Name: 5 Ingredient Guacamole Recipe: 7 Tips for the Perfect Dip
Prep time: 7 min
Total time: 7 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 medium ripe avocados; 1/4 cup finely diced red onion; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 medium lime); 1/2 teaspoon salt (I prefer kosher salt); 2 tablespoons prepared salsa (mild, medium, or hot – your choice!); Avocados should yield slightly to gentle pressure – not too firm, not too mushy; If you don’t have red onion, white onion works in a pinch; No fresh lime? A tablespoon of bottled lime juice will do; The prepared salsa is my secret weapon for adding depth without extra chopping!

Jump to Recipe

Have you ever found yourself staring at those perfectly ripe avocados on your counter, dreaming of a creamy, delicious guacamole, but feeling overwhelmed by complicated recipes? Trust me, I’ve been there! My 5 ingredient guacamole recipe is about to become your new best friend. As someone who believes cooking should bring joy rather than stress, I’ve perfected this simple guacamole that delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort.

Last weekend, while preparing for an impromptu backyard gathering at our little yellow farmhouse, I had exactly 15 minutes before guests arrived. My 6-year-old Lila was tugging at my apron asking if she could help, while Caleb was sneaking tortilla chips from the pantry. In that beautiful chaos, this 5 ingredient guacamole saved the day – and it can save yours too!

When life gets busy (and when isn’t it?), having a handful of back-pocket recipes that deliver big flavor with minimal ingredients is essential. This 7-layer taco salad recipe might be your next favorite, but today we’re keeping it even simpler with guacamole!

Why You’ll Love This 5 Ingredient Guacamole Recipe: 7 Tips for the Perfect Dip

This 5 ingredient guacamole recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s a lifesaver for busy households, last-minute gatherings, or satisfying that sudden craving for something fresh and flavorful. Here’s why this recipe is about to earn a permanent spot in your weekly rotation:

Truly simple: With just 5 basic ingredients, it’s as straightforward as it gets
Quick preparation: Ready in under 10 minutes
Versatile: Perfect as a dip, spread, or topping
Crowd-pleaser: Even picky eaters love this version
Customizable: Easy to adjust to your taste preferences
No cilantro: For those who think cilantro tastes like soap (you’re not alone!)
Fresh and healthy: Packed with good fats and nutrients

Ingredients

For this beautifully simple 5 ingredient guacamole recipe, you’ll need:

3 medium ripe avocados
1/4 cup finely diced red onion
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 medium lime)
1/2 teaspoon salt (I prefer kosher salt)
2 tablespoons prepared salsa (mild, medium, or hot – your choice!)

Ingredient Tips:

Avocados should yield slightly to gentle pressure – not too firm, not too mushy
If you don’t have red onion, white onion works in a pinch
No fresh lime? A tablespoon of bottled lime juice will do
The prepared salsa is my secret weapon for adding depth without extra chopping!

Timing

Prep time: 7 minutes
Cook time: None (that’s the beauty of it!)
Total time: 7 minutes
Best served: Within 2 hours of making

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Avocados

Cut each avocado in half lengthwise, rotating around the pit. Twist to separate the halves. Carefully remove the pit (I like to gently tap the pit with a knife, twist, and lift it out). Using a spoon, scoop the avocado flesh into a medium bowl.

Step 2: Mash to Your Desired Consistency

Using a fork or potato masher, mash the avocados to your preferred texture. I’ve found that most people enjoy a combination of smooth and chunky – leave some visible pieces for the perfect texture! My husband Eric prefers it completely smooth, while I love having some chunks for texture. Marriage is all about compromise, right?

Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients

Add the finely diced red onion, fresh lime juice, salt, and prepared salsa to the bowl. This 5 ingredient guacamole recipe with salsa gives you incredible flavor depth without chopping tomatoes, garlic, and jalapeños!

Step 4: Mix Gently

Using a fork or rubber spatula, gently fold the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix – you want to preserve some of that beautiful texture.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

This is critical! Take a small taste (I always use a tortilla chip for authentic testing) and adjust seasonings as needed. Need more zing? Add more lime. Not punchy enough? A pinch more salt usually does the trick.

7 Cooking Tips for Perfect Guacamole Every Time

Choose the right avocados: They should yield to gentle pressure but not feel mushy. The stem end should come off easily revealing green underneath – brown means overripe!
Temperature matters: Room temperature avocados mash more easily and have better flavor than cold ones straight from the fridge.
The lime juice trick: Beyond flavor, lime juice prevents browning. Be sure to add it right after mashing for the freshest color.
Save the pit: If you’re not serving immediately, place an avocado pit in the center of your prepared guacamole to help prevent browning (grandma’s trick that actually works!).
Plastic wrap contact: Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole when storing to prevent air exposure and browning.
Don’t fear the simple: This 5 ingredient guacamole recipe easy approach proves that delicious doesn’t have to be complicated.
Salsa selection matters: Choose a salsa style that complements your serving plans – chunky for texture, smooth for creaminess, spicy for heat lovers!

Personal Story

The first time I made this 5 ingredient guacamole without cilantro was actually because I’d forgotten to buy cilantro at the store. Eric had invited colleagues over with just hours’ notice (bless that man and his spontaneity), and I was scrambling to put together a decent spread.

What started as a mistake turned into our family favorite! Lila now proudly tells everyone that she’s the “official guacamole mixer” in our house. She stands on her little step stool, mashing away with complete concentration. Some of our best conversations happen during these moments – like when she asked if avocados were fruits or vegetables, leading us down a rabbit hole of plant classification that somehow ended with dinosaurs. (They’re fruits, by the way!)

Nutritional Information

This guacamole isn’t just delicious – it’s nutritious! Avocados are packed with healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and potassium. One serving (about 1/4 cup) contains approximately:

120 calories
10g healthy fats
2g protein
6g carbohydrates
4g fiber
Significant amounts of vitamins K, C, B5, B6, and E

Avocados contain more potassium than bananas and are one of the few fruits that provide “good” fats, which can help reduce bad cholesterol levels.

Healthier Alternatives

While this guacamole is already quite healthy, here are some variations for different dietary needs:

Lower sodium: Reduce salt to 1/4 teaspoon and use low-sodium salsa
Extra protein: Mix in 1/4 cup finely diced hard-boiled egg whites
More fiber: Add 2 tablespoons finely chopped red bell pepper
Heart-healthy boost: Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon ground flaxseed before serving

Serving Suggestions

This 5 ingredient guacamole recipe shines in so many ways:

Classic tortilla chips: Always a winner (blue corn chips add beautiful color contrast)
Fresh veggie platter: Bell pepper strips, cucumber rounds, and carrot sticks
Breakfast boost: Spread on whole grain toast and top with a poached egg
Burger topping: Replace mayonnaise with guacamole on your next burger
Taco night essential: Dollop on bacon wrapped little smokies for an unexpected but delicious combo!
Quick lunch: Spread inside a wrap with turkey and sprouts

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a simple 5 ingredient guacamole recipe, there are a few pitfalls to watch for:

Underripe avocados: They’ll be hard to mash and lack flavor. If all you have are firm avocados, place them in a paper bag with a banana to speed ripening.
Skipping the lime: It’s not just for flavor! The acidity helps prevent browning and brightens all the other flavors.
Too much salt too soon: Start with less than you think you need – you can always add more, but you can’t take it away.
Preparing too far ahead: While the lime helps, guacamole is best enjoyed fresh. Try not to make it more than 2 hours before serving.
Not tasting as you go: Every avocado is different, so adjust seasonings to complement their natural flavor.

Storing & Reheating Tips

Guacamole is best fresh, but if you have leftovers:

Transfer to an airtight container: Choose the smallest container possible to minimize air exposure
Create a barrier: Either place plastic wrap directly on the surface, or pour a thin layer of water on top (pour it off and stir before serving)
Refrigerate: Good for up to 2 days
Never freeze: The texture becomes unpleasant when thawed
Refresh before serving: A squeeze of fresh lime and a quick stir can revive day-old guacamole

FAQs

Can I make this 5 ingredient guacamole recipe without cilantro and still get great flavor?
Absolutely! That’s the beauty of this recipe – it’s designed to deliver maximum flavor without cilantro. The red onion provides plenty of aromatic punch, while the salsa adds complexity and depth.

How do I know if my avocados are perfectly ripe for a 5 ingredient guacamole recipe easy preparation?
The perfect avocado should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not feel mushy. Remove the small stem at the end – if it comes away easily and shows green underneath, it’s perfect. If it’s brown underneath, the avocado is overripe.

Can I make this 5 ingredient guacamole recipe with salsa verde instead of red salsa?
Yes! Salsa verde works beautifully and gives a tangier, slightly more herbaceous profile. It’s a great variation especially when serving with chicken dishes!

Final Thoughts

This 5 ingredient guacamole recipe proves that sometimes the simplest approach delivers the most satisfying results. I’ve served this at everything from casual family dinners to neighborhood block parties, and it never fails to impress. The beauty lies in its simplicity and adaptability.

Remember, cooking isn’t about perfection – it’s about creating moments and memories around food that nourishes both body and soul. Whether you’re scooping this onto tacos on a busy Tuesday night or serving it as part of a special gathering, I hope this recipe brings a little more ease and joy to your kitchen.

I’d love to hear how your result turned out – or if you have any special guacamole tricks of your own! Drop me a comment below or tag me in your kitchen creations.

Happy cooking from my little yellow farmhouse to your home!