This Homemade Healthy Guacamole is packed with all the goodness of fresh, wholesome ingredients and is perfect for snacking, dipping, or topping off your favorite dishes. Made with ripe avocados, juicy tomatoes, zesty lime juice, and fragrant cilantro, this guacamole is bursting with flavor and nutrition.
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Guacamole is a dip that is rich in avocados. It is often used in Mexican cusisine (among many others) and served as a dip, condiment or salad.
Key Ingredients
- Avocados
- Lime Juice
- Tomatoes
- Cilantro
- Jalapenos
- Garlic
- Onions
- Salt
Is it Healthy?
Avocados, which are the main ingredient in guacamole, are a great source of heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats can help lower bad cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and improve overall heart health. Avocados also contain fiber, potassium, and vitamin E, which are important nutrients for a balanced diet.
How to Pick Ripe Avocados
- Check the color: Ripe avocados are typically a dark green or black color.
- Give it a gentle squeeze: Ripe avocados will yield to gentle pressure, but shouldn’t be too soft or mushy. If the avocado feels hard, it is likely not yet ripe. If it feels very soft, it may be overripe and brown inside.
- Look at the stem: Gently remove the small stem on top of the avocado. If the flesh underneath is green, the avocado is likely ripe. If it’s brown or black, it may be overripe or spoiled.
- Check for blemishes: Avoid avocados with large bruises or soft spots, as they may be past their prime.
How to Prevent Guacamole From Turning Brown
It can quickly turn brown due to the exposure to air, which causes oxidation. Here are some tips to prevent it:
- Cover with plastic wrap: Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole to minimize the amount of air that comes into contact with it. This will help slow down the oxidation process.
- Add citrus juice: I use lime in the recipe which helps. The acid in the citrus juice helps slow down the oxidation process.
- Keep the avocado pit in the guacamole: The avocado pit can help prevent guacamole from turning brown. Simply place the pit in the center of the guacamole before covering it with plastic wrap.
- Store in an airtight container: Transfer the dip to an airtight container and press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface. This will help minimize air exposure and slow down the oxidation process.
Substitutions and Variations
- Smoked Salt: I love to substitute standard kosher salt for smoked salt. Next level!
- Mango or Pineapple: Add diced mango or pineapple for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or serrano peppers for a spicy kick.
- Greek Yogurt: Add in plain Greek yogurt for a creamy protein-filled version.
- Hummus: Mix equal parts hummus and mashed avocado for a unique twist.
- Bacon: Everyone loves it. It will add amazing smoked flavor.
Can I Make it Ahead of Time/How to Store
Prepare the recipe as usual and cover it tightly with plastic wrap, pressing the plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole to remove any air pockets. This will help prevent oxidation, which can cause the guacamole to turn brown.
You can do this and you may still notice some pockets of brown. Scoop them out before serving.
You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving. When you’re ready to serve, give it a good stir and taste it to see if any seasoning adjustments need to be made. You may need to add a bit of fresh lime juice and salt to freshen up the flavor.
How Long it Will Last in the Fridge
You can store it for 3-4 days following the tips above.
Can You Freeze It
You can freeze it but note, freezing can change the texture of guacamole, making it a bit watery or grainy once it’s thawed. Thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Pair With These Recipes
Keto Low-Carb Tortilla Chips Recipe
Shrimp Taco Salad
Spicy Shrimp Tacos
Cod Fish Tacos
Lobster Tacos
Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice
Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
Smoked Salsa
More Dip Recipes
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
Smoked Salsa Recipe
Smoked Fish Dip
Million Dollar Dip
Homemade Queso Cheese Dip
Healthy Guacamole (Quick and Easy)
Ingredients
- 4 medium avocados
- 1/4 cup chopped tomatoes this was about 1/4 of a medium tomato
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh lime juice Adjust to taste. This was 1/2 of a large lime for me.
- 3 garlic cloves Minced.
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1/2 – 1 chopped jalapeno
- 1/2 cup chopped onions I used red onions.
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Cut the avocados in half and then remove the pits.
- Scoop out the avocado and place in a medium bowl.
- Toss and coat with lime juice.
- Add the salt and using a fork or potato masher, mash until completely smooth.
- Fold in the remaining ingredients and mix well.
- Taste the guacamole (over and over) and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Felicia
Wednesday 3rd of August 2022
Thereโs nothing better than fresh guacamole! This recipe came together in 5 minutes. Very easy to make and perfect for a snack. I served it with veggies and tortilla chips. It was gone in less than 10 minutes! Thanks for making me look good ๐
staysnatched
Wednesday 3rd of August 2022
haha, anytime babe!
Aimster
Sunday 6th of March 2022
Yummy and easy recipe. Thank you for sharing. I am a snacker and have been struggling with finding low carb things to take to work. This hit the spot for sure.
staysnatched
Friday 11th of March 2022
I'm glad it hit the spot!
Katie
Sunday 13th of February 2022
This was so quick and easy! Fresh guacamole is the best for super bowl Sunday.
staysnatched
Monday 14th of February 2022
Quick and easy for the win!
Danielle
Friday 6th of August 2021
This is the best! So delicious! Itโs my only guacamole recipe I use now! Thank you so much!
staysnatched
Thursday 12th of August 2021
Wonderful! I love to hear it.
Glenda
Thursday 4th of February 2021
What amount is a serving?