There have been plenty of times over the years where I found myself relying on recipes to make things like guacamole. I tried different ones. Ultimately, just about every one came down to the same simple ingredients: Avocados, cilantro, jalapeno, lime juice and salt. If we’ve got that, we can make some version of guacamole. My favorites however, also include red onion and cumin. That’s all included in my Easy Guacamole recipe!

I have found that it’s not only a great idea to try out different recipes to see what we like, but also to find the commonalities of among dishes. Why?

Like with guacamole, when we know the essentials of a recipe, we can make it easily while enhancing it with whatever flavors and textures we enjoy.

Another reason for trying several recipes is to learn which techniques and measurements work best. In recent years I’ve made a lot of guacamole with a food processor. Early recipes called for the avocado to be added to the processor, which I did. The predictable result was a guacamole that was too smooth, and wasn’t the best texture. Other recipes call for the avocado to be smashed separately in a bowl with a whisk. The result, chunky guac, is so much better!

Recently, I purchased a mortar and pestle, which seems counterintuitive. Afterall, it’s a technology that pre-dates indoor kitchens! How can that make tasks easier or food better? When it comes to smashing, it’s so much better than using a fork and bowl or even a stiff whisk. Apparently, smashing ingredients releases flavor differently than more chopping or cutting. The end result is typically a more satisfying texture and flavor.

I will say though, using a processor or blender is more time efficient for chopping, blending, and breaking down most foods. Think whole cumin seeds, jalapeno peppers, or cilantro leaves. But it can still be done with a little effort in a mortar and pestle. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference and what we have on hand.

So try out this recipe and a few others. .See what you like best and make them your own. But I have to say, I think you’re really going to like this Easy Guacamole recipe! Let me show you more about it.

Ingredients for Easy Guacamole

Avocados – Peak ripeness if at all possible. Black or dark brown. Slightly soft. Cuts cleanly without making a slimy mess. This recipe calls for 3. I’ve seen some call for 2. Fortunately, guacamole is one of those recipes that is pretty forgiving when it comes to details like that. I’ve even run low on guac and just added some more smashed avocado and it was still delicious. That’s pretty impressive!

Cilantro – Fresh and green. Leaves and stems, we’ll take it all. If you don’t like cilantro, try another herb such as parsley, mint, or basil. Of the 3, I think basil would work best, as I’ve used it in salsas instead of cilantro with wonderful results. The combination of parsley and coriander are promising as well.

Jalapeno – Just for a little flavor and spice. Keep the seeds in or use a serrano pepper for more heat. Use 1/4 of a poblano pepper for less.

Red Onion – Subtle, but plays such an important supporting role in layering flavors. White or yellow onions will work as well. Just know they have slightly more intense onion flavor. Green onions are another good mild alternative.

Lime Juice – Adds a bit of acid to offset the rest of the ingredients, plus adds a delightful citrus component.

Salt – Kosher salt. It just enhances all the flavors. Believe me, you’ll miss it if it’s gone.

Cumin – Provides a bit of savory flavor for more complexity.

How to Make Easy Guacamole

I did put “easy” in the name for a reason. This Easy Guacamole really is a simple as 1-2-3!

Step #1 Prepping the Vegetables and Avocados

This step looks really long, but it’s really just chopping and slicing a bit to make processing the ingredients easier.

Start by rinsing and patting all the veggies and avocados dry.

Then with a chef’s knife, chop a handful of cilantro about 4-5 times. We’ll need about 1 packed cup full of leaves and stems. Then toss it all in the food processor (or mortar bowl if using).

Next, cut the onion in half from the root to the other end. We’ll only need one half. Chop off the ends. Pull off the dry and squishy layers, if any, so we only have the good stuff left. This goes in the processor or mortar too, so slicing into strips will get it done. Toss them into the bowl with the cilantro.

Use a paring knife, trimmer, or steak knife for these next two. First, cut off the end of the jalapeno. Then cut it in half lengthwise, then slice each half in two. BE CAREFUL not to get juice in your eyes. It stings like crazy! So true. One time I got this in my hands, touched my eyes.

Next, separate the seeds and white ribs from the jalapeno. Skip this step if you want your guac a bit spicier. Otherwise discard them.

Chop each quarter of jalapeno into 4-5 pieces, then toss into the bowl. Then rinse or wipe off your knife and board to remove the spicy jalapeno juice. Wash your hands with soap and water. Toss any towels in the laundry. Okay, enough parenting (er, nagging). : )

Last, for the avocados, use the same knife and cut them in half around the longest part of the fruit. Gently pry the two sides apart, revealing the seed on one half.

Use a spoon to gently release the seed from the flesh. Use the knife to make 3-5 parallel cuts down the length of the avocados. Then 3-4 cuts across. Use the spoon to gently pry the flesh away from the peel.

Toss the diced avocado into a seperate bowl.

Step #2 Making the Paste

This step is about as easy as it gets.

Add lime juice, salt, and cumin to the food processor. Blend it all together with everything except the avocados. Scrape the sides as needed with a rubber or silicone spatula.

If using a mortar and pestle, grind the ingredients together. If your mortar bowl is too small for all of the ingredients at once, break down one ingredient at a time before adding another to grind.

Once a paste is formed, set aside.

#3 Smash Avocados and Combine

Equally as easy, here’s the final step.

If you are using a medium bowl, smash the avocado with a stiff metal whisk, or use a fork if that’s all you’ve got. If using a mortar, smash with pestle. Smash the avocado until the cubes are broken down and it starts to get creamy. STILL CHUNKY, but becoming creamy.

Finish by adding the cilantro paste to the smashed avocado. Stir it together to combine. The resulting guacamole should still be kinda chunky.

Grab your favorite chips, add it to a salad, or spread it on toast. Ooh, I can’t wait for you to taste it!

FAQ about Easy Guacamole

Can guacamole be made without a food processor or mortar and pestle?

Sure! It may just take a bit longer, but you’ll still have creamy, delicious results. As an alternative method, use a chef’s knife and a cutting board to finely chop your cilantro, garlic, onion, and jalapeno.

Cut the avocado as I have instructed in the recipe, and mash it in a bowl with a fork, the side of a spoon, or a stiff metal whisk, until it’s kinda smooth, but still a bit chunky. Then add the finely chopped ingredients, along with lime juice, salt, and cumin. Fold it all together until combined. Grab some chips and enjoy!

What should I serve with guacamole?

That’s the fun part. Try out whatever sounds delicious to you. But for basics, guacamole is amazing with corn tortilla chips, on tacos and quesadillas, green leafy salads, baked potatoes, or on toast. Be sure to check out my Vegetarian Breakfast Sandwich too! If you have other favorites, let us know in the comments below!

Should guacamole be chunky or smooth?

Either is absolutely fine. It’s really up to you and the texture that you enjoy most. For me, it’s got to be creamy, but with quite a few chunks of avocado and onion. My advice is to start with really chunky, then mash it a bit more as needed.

What can I substitute if I hate cilantro?

Basil is my favorite herb to substitute for Mexican cuisine. It’s perfect with salsas and pico de gallos. Mint is another possibility if you like it. Or try parsley coupled with coriander powder. I’ve also made guac without herbs and it really does taste fine.

Did you make this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below and your photos on Instagram @TheFlavorFanatic1.

Try Easy Guacamole with these recipe favorites!

Vegetarian Taco Bowl (Coming Soon!)

Vegetarian Breakfast Sandwich