How to Make Guacamole for Any Occasion
We love guacamole for lunch, dinner or snacks. It’s also the ideal dish to bring to a potluck or party. Pair it with some crispy, homemade baked pita chips and a platter of veggies and you’re good to go.
Guacamole is a traditional Mexican dish made with avocado. It has quickly become a popular dish throughout all of North America – maybe even the world. And with good reason – it’s delicious and nutritious!
You’ve probably heard avocados are high in fat, right? While that’s true, you probably also know that’s it’s the type of fat we want and need in our diet. Not to mention the fact that we shouldn’t get hung up on fat content alone; we’ve got to consider the bigger picture. And with avocados the big picture is pretty impressive. Best Health magazine is one of many resources that explains why we should add avocados to our meal plans.
How to Test for a Ripe Avocado
The key to good guacamole are ripe avocados. It’s a good idea to plan ahead, because often, avocados in stores are under-ripe. To test for ripeness, gently press the outside of the avocado. If it is hard, it is not ripe. If there is some softness or “give” it is just right.  If it is very soft or your finger leaves an indent, it’s overripe – never buy them if they’re this soft!  If they are under-ripe, let them sit on a counter for a couple of days. To ripen them a day faster, place them in a paper bag with bananas or apples.
It’s also important not to over squish the avocados when making guacamole. A few lumps and bumps go nicely with the bits of tomatoes, onions and cilantro that also go into the best guacamole.
Storing and Freezing Guacamole
Guacamole will oxidize and turn brown when exposed to air, so keep it covered until ready to serve.
To Store Keep it in the fridge tightly covered with plastic wrap. Make sure the plastic wrap touches the entire surface of the guacamole. The key is to prevent any air from touching the guac anywhere. You could also cover any exposed area with a little lime juice. Ina Garten even says if you press down the guac very well so there’s no air pockets or cracks, you can pour water on the surface (DO NOT MIX). The water won’t sink in and acts as a barrier.
To Freeze The smashed avocado will do quite well in the freezer, but the tomatoes, herbs and onions won’t fare as well. They’ll get soft and watery. If you know there’s no possible way you’ll eat all the guac at once, set some aside before you add the onions and tomatoes. Puree it smooth and put in a freezer bag. Squish all the air out of the freezer bag so there’s no air remaining and it’s flat like a pancake! Freeze. Put in fridge to thaw. When ready to serve freshen it up with some cilantro, tomatoes or onions.
Easy Recipe for Guacamole
Easy Guacamole for Every Occasion
Ingredients
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 small tomato seeded and diced
- 1 tbsp finely diced red onion
- 1 clove garlic crushed
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
- 1/2 to 1 tsp hot pepper flakes
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Halve and deseed the avocado by slicing down the center lengthwise around the seed, starting at the narrower end. Hold the avocado in your hand and using your other hand, twist and rotate the two halves apart. Use a spoon to scoop out the seed, or use a butcher knife to “grab” the seed by inserting the blade into the seed and twisting it out.
- Scoop the flesh of the avocado into a bowl.
- Use a fork to squish the avocado into small, creamy pieces.
- Pour lime juice over avocado.
- Mix in tomato, red onion, garlic, cilantro and hot pepper flakes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more hot pepper flakes, salt and pepper.
- Serve.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
More Ways to Enjoy Avocado
If you’re looking for other ideas for using avocado, consider one of these recipes:
Avocado Sauce with Lime and Cilantro
I’d love to hear your comment or see your results when you try this recipe. Please leave a comment or take a photo and tag #getgettys so I can see it and like it!
Sign up to get articles by Getty delivered to your inbox. You’ll get recipes, practical tips and great food information like this. Getty is a Professional Home Economist, speaker and writer putting good food on tables and agendas. She is the author of Manitoba’s best-selling Prairie Fruit Cookbook, Founder of Fruit Share, a mom and veggie gardener.