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    In the Kitch » Recipes » Snacks

    How to Make Guacamole Dip (+ 3 Flavors)

    Joss Dyckson author photo.
    Updated: Feb 29, 2024 · Published: Jul 1, 2019 by Joss Dyckson · This post may contain affiliate links.
    Jump to Recipe
    Guacamole in a bowl.

    If you are looking to make guacamole at home (the best way if you ask me), follow this simple, step-by-step guide on how to make delicious guacamole dip from scratch, including a base recipe plus 3 extra fully-loaded versions!

    Basic guacamole in white bowl with chili pepper and cilantro on top.

    Who doesn't love guacamole? This rich, creamy, slightly spicy dip is a staple of Mexican style cooking. Whether you're scooping it up by the chip-full or dolloping portions into a taco, your party just wouldn't be the same without it.

    There's a number of good store brand guacamole and red and green salsa options out there, but where's the fun in just buying it? Anything homemade is likely to taste at least ten times better, so trade in that jarred stuff for an avocado!

    Serve it up at your Superbowl party, Cinco de Mayo celebration, Taco Tuesday or whenever the mood strikes.

    Jump to:
    • Guacamole Ingredients
    • Guacamole Base Directions
    • Variation 1 - Spicy Tex Mex
    • Variation 2 - Protein Packed
    • Variation 3 - Sweet With Heat
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Storage
    • How to Make Guacamole Last Longer
    • 🥑Guacamole FAQs
    • ❤️More Dip Recipes You Will Love
    • 📋Recipe

    Guacamole Ingredients

    Guacamole ingredients prepped on white wooden background.

    For the Guacamole Base:

    • 2 large ripe avocados (or 4 medium avocados)
    • 2 ripe tomatoes, chopped - I like to use Roma tomatoes.
    • ½ red onion, chopped
    • 1 fresh red chili pepper, seeded and chopped
    • 1 clove garlic, minced
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 lemon, juiced - or to taste
    • 1 handful of fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
    • salt, to taste
    • tortilla chips, to serve

    One of the great things about guacamole is how easy it is to dress up however you like it, so there's nothing to fear when exploring your options. Adjusting the levels of spice, trying different types of citrus fruit juices, and plenty more ways can really make this recipe your own.

    After making the base, you can serve it as is or make it fully-loaded by adding one of the 3 following variations:


    Tex Mex: (Make it spicy!)

    • Guacamole base
    • 1 teaspoon Mexican seasoning (or taco seasoning)
    • Valentina sauce (or preferred hot sauce)
    • ¼ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
    • 1 red chili pepper, cut into thin slices
    • 1 tablespoon cilantro leaves, chopped

    Quail Eggs & Prawns: (Pack it with protein.)

    • Guacamole base
    • 2 to 4 quail eggs, cooked, peeled and quartered
    • 6 prawns (one per person) - peeled and cooked
    • fresh cilantro, to garnish

     Mango & Passion Fruit Coulis: (Add a touch of sweetness.)

    • Guacamole base
    • 1 cup passion fruit pulp
    • 3 tablespoons sugar
    • ½ cup mango, chopped into small cubes
    • fresh cilantro, to garnish

    Guacamole Base Directions

    Guacamole base in bowl.

    Follow these steps on how to make basic guacamole. Because it is already loaded with flavor, this can be served as it is. Or you can get fancy and try some topping variations!

    Avocado cut open with a knife in it.

    Step 1: Cut the avocados in half and remove the center seed with the help of a knife.

    Avocado flesh getting spoon into bowl.

    Step 2: Using a spoon, scoop out the flesh of the avocados into a medium bowl.

    Smashed avocado and guacamole ingredients in bowls.

    Step 3: Use a fork to mash up the avocado until it reaches your desired texture (it's best to keep some chunks for texture).

    Guacamole ingredients combined in bowl.

    Step 4: Add the tomatoes, red onion, chili pepper and garlic.

    Guacamole and chopped cilantro in bowls.

    Step 5: Mix well.

    Guacamole in bowl with olive oil.

    Step 6: Add the olive oil, lemon juice and salt. Mix again.

    Expert Tip: When it comes to seasoning guacamole, think about what you are serving it with. If you're going to serve it with salty tortilla chips, think about toning down on the salt amount. If you're serving it with plain vegetables, you might want to season it well.

    Guacamole in bowl with cilantro and spoon.

    Step 7: Stir in the cilantro.

    Basic guacamole in white bowl with chili pepper on top.

    Step 8: This is the base guacamole. You can eat it as is or jazz it up with the following variations:

    Variation 1 - Spicy Tex Mex

    Tex Mex guacamole in a bowl.

    This variation is a Tex Mex-inspired topping. Mix the guacamole with the Mexican seasoning and Valentina sauce (or your favorite hot sauce--my favorite homemade hot sauce is this green hot sauce). Top with cheddar cheese, sliced red chili peppers and fresh cilantro leaves.

    Spicy guacamole in a white bowl.

    Variation 2 - Protein Packed

    Quail eggs and prawns on top of guacamole in a bowl.

    For this tasty and filling protein-packed variation, you will top the base guacamole with quartered quail eggs, prawns and cilantro.

    Shrimp and quail eggs in guacamole.

    Variation 3 - Sweet With Heat

    Mango chunks, coulis and tortilla chips on top of guacamole in a bowl.

    This topping variation adds a touch of sweetness to your guacamole base! Pour the passion fruit pulp and sugar into a pot. Heat at medium heat for 10 minutes. Pass it through a fine sieve to remove seeds. Let it cool.

    Serve the passion fruit coulis on top of the guacamole base with the mango chunks and cilantro.

    This guacamole would taste amazing with my passion fruit mojitos. If you like the flavor of mango in savory recipes, you might also like my mango soup recipe.

    Mango and passion fruit guacamole in white bowl.

    That's all you need in order to make this easy recipe for homemade guacamole dip. Fresh, simple, and delicious, you'll have a hard time going back to anything else after you've taken your first bite.

    Serving Suggestions

    My favorite dipper to serve with guacamole is tortilla chips.

    Spicy guacamole on a tortilla chip.

    But it can also be served with toast, vegetables, crackers, etc.

    Shrimp and quail egg guacamole on toast.

    Serve it in tacos (like these bison tacos or taco in a bag), burritos, rice bowls, scrambled eggs, hamburgers, tamales and more.

    Storage

    • Fridge Storage: Leftover guacamole can be covered and stored for up to 1 to 2 days in the fridge.
    • Freezer Storage: If you want to freeze your guacamole for up to 3 to 4 months, leave out the onions, tomatoes, cilantro and other toppings and cover it well. You can thaw it in the fridge and then add the other ingredients.
    Shrimp and quail eggs in bowl of guacamole.

    How to Make Guacamole Last Longer

    If you're wondering how to make guacamole last in the fridge and not turn brown, it's just a matter of stopping oxidation. The lemon juice called for in the recipe already helps with that.

    In order to prevent oxidation further--which occurs when the guacamole is exposed to oxygen--you can also:

    • Pour a thin layer of lemon juice on top of the dip (without the toppings) to form a barrier.
    • Cover with plastic wrap, pushing down on it so that it has contact with the dip/lemon juice.
    • Store in the fridge.
    • When ready to serve, pour the lemon juice off.
    • It should keep for around a day or two before any brown starts to show.

    If you're not planning to make it for a bit but want to have your ingredients in advance, you could also buy unripe avocados.

    Spicy guacamole with grated cheddar and chilies in a bowl.

    🥑Guacamole FAQs

    What is traditional guacamole made of?

    For a traditional guacamole, you will use these essential ingredients: perfectly ripe avocados, red onions, a kick of jalapeño or Serrano chili peppers, fresh cilantro, zesty lime and a pinch of salt. Steer clear of unnecessary additives like sour cream and other dairy, as they tend to diminish the authentic flavor profile. Stick to the pure and simple elements to ensure a classic guacamole.

    What do restaurants put in guacamole to keep it from turning brown?

    Typically, they would use lemon juice.

    Why put olive oil in guacamole?

    Olive oil in guacamole not only infuses richness and flavor but it can serve as a protective shield against premature browning by creating a barrier between the guacamole's surface and the air.

    ❤️More Dip Recipes You Will Love

    • Buffalo chicken dip with green onions in serving dish.
      Easy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
    • Bison dip in cast iron skillet on wooden board.
      Bison Cheeseburger Dip
    • Honey dill sauce in small jar with mini serving spoon.
      Simple Honey Dill Sauce
    • Dill dip in serving bowl with fresh dill on top.
      Homemade Dill Veggie Dip

    What's your favorite way to eat 🥑guacamole? If you tried this recipe tutorial for How to Make Delicious Guacamole Dip or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. And please share the recipe!

    📋Recipe

    Tex Mex guacamole in bowl on brown wooden background.

    How to Make Delicious Guacamole Dip

    Joss Dyckson
    Who doesn't love guacamole? Your party just wouldn't be the same without it. This recipe will show you how to make a delicious guacamole dip base plus 3 amazing flavor variations.
    5 from 5 votes
    Prevent your screen from going dark
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    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer, Snack
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 6
    Calories 164 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    Guacamole Base Ingredients:

    • 2 large ripe avocados - or 4 medium avocados
    • 2 ripe tomatoes - chopped--I like to use Romas
    • ½ red onion - chopped
    • 1 red chili pepper - seeded and chopped
    • 1 clove garlic - minced
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 lemon - juiced
    • salt - to taste
    • 1 handful fresh cilantro leaves - chopped

    Variation 1 - Tex Mex Ingredients:

    • Guacamole base
    • 1 teaspoon Mexican seasoning - or taco seasoning
    • Valentina sauce (hot sauce) - to taste
    • ¼ cup cheddar cheese - shredded
    • 1 red chili pepper - cut into thin slices
    • 1 tablespoon cilantro leaves - chopped
    • tortilla chips - to serve

    Variation 2 - Quail Eggs and Prawns Ingredients:

    • Guacamole Base
    • 2-4 quail eggs - cooked, peeled and quartered
    • 6 prawns - peeled and cooked--one per person
    • fresh cilantro - to garnish

    Variation 3 - Mango and Passion Fruit Coulis Ingredients:

    • Guacamole base
    • 1 cup passion fruit pulp
    • 3 tablespoons sugar
    • ½ cup mango - chopped into small cubes
    • fresh cilantro - to garnish

    Instructions
     

    Base Guacamole:

    • Cut the avocados in half and remove the center seed with the help of a knife.
      Avocado cut open with a knife in it.
    • Using a spoon, scoop out the flesh of the avocados into a medium bowl.
      Avocado flesh getting spoon into bowl.
    • Use a fork to mash up the avocado until it reaches your desired texture (it's best to keep some chunks for texture).
      Smashed avocado and guacamole ingredients in bowls.
    • Add the tomatoes, red onion, chili pepper and garlic. Mix well.
      Guacamole ingredients combined in bowl.
    • Add the olive oil, lemon juice and salt. Mix again.
      Guacamole in bowl with olive oil.
    • Stir in the cilantro.
      Guacamole in bowl with cilantro and spoon.
    • This is the base guacamole. You can eat it as is or jazz it up with the following variations:
      Basic guacamole in white bowl with chili pepper on top.

    Variation 1 - Tex Mex Directions:

    • Mix the guacamole with the Mexican seasoning and hot sauce. Top with cheddar cheese, sliced red chili and cilantro leaves.
      Spicy guacamole with grated cheddar and chilies in a bowl.

    Variation 2 - Quail Eggs and Prawns Directions:

    • Top the base guacamole with quartered quail eggs, prawns and cilantro.
      Shrimp and quail eggs in guacamole.

    Variation 3 - Mango and Passion Fruit Coulis Directions:

    • Pour passion fruit pulp and sugar into a pot. Heat over medium heat for 10 minutes. Pass it through a fine sieve to remove seeds. Let it cool.
      Passion fruit pulp.
    • Serve the passion fruit coulis on top of the guacamole base with the mango chunks and fresh cilantro.
      Mango and passion fruit guacamole in white bowl.

    Notes

    • Nutrition: Nutrition information is for the guacamole base.
    • Fridge Storage: Leftover guacamole can be covered and stored for up to 1 to 2 days in the fridge.
    • Here is a great tip to make your guacamole last longer: Pour a thin layer of lemon juice on top of the dip (without the toppings) to form a barrier. Cover with plastic wrap, pushing down on it so that it has contact with the dip/lemon juice. Store in the fridge. When ready to serve, pour the lemon juice off. The idea is to prevent oxidation--which occurs when the guacamole is exposed to oxygen.
    • Freezer Storage: If you want to freeze your guacamole for up to 3 to 4 months, leave out the onions, tomatoes, cilantro and other toppings and cover it well. You can thaw it in the fridge and then add the other ingredients.
    • Seasoning Tip: When it comes to seasoning guacamole, think about what you are serving it with. If you're going to serve it with salty tortilla chips, think about toning down on the salt amount. If you're serving it with plain vegetables, you might want to season it well.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 164kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 2gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 8mgPotassium: 470mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 556IUVitamin C: 26mgCalcium: 17mgIron: 1mg

    Nutrition information on In the Kitch is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may not include toppings and/or sauces.

    Want to see our recipes in action?Subscribe to our channel on Youtube!

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    Comments

      5 from 5 votes

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Terri Gilson says

      July 15, 2019 at 7:56 am

      Oh how I love guac! And I love all your variations and detailed step by step instructions! The good ol' tex mex flavour is still my fave 🙂

      Reply
      • Joss D says

        July 15, 2019 at 10:32 am

        Thanks Terri 🙂

        Reply
    2. Sabrina says

      July 10, 2019 at 5:53 pm

      How delicious and creative, I love all three of these variations! The prawns and quail eggs is so elegant and the Tex mex is addictive! Thanks Joss 🙂

      Reply
      • Joss D says

        July 10, 2019 at 10:39 pm

        No problem Sabrina! Thanks for the comment. I'm glad you like all three!

        Reply
    3. Jessica says

      July 10, 2019 at 9:16 am

      Loving the variations on this guacamole, especially the Tex Mex version! Such a great snack for the summertime!

      Reply
      • Joss D says

        July 10, 2019 at 9:25 am

        The Tex Mex is definitely a hit. Thanks for the comment Jess and enjoy your summer!

        Reply
    4. Bernice Hill says

      July 09, 2019 at 10:06 am

      Wow, Joss! I really love how creative you show that guacamole can be modified like this...the photos are lovely (not easy to do with the subject matter) and I love the step by step directions. Your blog has a really refreshing design.

      Reply
      • Joss D says

        July 09, 2019 at 10:28 am

        Thank you so much Bernice!! That's so kind of you to say, much appreciated. 🙂

        Reply
    5. Sharon says

      July 09, 2019 at 9:49 am

      Love that Tex-Mex version! I personally cannot get enough guac so this post is right up my alley. 🙂 Perfect for summertime.

      Reply
      • Joss D says

        July 09, 2019 at 10:26 am

        Thanks Sharon! The Tex Mex is my favorite too.

        Reply
    Joss Dyckson author photo.

    Hi, I'm Joss!

    I am the creator and editor of In the Kitch. I am inviting you on this food journey with me to learn, grow and bring out that inner chef in you. I hope to inspire you to get creative in your own kitchen!

    More about me →

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