This healthy guacamole recipe is simply the best! A classic combination of haas avocados, red onion, jalapeños, tomatoes, lime juice, and cilantro. Dip with chips, use as a topping for tacos, or stuff in a burrito!
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We're going back to basics with a simple healthy guacamole recipe!
I've been re-sharing a lot of my homemade essentials lately because they're so important. If there are two things you need in life, it's a recipe for basic hummus and one for basic guacamole.
With these base recipes you can take your vegetarian food adventures in so many different directions. I always love sharing tips so you can customize your recipes to your tastes and needs, and base recipes like these make it possible for you to learn how to make each recipe your own.
Healthy Guacamole Recipe
Ingredients
- Avocados
- Jalapeños
- Onion
- Tomato
- Fresh Cilantro
- Garlic
- Lime Juice
- Olive oil
- Salt
How to make healthy guacamole
- Peel and pit avocados, then mash them in a bowl with a fork.
- Stir in the jalapeños, onion, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, and salt.
- Gently fold in the tomatoes.
Olive oil in guacamole?
People have some strong opinions about olive oil in guacamole, but it is the only thing I've found that will keep the avocados bright green for days (not that it lasts that long). I don't find that it adds any flavor to the recipe, and it helps it be wonderfully creamy.
If you're staunchly against guacamole with olive oil, you can leave it out.
Helpful tips
How to choose ripe avocados
I always buy my avocados at least 4 days before I plan to eat them. Every avocado I've purchased in the store that seems ripe and ready to eat has been brown and bruised.
I recommend purchasing bright green, rock hard avocados from the store. When you get them home, put them in a brown grocery bag or lunch sack and fold over the top.
My avocados are usually ripe and ready to eat in 3-5 days. If you want them to ripen faster you can put an apple or banana in the bag with the avocados.
Your avocados may ripen faster or slower based on the variety you're able to buy and the environmental conditions in your house. Check your avocados daily until you know how long it will take.
For more information you can visit my post on how to ripen avocados.
How to keep fresh guacamole green
As I mentioned above, I use olive oil to keep my guacamole green for days. Lime juice will also help slow the oxidation process (which is what causes the avocado to start turning brown).
To further help prevent browning, you can cover the top of the guacamole with a thin layer of olive oil or extra lime juice, and press a piece of clear plastic wrap against it before refrigerating. Even if you're storing your guacamole in an air tight container, pressing the plastic wrap against it will prevent the air from getting to it.
What kind of salt to use for guacamole
I love coarse kosher salt (affiliate link) for all my cooking needs. The larger crystals add just the right salty flavor.
I find that fine table salt is just too salty for guacamole , but if it's all you have on hand add sparingly and adjust as needed.
Is guacamole really healthy?
Yes! While guacamole has a lot of fat from the avocados, it's a healthy fat that nourishes your body. As with any food you'll want to eat it in moderation.
Avocados have many health benefits which include vitamins C, E, K, and B-6, magnesium, potassium, and omega-3 fatty acids. They are great for the heart, eyes, and bones.
Tips for customizing
- Pulse your avocados in a food processor and finely mince your other ingredients if you prefer a smoother guacamole
- Leave out the cilantro if you're not a fan
- Omit the onions or use a white onion if the red onions are too strong for you
- Add extra jalapeño or leave in the ribs and seeds for spicy guacamole
- If you don't have limes on hand you can swap them for lemon juice
What to eat with guacamole
- Tortilla chips
- Raw bell pepper slices
- Crispy black bean tacos
- Vegetarian fajitas
- Vegan Tempeh Tacos
More avocado recipes
- Pico de Gallo with Avocado
- Avocado Chimichurri Chip Dip
- Mango Avocado Salsa
- Green Avocado Sauce
- Vegetarian Burrito Bites with Spicy Guacamole
If you make this recipe, be sure to rate it, leave a comment, or tag #theliveinkitchen on Instagram!
Recipe
Guacamole
Ingredients
- 5 ripe Haas avocados
- 1-2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped
- ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice, (from 1 to 2 limes)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon finely minced garlic
- ¾ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- ½-1 cup finely diced tomato
Instructions
- Peel and pit the avocados. Place them in a medium bowl and mash to a coarse consistency with a fork.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients except the tomatoes.
- Taste and adjust the salt or lime juice to suit your taste.
- Gently stir in the tomatoes. Serve at room temperature.
Notes
Tips for customizing
- Pulse your avocados in a food processor and finely mince your other ingredients if you prefer a smoother guacamole
- Leave out the cilantro if you're not a fan
- Omit the onions or use a white onion if the red onions are too strong for you
- Add extra jalapeño or leave in the ribs and seeds for spicy guacamole
- If you don't have limes on hand you can swap them for lemon juice
Maureen says
I have been obsessed with avocado lately! It's been all over my blog this past week! 😀