Whenever I crave something fresh, creamy, and bursting with bright flavors, my go-to is this Fresh Classic Guacamole Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels effortlessly fancy and comfortingly familiar at the same time. Whether you’re throwing a casual get-together or just need a quick snack, this guacamole shines every single time.

What makes this Fresh Classic Guacamole Recipe absolutely special is its simplicity and balance — ripe avocados, zesty lime, and that little kick from jalapeño all come together in perfect harmony. I’ve brought this to countless family dinners and have always gotten compliments, so I’m excited to share how you can nail it too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient works together to create that iconic guacamole taste—creamy, tangy, slightly spicy, and herbaceous. When shopping, make sure your avocados are perfectly ripe (you’ll want them yielding slightly to gentle pressure) for the best texture.

Ripe avocados: Look for ones that are slightly soft but not mushy; they’ll mash up beautifully.
Yellow or red onion: Adds a sharpness that cuts through the creaminess; diced finely so it blends nicely.
Roma tomato: I prefer Roma because it’s less watery and holds its shape well once diced.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic gives that subtle pungency without overpowering the guac.
Lime juice: Adds essential acidity and helps keep the avocados from browning too fast.
Kosher salt or flaky sea salt: Adjust this to taste, but it really brings out the flavors.
Cilantro leaves and stems: Don’t skip the stems—they carry lots of fresh flavor!
Jalapeño pepper: Finely diced for just the right amount of heat; you can always remove the seeds if you want it milder.

Variations

I love how flexible this Fresh Classic Guacamole Recipe is. Depending on my mood or what’s in my kitchen, I like to tweak it a bit—you absolutely should too! Don’t hesitate to make it your own with these ideas.

Add diced mango or pineapple: I’ve tried this for a sweet twist, and it’s fantastic at summer parties.
Use red chili flakes instead of jalapeño: Great if you want smoky heat without the fresh pepper bite.
Omit cilantro: For friends who aren’t fans, fresh parsley works surprisingly well as a substitution.
Make it chunky or smooth: I tend to leave mine chunky for texture, but if you like it smooth, just blend gently with a food processor.

How to Make Fresh Classic Guacamole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients for Maximum Freshness

Start by finely dicing your onion, tomato, and jalapeño. Mince the garlic cloves well, and chop those cilantro leaves and stems into tiny pieces. Having everything prepped means you can mix quickly and prevent the avocados from oxidizing too soon.

Step 2: Mash the Avocados

Halve the avocados and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to gently mash them—aim for a texture that’s creamy but still chunky enough for some bite. If you mash too aggressively right away, it turns into more of a paste, which I don’t prefer.

Step 3: Combine and Season

Now add your chopped onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, garlic, and cilantro to the mashed avocado. Pour in fresh lime juice and sprinkle kosher salt. Stir gently, taste, and adjust salt or lime juice until it sings. Remember, it’s better to go easy and add more as needed.

Step 4: Keep It Fresh Until Served

If you need to hold the guacamole for a bit, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to reduce browning. I usually make this right before serving, but if you’re prepping ahead, this little trick saves a lot of heartache.