This one avocado guacamole recipe is for all the small-batch lovers out there! All you need is a single avocado and a few other ingredients. Let us show you the perfect ratios of simple ingredients for this heavenly guacamole dip.
Table of Contents
- why you need this guacamole!
- ingredients and substitutions
- recipe testing notes
- how to make this - step by step
- watch how to make this - step by step
- expert tips for a joy-filled experience
- common questions
- Different Ways to Make Guacamole
- storage tips
- Ways to Use Leftovers
- fun fact
- more avocado recipes to share
- Recipe
why you need this guacamole!
If you are on this post, you probably have a pretty big craving for guacamole but are limited on ingredients. Don't worry though, with this good guacamole you can have an insanely tasty and flavorful dip with only one avocado and a few other ingredients! And just to assure you how good this is, when I took a bite I legitimately raised my eyebrows in excitement and then my husband and I proceeded to fight over who got the last bite (I won)!
- Perfect for the unprepared: Got an avocado? You're halfway there! The main ingredient of this guacamole is, of course, an avocado, and the rest of the ingredients are probably in your pantry right now.
- It's simple and easy: With just a handful of staple ingredients and a potato masher (or fork), you can whip up this guacamole dip in no time. Plus, it's an easy guacamole recipe for beginners too!
- Versatile: This avocado guacamole recipe isn't just a guacamole dip for your tortilla chips. Think avocado toast, think taco salad. It's a flavor punch that will level up your meals. Or, you can spice this classic guac up by adding hot sauce or chile pepper.
- It's healthy and delicious: Avocados are a good source of heart-healthy fats, and when combined with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and red onion, they create a dish that's as nutritious as it is flavorful.
- Scalable: If you DO have more than 1 avocado, lucky you! With this recipe, you can easily double or triple this recipe to make a large full batch to share (or just for yourself).
ingredients and substitutions
All substitutions are a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted. See recipe card for quantities.
Avocado: The base of every good guacamole starts with this superfood. Avocados give guacamole its creamy texture and flavor. We use a ripe medium-sized Hass avocado for this recipe.
Substitutions: Sorry, no substitute for avocado in guacamole.
Red Onion: This adds some great color and also brings a crunch and a bite to the creamy avocado. We use part of a large onion but you may need to use the whole thing if you have a small onion.
Substitutions: Red onions are generally considered the strongest flavored onion. If you want a more mild flavor, feel free to use white or yellow onions or shallots.
Fresh Cilantro: This herb is a key ingredient that adds that special authentic flavor to guacamole.
Substitute: If cilantro isn't your thing (some people think it tastes like soap), fresh parsley can be used as a substitute but up to personal preference.
Lime Juice: We use bottled lime juice, which adds a vibrant tanginess that balances the richness of the avocado.
Substitute: Lemon juice either from a bottle or freshly squeezed can be used.
Salt: Salt is that secret ingredient that ties everything together. You only need a little bit for the full flavors to shine through!
Substitute: If you're watching your sodium intake, you can use a low-sodium salt substitute. But remember, the best way to have control over the salt content is to adjust to taste.
This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
recipe testing notes
Through rigorous testing (and tasting with lots of chips!) of this single avocado guacamole recipe, we've learned a few things we want to share:
- The ripeness of the avocado matters: To get the best guacamole, use avocados that are ripe but still firm. If the avocado yields to a light squeeze, it's the ideal ripeness.
- Mashing is key: For a great texture, use a potato masher or a fork to mash up the avocado. Some like their guacamole chunky, while others prefer it smooth - so mash it to your liking!
- Seasonings: We tested this avocado with various seasonings, from taco seasoning to just garlic powder and cayenne pepper. We LOVE the taste of avocados so we didn’t like the seasoning overpowering it. Seasoning might be your thing so if it is then you can certainly add it!
how to make this - step by step
Be sure to scroll to the recipe card for the full guacamole recipe!
Step one: Gather your ingredients and ensure your avocado is at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Step two: Halve the avocado, remove the pit, and scoop the avocado flesh into your mixing bowl. Then, mash it using a potato masher or the back of a fork. We like smooth guacamole so we mash a lot. You should mash to your desired consistency.
Step 3: Add in your diced red onion, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Mix until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve your homemade guacamole with a side of crunchy tortilla chips and enjoy!
watch how to make this - step by step
expert tips for a joy-filled experience
Before diving into this simple and amazing recipe, here are a couple of tips to take your small batch of guacamole to the next level:
Keep it Fresh
The lime juice does more than just add flavor. It also helps keep your guacamole vibrant and green, so don't skimp on it!
Store Properly
Store your guacamole in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. If it does start to brown slightly, just give it a good stir.
common questions
Guacamole turns brown due to oxidation when it comes in contact with air. To reduce browning, store it in an airtight container and press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole. Lime juice also helps prevent guacamole from turning brown, so add more if necessary.
Yes, but to keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container with a piece of plastic wrap pressed on the surface of the guacamole to prevent browning.
Absolutely! Guacamole can be totally made to fit your preferences. Feel free to add black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, taco seasoning, or any of your favorite spices to suit your taste.
There are countless additions you could experiment with. Try chopped tomatoes, corn, jalapeño pepper, black beans, or even sour cream for an extra creamy avocado dip. You could also try pomegranates for a festive holiday pomegranate guacamole.
Different Ways to Make Guacamole
- Kickin' Guacamole: Follow this homemade guacamole recipe, but add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Lovers Guac: Add one teaspoon of garlic powder for a tasty garlic flavor.
- Tropical Guacamole: Mix in some finely chopped pineapple or mango for a sweet and tangy tropical twist.
storage tips
Fridge: Store in an airtight container, with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface of the guacamole to prevent browning, for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Unfortunately, guacamole doesn't freeze well because avocados tend to become watery and lose their texture when thawed.
Reheating: No need to reheat, just give it a good stir and enjoy.
Ways to Use Leftovers
- On a sandwich or wrap: Spread some guacamole on your sandwich or wrap for a creamy, flavorful addition.
- In a salad: Add some dollops of guacamole to your salad for a creamy, healthy dressing.
- As a topping: Use it as a topping on grilled chicken, burgers, or roasted vegetables.
fun fact
Did you know that the word "guacamole" comes from the Aztec word "āhuacamolli," which means avocado sauce? Check out more about it here.
more avocado recipes to share
Did you try this and love it? Leave us a ⭐️ rating, we would love to hear from you!
Recipe
Easy One Avocado Guacamole (the best quick recipe!)
Ingredients
- 1 avocado
- ¼ cup red onion (diced)
- 2 tablespoon cilantro leaves (fresh, finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Before you begin!
If you make this recipe, please take a minute to leave a review. I love to hear how it went!
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients. Dice your red onion and finely chop your cilantro leaves.
- Cut your avocado in half and scoop out the seed with a spoon. Then, scoop out the flesh into a medium-sized bowl. Mash with the back of a fork or a potato masher until no chunks are left.
- Add the diced onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt to the bowl with the mashed avocado. Mix thoroughly and then enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutritional information is an estimate and for informational purposes only.
Additional notes and substitution information can be found in the post above.
Bob says
Really bad recipe
Waste of cyberspace
Stay out of kitchen!
Mika Kinney says
I respect your thoughts but I really question if you made this recipe exactly as noted or what exactly it was the was so bad about the recipe? Was your avocado over ripe so it tasted old? Was it too much lime? Was it too much salt? We use this recipe weekly and love it so I'd really love to know what it was about it you didn't like.
Valerie says
Exactly what I wanted: an easy, basic guacamole and it tastes good
Mika Kinney says
That's wonderful!
ANNMARIE says
I had one ripe avocado and wanted for guacamole this recipe was perfect and delicious. Thanks.
Mika Kinney says
That's awesome, thanks for trying our recipe!