Authentic Quick Chunky Guacamole

Here's a recipe for classic quick chunky guacamole that takes only 5 minutes and 3 utensils!

Do you have dishes you make all the time for which you don't need a recipe? Some dishes just become second nature to us, and we never have to consult a cookbook. We add, and stir, and taste, and correct it with a little of this or a bit of that until it's just right.

Guacamole is one of those dishes for which I never use a recipe, but I was asked to share it here, so here's my recipe for traditional Quick Chunky Guacamole!

Start with this classic recipe, then experiment with some of the 9 variations I've listed below.

🛒 Ingredients

Here's your shopping list!

• avocados:  You'll need 2. They should be fully ripe, but still a little firm.
• lime:  one, just for the juice. Freshly squeezed juice is always best!
• garlic:  one clove
• onion: you only need ¼ cup, so a small one will do.
• cilantro: again, you only need ¼ cup, so a small handful will be enough. (And if you don't like it, you can leave it out!)
• salt:  to taste, and to bring out the flavours of the other ingredients
• cherry tomatoes: 6, cut in half. These are optional. I make it both ways, with or without tomatoes!

🥄 Instructions

Guacamole is very simple to make and needs no special equipment other than a knife, a fork, a bowl and some hungry, appreciative family members or guests.

• Slice the avocados, remove and discard the pit. Then use a paring knife to slice the fruit lengthwise and then crosswise. Scoop out the flesh and mash with a fork until chunky.
• Add the lime juice and toss to prevent browning, then fold in the remaining ingredients.
• Taste as you go! Correct the seasoning by adding a little more lime juice or salt, or even an extra clove of garlic. Remember that the flavours will become stronger as its sits, so don't go overboard. 
• Let the guacamole sit (tightly covered) for an hour at room temperature to allow the flavours to blend. Pressing a piece of plastic wrap on top will keep out the air which causes the avocado to turn brown.
• Serve with tortilla chips and pico de gallo, or with nachos, tacos, or as a dip for fresh vegetables.

Super simple to make, and easy to clean up afterwards!

🔁 9 Variations on Classic Guacamole Dip

Now let's have some fun with this basic recipe and kick it up a notch! Here are a few of our favourite add-ins.

• jalapeño guacamole:  finely minced, about ½ a medium one, depending on how much heat you like.
• bacon lovers guacamole:  a slice or two of cooked crumbled bacon gives guac a delicious smoky boost.
• tequila guac:  add a tablespoon to give it an authentic Mexican flavour.
• mango-pomegranate guacamole:  add ½ a mango, finely diced and a small handful of pomegranate arils. A sweet and salty flavour combo!
• red onion guacamole:  swap red onion for the white onion for an extra kick.
• roasted garlic guacamole:  mellow the flavour of raw garlic by roasting it in the oven, then mash it together with the other ingredients.
• tomatillo guacamole : add a couple of finely chopped tomatillos as I did in these Paleo Chicken Fajita Burgers with Tomatillo Guacamole and these Shrimp Tacos with Tomatillo Guacamole and Cilantro Lime Slaw
• strawberry-mango guacamole:  cut fresh strawberries and mango into small cubes, mash one of the avocados and cut the other into small cubes to make a chunkier guac.
• Avocado Feta Dip with Basil:  put a Mediterranean twist on traditional guac!

Avocados discolour quickly, and guacamole will lose its appeal once it does. Just like apples, avocado flesh turns brown when it is exposed to air. It's easy to prevent this discolouration though.

The lime juice you squeeze into the guacamole when you make it will help prevent darkening. If you're not planning to serve it right away, squeeze a little extra lime juice on the surface and press plastic wrap on top.

🍽 Serving ideas

While we most often think of guacamole in terms of guac and chips served with a big bowl of fresh salsa,  I also like it in a lot of different ways: Try it

• as a sandwich spread
• with Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
• in a Fajita Burger
• with Chicken Fajitas in Foil Packets
• as a dip for fresh veggies
• in tacos
• with Loaded Sheet Pan Nachos
• mixed with hard-boiled eggs as a replacement for mayonnaise in egg salad sandwiches
• as a dip for Taco Chicken with Guacamole and Fresh Salsa
• with my favourite Pico de Gallo (Fresh Salsa) recipe