Make this quick and easy guacamole recipe in the food processor in just 5 minutes! This recipe is bursting with fresh flavor, lots of lime juice, and a little jalapeno pepper for a nice kick! Make this delicious guacamole dip to enjoy with everything from tortilla chips to elotes fries to quesadillas!
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Good Guacamole is more than just a dip; it's my FAVORITE dip! The richness of creamy avocado, the brightness of limes, the freshness of the cilantro, and the subtle heat of spices delivers a luscious, creamy sensation that melts in your mouth and leaves you yearning for the next bite.
Pair this guac recipe with crispy tortilla chips for a satisfying snack, spread it on toast for a delightful breakfast or lunch option, or use it as a condiment to enhance tacos, burritos, or grilled meats.
So, whether you're hosting a cinco de mayo party, enjoying a casual gathering, or simply treating yourself to a moment of culinary bliss, guacamole is the perfect companion. It's a celebration of taste, an embodiment of freshness, and a testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients come together in perfect harmony.
What is traditional guacamole made of?
An authentic guacamole recipe is made primarily from ripe avocados and incorporates a few simple ingredients. The key components are avocados, onion, tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeno pepper, lime juice, garlic, and salt.
How to pick the Perfect Avocado
Choosing the perfect avocado can make all the difference in creating a delicious and creamy guacamole. Here are some foolproof tips:
1. Check the color: The color of an avocado varies depending on the variety, but generally, ripe avocados have a dark green or almost black skin. Avoid avocados with bright green skin, as they are likely underripe. However, if you're planning to use the avocado in a few days, you can choose a slightly greener one and allow it to ripen at home.
2. Give it a gentle squeeze: Ripe avocados should have a slight give when gently pressed but not feel overly soft or mushy. Avoid avocados that are too firm or too mushy, as they may need more time to ripen.
3. Check the stem: Pop off the small stem or cap at the top of the avocado. If it comes off easily and reveals green underneath, it indicates that the avocado is ripe and ready to be enjoyed. If it's brown or difficult to remove, the avocado may be overripe.
Remember, avocados can ripen at different rates, so it's beneficial to have a mix of ripe and less ripe avocados on hand for various purposes. Additionally, if you have a ripe avocado that you're not ready to use, you can store it in the refrigerator to slow down the ripening process.
How to keep Guacamole Fresh
Have you ever made a homemade guacamole recipe and blinked and it turned brown?! Browning of guacamole is caused by exposure to oxygen. To slow down this process, here are some tips to help keep your guacamole green, fresh and, vibrant:
- Acidic Citrus Juice: add a generous amount of acidic citrus juice, such as lime or lemon juice, to your guacamole. The natural antioxidants in the juice help inhibit oxidation, delaying the browning effect.
- Cover with a piece of Plastic Wrap: this ensures there is no air trapped between the guacamole and the wrap. This creates a protective barrier, limiting exposure to air and reducing browning.
- Seal Air-Tight: Transfer your guacamole to an airtight container before refrigerating. This prevents any additional oxygen from reaching the guacamole and minimizes browning.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: When making guacamole, use fresh, ripe avocados and other ingredients. Overripe avocados are more likely to brown quickly, so choose avocados that are just ripe enough and avoid using any browned or oxidized portions of the fruit.
- Add a Thin Layer of Water: Before refrigerating, you can try adding a thin layer of water on top of the guacamole. The water acts as an additional barrier, preventing oxygen from reaching the surface and minimizing browning. Before serving, gently pour off the water and give the guacamole a quick stir.
Pro Tips
- Choose perfectly ripe avocados: Look for avocados that are slightly soft when gently squeezed but not mushy. They should have a dark green or black skin. Avoid avocados that are overly firm or have brown spots.
- Prep the avocados properly: Cut the avocados in half lengthwise, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a bowl or food processor.
- Serve immediately! This is not a make ahead type of dish. It's best served as soon as its made.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ingredients make a significant difference in the flavor. Chop fresh cilantro, red onion, tomatoes, garlic, and jalapeño peppers for the best results. Squeeze fresh lime juice for that tangy citrus flavor. High-quality ingredients are key!
- Balance flavors: Guacamole should have a balance of flavors. Adjust the quantities of ingredients to suit your taste preferences. If the avocados are mild, you might need more lime juice and salt to bring out the flavors. Taste and adjust accordingly.
- Add some heat: Remember to remove the seeds and membranes if you prefer less heat. If you like spicier guacamole, add red pepper flakes or additional jalapeno or serrano peppers.
- Prevent browning: To prevent the guacamole from browning, press a layer of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole before refrigerating. The tight seal will help minimize contact with air and slow down oxidation.
Remember, guacamole is best enjoyed fresh, so try to make it just before serving. However, if you need to prepare it in advance, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and consume it within a day to maintain its flavor and freshness.
Ingredients
- Fresh Avocados: Ripe avocados provide a creamy texture and rich flavor that forms the essence of the dip.
- Lime and Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lime and lemon juice gives guac a tangy flavor to enhance the taste. It also helps prevent the avocados from browning.
- Red Onion: Finely diced red onion adds a crisp flavor to guacamole. You can also use white onion.
- Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro add a herbaceous taste to guacamole. It adds brightness and a distinct flavor that compliments the other ingredients.
- Salt: A pinch of fine sea salt is essential to bring out the flavors of the ingredients and balance the overall taste of the guacamole.
- Jalapeño peppers
- Garlic Cloves: dice/mince the garlic as finely as possible to release all of that flavor!
- Tomato: use roma tomatoes as they are typically a little less juicy. Remove the seeds and dice to prevent the guac from becoming watery.
- Fresh cilantro leaves: be sure to rinse the cilantro and pat dry prior to adding to the food processor.
- Seasonings: Chili Powder, Cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper
How to make Guacamole
Making guacamole in a food processor is a quick and convenient method. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Prepare the avocados: Cut the avocados in half lengthwise, remove the pits, and scoop the avocado flesh into the food processor bowl. Discard the skins.
- Add the remaining ingredients: Add the diced red onion, chopped jalapeño peppers, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the food processor bowl.
- Process until desired consistency: Close the food processor and pulse the ingredients until they reach your preferred consistency. For a chunky guacamole, pulse a few times until the desired texture is achieved. For a smoother guacamole, process for a bit longer until creamy.
- Taste and adjust: Open the food processor and taste the guacamole. Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice according to your taste preferences. You can also add more jalapeño peppers if you prefer it spicier.
- Add diced tomatoes and mix together with a spoon.
- Serve and enjoy: Transfer the guacamole to a serving bowl and serve immediately with crunchy tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos, burritos, or salads.
Pro tip: Be cautious not to overprocess, as you still want to maintain some texture in the guacamole. Enjoy your homemade guacamole with your favorite dishes or as a tasty dip for any occasion!
Guacamole Variations
- Add a little feta cheese or cotija on top of the guac for a nice cheesy twist
- You can also mix in a little homemade salsa or salsa verde, I've also seen some people add in black beans!
- Love corn? Add a little charred corn for a pop of color and texture!
The best guacamole recipe is the one that fits you palate.
What to serve with Guacamole
Guacamole pairs well with a variety of dishes! Translation - it literally goes with everything! From fingers foods to tacos to burritos, this simple guacamole recipe makes everything better. Here are some popular options to serve with guacamole:
- Chicken Enchiladas
- Chicken Tacos or Shrimp Tacos - dollop a little guac on top with some pineapple pico de gallo for the ultimate tacos!
- Cheese Quesadilla or Birria Quesadillas
- Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas
- Tortilla Chips: Classic tortilla chips are a perfect companion for guacamole.
- Fresh veggies on a crudite platter or charcuterie board
- Nachos: the combination of the creamy guacamole with the cheesy nachos is irresistible.
- Burritos or Burrito Bowls
- Breakfast Dishes: Guacamole can add a delicious twist to breakfast dishes. Serve it alongside scrambled eggs, breakfast burritos, or as a topping for toast or bagels
- Salads: Use guacamole as a flavorful dressing for salads. It adds a creamy texture and brightens up the greens. Toss the salad with guacamole or use it as a topping.
- Smoked or Grilled Meats: Guacamole pairs well with grilled meats like chicken, steak, or shrimp. Spread a generous amount of guacamole on top of the grilled meat to add creaminess and tanginess.
Storing Leftovers
Storing leftover guacamole properly will help prevent it from browning and maintain its flavor and texture.
Store in an airtight container: Place the leftover guacamole in an airtight container. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to smooth the surface of the guacamole and remove any air bubbles. (This step helps create a barrier and slows down the oxidation process) Place the container of guacamole in the refrigerator as soon as possible. Refrigeration slows down the browning process and helps extend the shelf life. Store for up to two days.
Pro tip: you can add a thin layer of water or a squeeze of extra lime juice on top of the guac, ensuring it covers the entire surface. This layer creates a seal and reduces contact with air.
When you're ready to enjoy the leftover guacamole, remove it from the refrigerator and check for any discoloration or off smells. If it appears good and smells fresh, you can proceed to serve and consume it.
Remember, it's normal for guacamole to slightly change in color after refrigeration due to oxidation. You can give it a gentle stir before serving to incorporate any liquid that may have separated and to bring back its creamy consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Avocado has a high water content, and freezing can cause it to become watery and affect its creamy consistency. However, if you want to freeze leftover, place in an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw in the fridge and stir once fully thawed. You may need to adjust the seasonings or add fresh ingredients to improve the consistency and flavor.
Guacamole is considered a healthy food option. It's nutrient rich, full of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a well-rounded and balanced diet for maximum health benefits.
While the browning itself does not make the guacamole unsafe to eat, it is an indication that the avocados have been exposed to air for a period of time. Browning is often associated with a change in flavor and texture, as the guacamole may become slightly more bitter and have a softer consistency.
About 1-2 hours if left out.
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Food Processor Guacamole
Equipment
- Food Processor
- Serving Bowl
Ingredients
- 4 Avocados
- ¼ Red Onion (diced)
- 1 Jalapeno Pepper (diced and seeds removed) - (optional)
- ½ cup Cilantro
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp Lime Juice
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- ¾ tsp Cumin
- ¾ tsp Chili Powder
- 1 Roma Tomato (chopped)
- ½ tsp Kosher Salt
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper
Directions
- Prepare the avocados: Cut the avocados in half lengthwise, remove the pits, and scoop the avocado flesh into the food processor bowl. Discard the skins.
- Add the remaining ingredients: Add the diced red onion, chopped jalapeño peppers, diced jalapeno, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, lime juice, lemon juice, cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the food processor bowl.
- Process until desired consistency: pulse the ingredients until they reach your preferred consistency. For a chunky guacamole, pulse a few times. For a smoother guacamole, process for a bit longer until creamy. (Pro tip: Be cautious not to overprocess, as you still want to maintain some texture in the guacamole.)
- Taste and adjust: Open the food processor and taste the guacamole. Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice according to your taste preferences. You can also add more jalapeño peppers if you prefer it spicier.
- Add diced tomatoes and mix together with a spoon.
- Serve and enjoy: Transfer the guacamole to a serving bowl and serve immediately with crunchy tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos, burritos, or salads.
Notes
-
- Choose perfectly ripe avocados: Look for avocados that are slightly soft when gently squeezed but not mushy. They should have a dark green or black skin. Avoid avocados that are overly firm or have brown spots.
-
- Prep the avocados properly: Cut the avocados in half lengthwise, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a bowl or food processor.
-
- Serve immediately! This is not a make ahead type of dish. It's best served as soon as its made.
-
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ingredients make a significant difference in the flavor. Chop fresh cilantro, red onion, tomatoes, garlic, and jalapeño peppers for the best results. Squeeze fresh lime juice for that tangy citrus flavor. High-quality ingredients are key!
-
- Balance flavors: Guacamole should have a balance of flavors. Adjust the quantities of ingredients to suit your taste preferences. If the avocados are mild, you might need more lime juice and salt to bring out the flavors. Taste and adjust accordingly.
-
- Add some heat: Remember to remove the seeds and membranes if you prefer less heat. If you like spicier guacamole, add red pepper flakes or additional jalapeno or serrano peppers.
-
- Prevent browning: To prevent the guacamole from browning, press a layer of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole before refrigerating. The tight seal will help minimize contact with air and slow down oxidation.
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