I recently had disappointing restaurant guac. It reminded me why the best guacamole is homemade: because you can make it exactly how you like it!
A few weeks ago, I went out to dinner with friends at a neighborhood Mexican restaurant. As we looked over the menu (I was deciding between portobello tacos or veggie enchiladas as my entree), we agreed to kick things off with guacamole for the table.
It seemed like a no-brainer. Restaurant guac may not be cheap (that one bowl cost us $16!), but it would certainly be delicious.
At least, I thought it would be. In reality, it…wasn’t great, filled with watery tomatoes and not nearly enough lime or salt. I mean, $16?!
It reminded me of the major benefit of making your own guacamole: you can make it exactly how you like it.
This guacamole recipe has been my go-to for years, and I’m planning to make my next batch as soon as I finish writing this post (guacamole redemption!).
Here’s why I love this guacamole recipe:
- It uses lime juice AND zest. You can give guacamole plenty of tang using lime juice alone, but the zest adds another layer of freshness and brightness. If you ask me, the best guac has both.
- It has plenty of crunch. Guacamole should definitely be creamy, but some crunch makes it more interesting and satisfying to eat. I add red onion and jalapeño to mine, which also supply savory flavor and heat.
- You can make it in literal minutes. 6 ingredients, mashed in a bowl. Nothing fancy going on here!
So the next time you’re craving guac, save yourself a few bucks and make your own at home!
Use this recipe as a starting point—Love & Lemons readers have vouched for it. Alf called it “Perfection!” and Michael wrote, “It really is the best guacamole recipe!”
Get the recipe:
Want to make this recipe? Here are a few tips:
- It’s best fresh. Avocados oxidize, or turn brown, after they’re cut. If you’re making this recipe for a party or gathering, I recommend mixing it up right before serving for the most vibrant green color.
- You can tweak it to taste. That’s the magic of homemade guacamole! If you love your guac with tomatoes, add some. If you like it spicy, add extra jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne. Don’t want it to be too tangy? Start with less lime juice and add more until you find the right balance. And always, always season to taste with salt.
But where is the tomato. It literally is supposed to have tomatoes.
Try adding minced wild garlic blossoms (when it’s the season and you have it in your garden) instead of garlic.
It’s better with lemon juice instead of lime.
Nooooooooooooo!