe or not can be a bit of a mystery. But don’t worry. Determining the ripeness of an avocado is actually easy. Feel the bottom of the fruit. An avocado is ripe when you feel a putty-like resistance when you press it with your finger.
Depending on the season and where you live, finding ripe avocados can be a little difficult. In that case, it’s best to leave the avocado in a sunny spot in or near your kitchen for 5 to 7 days.
pro tips
I found that ripe Hass avocados can be stored in the refrigerator for a week and in the store for three days.
chili pepper
![serrano pepper in a transparent bowl](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Serrano-Pepper-in-a-clear-bowl-1024x796.jpg)
![serrano pepper in a transparent bowl](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Serrano-Pepper-in-a-clear-bowl-1024x796.jpg)
![serrano pepper in a transparent bowl](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Serrano-Pepper-in-a-clear-bowl-1024x796.jpg.webp)
![serrano pepper in a transparent bowl](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Serrano-Pepper-in-a-clear-bowl-1024x796.jpg.webp)
![chopped serrano chile](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Minced-Serrano-Chilis-1024x768.jpg)
![chopped serrano chile](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Minced-Serrano-Chilis-1024x768.jpg)
![chopped serrano chile](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Minced-Serrano-Chilis-1024x768.jpg.webp)
![chopped serrano chile](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Minced-Serrano-Chilis-1024x768.jpg.webp)
You can use any type of fresh green Mexican chili pepper as long as it provides a little heat. We use serrano for its intense tang and bright, pungent flavor.
pro tips
When chopping serrano peppers, wear a rubber glove on your non-knife hand. This will prevent too much capsaicin from getting on your hands and burning your eyes.
lime juice
![lime in a white bowl](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Lime-in-white-Bowl-1024x768.jpg)
![lime in a white bowl](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Lime-in-white-Bowl-1024x768.jpg)
![lime in a white bowl](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Lime-in-white-Bowl-1024x768.jpg.webp)
![lime in a white bowl](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Lime-in-white-Bowl-1024x768.jpg.webp)
The goal of guacamole is to have an acidic zip. Lime provides that zip.
Our recipe starts the flavor base with half a lime (about 1/4 ounce or 1/2 tablespoon lime juice). Depending on the size of your limes, you can also add more lime juice to the finished guacamole.
onion
![Chopped onions on a wooden cutting board](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Minced-Onions-on-a-Wooden-Cutting-Board-1024x768.jpg)
![Chopped onions on a wooden cutting board](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Minced-Onions-on-a-Wooden-Cutting-Board-1024x768.jpg)
![Chopped onions on a wooden cutting board](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Minced-Onions-on-a-Wooden-Cutting-Board-1024x768.jpg.webp)
![Chopped onions on a wooden cutting board](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Minced-Onions-on-a-Wooden-Cutting-Board-1024x768.jpg.webp)
Adding a small amount of chopped onion gives the guacamole an extra bite and a slight vegetable crunch. 1/4 cup of onion is good for 2-3 medium-sized avocados.
How to make authentic guacamole
![Finished guacemol in a metal bowl](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Finished-Guacemole-in-a-metal-bowl-1024x768.jpg)
![Finished guacemol in a metal bowl](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Finished-Guacemole-in-a-metal-bowl-1024x768.jpg)
![Finished guacemol in a metal bowl](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Finished-Guacemole-in-a-metal-bowl-1024x768.jpg.webp)
![Finished guacemol in a metal bowl](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Finished-Guacemole-in-a-metal-bowl-1024x768.jpg.webp)
Use a mortar and pestle, it’s not necessary, but it makes a big difference in the final flavor of the guacamole. If you have a molcajete, it’s even more convenient because you can use it to mash the avocado and make the guacamole in one bowl.
Don’t give up if you don’t have either tool. Instead, use whatever utensils you need to mix and chop the onion and chili peppers, then use a spoon to mix in the fresh lime juice and salt.
![Squeeze lime into mortar and pestle for guacamole](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Squeezing-Lime-into-a-Mortar-and-Pestle-for-Guacamole-1024x768.jpg)
![Squeeze lime into mortar and pestle for guacamole](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Squeezing-Lime-into-a-Mortar-and-Pestle-for-Guacamole-1024x768.jpg)
![Squeeze lime into mortar and pestle for guacamole](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Squeezing-Lime-into-a-Mortar-and-Pestle-for-Guacamole-1024x768.jpg.webp)
![Squeeze lime into mortar and pestle for guacamole](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Squeezing-Lime-into-a-Mortar-and-Pestle-for-Guacamole-1024x768.jpg.webp)
First, mix chopped onions, chili peppers and coarse salt with lime juice in a mortar and pestle.
![Squeeze lime into mortar and pestle for guacamole](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Squeezing-Lime-into-a-Mortar-and-Pestle-for-Guacamole-1024x768.jpg)
![Squeeze lime into mortar and pestle for guacamole](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Squeezing-Lime-into-a-Mortar-and-Pestle-for-Guacamole-1024x768.jpg)
![Squeeze lime into mortar and pestle for guacamole](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Squeezing-Lime-into-a-Mortar-and-Pestle-for-Guacamole-1024x768.jpg.webp)
![Squeeze lime into mortar and pestle for guacamole](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Squeezing-Lime-into-a-Mortar-and-Pestle-for-Guacamole-1024x768.jpg.webp)
![Grind the guacamole flavor base with a mortar and pestle.](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Grinding-a-flavor-base-for-Guacamole-in-a-mortar-and-pestle-1024x768.jpg)
![Grind the guacamole flavor base with a mortar and pestle.](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Grinding-a-flavor-base-for-Guacamole-in-a-mortar-and-pestle-1024x768.jpg)
![Grind the guacamole flavor base with a mortar and pestle.](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Grinding-a-flavor-base-for-Guacamole-in-a-mortar-and-pestle-1024x768.jpg.webp)
![Grind the guacamole flavor base with a mortar and pestle.](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Grinding-a-flavor-base-for-Guacamole-in-a-mortar-and-pestle-1024x768.jpg.webp)
Once you’ve created your flavor base, remove the stem of the avocado, split it down the center, and slice it.
Once split, carefully remove the core of the avocado with a sharp knife or, if you’re feeling comfortable, a spoon, with the seed facing outward. Once you have removed the core of the avocado, make a cross-shaped cut and use a spoon to dig out the flesh.
![remove seeds from guacamole](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Removing-a-pit-from-guacamole-1024x768.jpg)
![remove seeds from guacamole](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Removing-a-pit-from-guacamole-1024x768.jpg)
![remove seeds from guacamole](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Removing-a-pit-from-guacamole-1024x768.jpg.webp)
![remove seeds from guacamole](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Removing-a-pit-from-guacamole-1024x768.jpg.webp)
![score the avocado](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Scoring-an-avocado-1024x768.jpg)
![score the avocado](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Scoring-an-avocado-1024x768.jpg)
![score the avocado](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Scoring-an-avocado-1024x768.jpg.webp)
![score the avocado](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Scoring-an-avocado-1024x768.jpg.webp)
Place chile, lime, and onion mixture in a medium metal mixing bowl. Add the cubed avocado chunks to the mixture.
![Eating guacamole avocado with a spoon](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Spooning-Avocado-in-Guacamole-1024x734.jpg)
![Eating guacamole avocado with a spoon](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Spooning-Avocado-in-Guacamole-1024x734.jpg)
![Eating guacamole avocado with a spoon](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Spooning-Avocado-in-Guacamole-1024x734.jpg.webp)
![Eating guacamole avocado with a spoon](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Spooning-Avocado-in-Guacamole-1024x734.jpg.webp)
Using a potato masher or fork, mash and mix the guacamole. Add salt and lime juice for extra flavor.
![Mash the avocado and make guacamole](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Mashing-an-avocado-for-guacamole-1024x768.jpg)
![Mash the avocado and make guacamole](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Mashing-an-avocado-for-guacamole-1024x768.jpg)
![Mash the avocado and make guacamole](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Mashing-an-avocado-for-guacamole-1024x768.jpg.webp)
![Mash the avocado and make guacamole](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Mashing-an-avocado-for-guacamole-1024x768.jpg.webp)
Transfer the guacamole to a bowl and garnish the green dip with cilantro, if desired. Serve with tortilla chips.
![Guacamole and chips on flower placemat](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Guacamole-and-chips-on-a-flower-placemat-1024x1003.jpg)
![Guacamole and chips on flower placemat](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Guacamole-and-chips-on-a-flower-placemat-1024x1003.jpg)
![Guacamole and chips on flower placemat](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Guacamole-and-chips-on-a-flower-placemat-1024x1003.jpg.webp)
![Guacamole and chips on flower placemat](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Guacamole-and-chips-on-a-flower-placemat-1024x1003.jpg.webp)
Dip the chips in the guacamole and enjoy.
![guacamole dip chips](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Dipping-chip-in-Guacamole-1024x768.jpg)
![guacamole dip chips](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Dipping-chip-in-Guacamole-1024x768.jpg)
![guacamole dip chips](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Dipping-chip-in-Guacamole-1024x768.jpg.webp)
![guacamole dip chips](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Dipping-chip-in-Guacamole-1024x768.jpg.webp)
Recipe FAQ
Guacamole literally means “avocado sauce” and is an avocado dip made with avocado, chili peppers, onions, and lime juice.
Guacamole is an ancient dish with roots in Mesoamerica.
Avocado, chili, onion and lime juice. This dish also includes salt and can be garnished with coriander.
Press plastic wrap directly onto guacamole and place in an airtight container. If you don’t do this,
Guacamole recipe made with 4 ingredients
Learn how to make delicious guacamole at home with just four essential ingredients and a little salt.
Quantity: Four
calorie: 165kcal
- 2 avocado (core and cube)
- 1 serrano chili pepper (chopped)
- 1/2 ounce lime juice (or to taste)
- 1/4 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 tea spoon salt (more as you like)
- 1 tablespoon coriander (chopped – optional)
Place onion, chile, lime juice, and salt in a molcajete or mortar and pestle. Grind until ingredients are incorporated.
Place mixture in a medium mixing bowl.
Spoon the avocado into the same bowl. Using a potato masher or spoon, mash the mixture into a smooth, earthy paste.
Garnish with cilantro if desired.
calorie: 165kcal | carbohydrates: Teng | protein: 2g | fat: 15g | Saturated fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated fats: 2g | Monounsaturated fats: Teng | sodium: 298mg | potassium: 507mg | fiber: 7g | sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 169IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | calcium: 15mg | iron: 1mg
Want more flavor?
subscribe If you don’t want to follow us, please visit our newsletter Facebook, Instagram and/or pinterest.
![About the author](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Red-Beach-Selfie-in-Santorini.jpg)
![About the author](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Red-Beach-Selfie-in-Santorini.jpg)
![About the author](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Red-Beach-Selfie-in-Santorini.jpg.webp)
![About the author](https://www.2foodtrippers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Red-Beach-Selfie-in-Santorini.jpg.webp)
About the author
Darryl and Mindy Hirsch
Darryl and Mindy Hirsch, winners of Saveur Magazine’s BEST TRAVEL BLOG award, share their travel culinary experiences and recipes on their website 2foodtrippers. Since launching the site in 2012, they have traveled to over 40 countries to bring readers a unique taste of the world.
First publication date: December 7, 2023