Fresh Cilantro Guacamole
Easy homemade guacamole recipe with fresh cilantro, lime, and jalapeños. Vegan appetizer ready in 12 minutes.
Health Scores
Ingredients
- 2 medium ripe avocados, halved lengthwise
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 jalapeño pepper, minced
- 1 garlic clove, minced very finely
- 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup tomato, diced into small pieces
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of ground cumin
- Tortilla chips or fresh vegetable sticks for serving
Instructions
- 1
Halve each ripe avocado lengthwise by cutting around the pit, then twist the two halves apart gently.
- 2
Remove the pit by inserting a sharp knife into the center and rotating to dislodge it safely.
- 3
Scoop the soft avocado flesh directly into a medium mixing bowl using a spoon.
- 4
Pour half the lime juice over the avocado and sprinkle with salt immediately to prevent browning.
- 5
Mash the avocado with a fork to your preferred consistency—leave it chunky for texture or mash thoroughly for creamy results.
- 6
Fold in the diced red onion, minced jalapeño, and garlic until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- 7
Taste the guacamole and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt and the remaining lime juice as needed.
- 8
Sprinkle the ground cumin and black pepper over the top, then gently stir to incorporate.
- 9
Fold in the fresh cilantro and diced tomato last, using a gentle hand to preserve their texture and prevent the mixture from becoming watery.
- 10
Transfer to a serving bowl and drizzle with a tiny amount of lime juice if storing for more than a few minutes.
- 11
Serve immediately with tortilla chips or fresh vegetable crudités while the guacamole is at peak flavor and color.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| red onion | white onion or shallot | milder flavor for sensitive palates or different onion availability |
| jalapeño pepper | serrano pepper or fresh green chile | adjust heat level or regional preference |
| fresh cilantro | fresh parsley or chives | cilantro aversion or availability concerns |
| tomato | diced bell pepper or cucumber | reduce moisture content or seasonal unavailability of quality tomatoes |
| lime juice | lemon juice or vinegar | substitute when limes are unavailable or for tartness preference |
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 178 |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 285mg |
| Carbohydrates | 9g |
| Fiber | 7g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Protein | 2g |