Learn how to make the BEST guacamole recipe that will stay fresh and bright green for days! Guacamole is one of my absolute favorite snacks, and there’s no reason not to make it from scratch. It comes together in no time, and you have total control over the flavors and heat level. If you love homemade guacamole, this is the best guacamole recipe you will ever try! (At least, in my humble opinion).
Avocados are the best, am I right? I love them sliced in half with balsamic dressing (or a thick, aged balsamico) poured into the center. They add a cool, smooth richness to salads, toast, soups, tacos, chili… to so many things. But guacamole will always be king.
Homemade guacamole is one of my absolute favorite things. Sometimes when no one is looking, I’ll eat it with a spoon. Today, I’ve got some tricks to show you that will help you keep your guacamole bright green for days!
Why Does Guacamole Turn Brown?
The problem with guacamole, in addition to many other avocado recipes, is oxidation. Avocado flesh will turn brown and slightly bitter within hours after exposure to air.
I’ve got a trick to show you!
How to Keep Guacamole Green
Lime juice slows down the oxidation process, but not for long. However, there’s a trick that will dramatically extend the life of your guacamole without effecting the flavor or texture! The magic ingredient is citric acid powder.
You can find this for sale under various brand names, but the one I see most widely available in stores is from Ball, the canning company, and it’s sold under the name Fruit Fresh. You can also order it off Amazon.
All you need to do is stir in some of this quick dissolving powder and viola: fresh guacamole for days. This is a great trick if you’re preparing food for a party, or even a large batch for your family that won’t be finished in one sitting.
There are many other uses for citrus acid, FYI. It adds a great tang to recipes. For example, I use it in the coating of these passion fruit geleés to make them taste similar to sour gummy candies.
How to Make Guacamole
- As you can see from the photos, I like my guacamole very textured, with large pieces of avocado. This is a personal preference; feel free to mash them however you prefer.
- I also like a lot of lime, heat, and a good amount of salt. I tried to keep the ingredient list reasonable, but you should use the listed amounts as a guideline and adjust according to your personal preference. I always adjust flavors to taste. Sometimes I throw everything together and it definitely needs more salt, onion, etc. Especially the next day. Flavors will change overnight as they have a chance to mingle. This is especially true with dips and soups.
- I find that jalapeños vary greatly in heat. Some are very spicy; others (often the large ones) might as well be green bell peppers. If you like heat, serrano peppers are much more consistent. Also, when your dicing any hot pepper, keep in mind that most of the heat is located in the white pith and seeds. You can leave some of that stuff in the dice for an added kick.
- New to cooking? Check out my tutorial videos: how to cut an avocado & dice a jalapeño.
- If the guacamole tastes like it’s “missing something,” chances are that you need to add more acidity (lime) and/or salt. This is a general concept to keep in mind when you’re cooking anything! Acidity and salt make all the difference.
Looking for More Avocado Recipes?
Check out my Creamy Avocado Pasta, Chilled Tomatillo Avocado Soup, and Sweet Potato, Apple and Avocado Salad!
My Favorite Guacamole
Ingredients
- 4 medium avocados, ripe but not mushy
- Optional: 1 teaspoon citric acid powder
- 2 serrano or jalapeño peppers, finely diced
- 1 medium red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup fresh squeezed lime juice (3-4 limes)
- 1-2 small garlic cloves, minced (see notes)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Tortilla chips or vegetables for serving
Instructions
- Slice the avocados in half lengthwise and remove the pit. Scoop the flesh into a large bowl and mash. If using, stir in the Vitamin C powder.
- Add the peppers, onion, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasonings accordingly.
- Serve with tortilla chips or vegetables.
Notes
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Nutrition
Recipe Troubleshooting
For immediate help troubleshooting a recipe, please email me using the form on my contact page. I’ll try to respond to urgent questions as quickly as possible! For all general questions, please leave a comment here :)
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Vitamin C powder?! oh my gawd, that’s brilliant! I keep a pit in the guac. . that helps to keep it fresh but I’m totally trying the Vitamin C powder!
Colleen says
Avocados are a culinary wonder indeed! Thanks for the tip!! And YES, to thick high quality balsamic on avocados :)
Matt says
What an awesome idea, thank you! We love guac here and this looks incredibly good.
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
Wow, great idea Jennifer! Thanks so much for sharing this great recipe and tip!
Gina says
A basic but a much needed one! I definitely need to get my hands on some vitamin C powder. I knew it was oxidation causing the brown color but never knew vitamin C would stop it from happening!
Naomi says
I hate how quickly guac goes bad, so I’m loving this tip!
Brenda@Sugar-Free Mom says
I’m with you! I love big chunks of avocado and lots of salt and lime! I’m in love with your recipe!
Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain says
I like my guacamole with a little chunky too! Bookmarked this recipe!
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says
I like to think of guac as a food group. I could LIVE off it! This sounds perfect.
The Food Hunter says
Now that is a tip I haven’t heard before…thanks
Kelly @ Nosh and Nourish says
I love that you’re adding in more staple-type recipes to your site. And I never knew about the vitamin C trick — so yes, it’s super good that you put up another guac recipe!!! #avocadosforlife
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Great tip, I look forward to trying that!
Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy says
So simple and perfect!
Kirsten/ComfortablyDomestic says
I’m really loving all of that great texture in your guacamole. The powdered Vitamin C is a neat trick.
Sarah @ Snixy Kitchen says
Woah! I would never have thought to add vitamin c powder! Genius!