If you like your guac simple, this 4-ingredient guacamole recipe is for you! Made with just ripe avocados, fresh lime juice, cilantro and salt.
It takes just 5 minutes to make, so it’s super quick and easy. I also share tips and tricks to keep it green for longer.
We love serving it with tortilla chips, of course, but it also goes really with anything! Tacos, quesadillas, burritos, burrito bowls…you name it!
Guacamole is a life necessity. Seriously. I like it the simple and authentic way, just mashed avocados with lime juice, cilantro, and salt. This quick and easy 4-ingredient is my favorite recipe.
It takes just 5 minutes to make and goes well with tortilla chips, of course, but also on tacos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, and so much more! I love serving it over Carne Asada Tacos or Skirt Steak Tacos. So, so good!
The reasons I like this 4-ingredient guacamole are simple:
- It’s super easy and quick to make! Takes 5 minutes minutes to make.
- Simple is best! Just 4 basic ingredients to keep it authentic and delicious!
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Quick and Easy Guacamole (4 Ingredients Only)
I like to keep it simple. Too much seasoning or too many toppings are great, but sometimes the simple and authentic way is the way to go.
This 4-ingredient guacamole recipe only requires ripe avocados, fresh lime juice, cilantro, and salt. Yup, that’s it, and it’s honestly AMAZING!
It comes together in under 5 minutes and takes almost no prep at all. It’s a super quick and easy recipe that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Tips to Make the Best Guac
Here are my best tips to make the best and simplest 4-ingredient guacamole ever:
- Use ripe avocados. Avocados are ripe when they feel soft to the touch, but not mushy.
- Use fresh lime juice for rest results. Not only will this add bright flavors, but also keep it from turning brown too fast. Fresh is best.
- Make it right before serving: Avocados turn brown after being exposed to air due to oxidation, so make it about 10-15 minutes before serving.
If your avocados are not ripening fast enough, try this trick – Place avocados in a brown bag along with a banana or an apple. Seal the bag and let it be for 1-2 days.
How to Keep Guacamole from Turning Brown
It’s always best to make this 4-ingredient guacamole recipe 10-15 minutes before serving so that it doesn’t turn brown. However, there are ways to keep them green for a little longer, which is really helpful if you’re hosting a party.
Here’s how to prevent it from turning brown too fast:
- Spread guacamole in a shallow bowl.
- Pour a layer of fresh lime juice or water over the top to cover the surface completely. This will act as a barrier between the air, which is what causes it to turn brown.
- Cover with plastic wrap, making sure it’s completely touching the guac to seal the barrier.
- Refrigerate. When ready to serve, remove the plastic wrap and water or lime juice from the surface. Give it a quick and rough stir, and serve.
This technique should keep it green for 1 day or so. If you prefer not to do this, you can also just add extra lime juice to last a little longer.
Ingredient Notes
- Ripe avocados: Make sure they are ripe, soft to the touch but not mushy.
- Fresh limes: Fresh is always best, especially to extend how long it stays green.
- Fresh cilantro: Adds great flavor.
- Salt to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 | Cut avocados and remove pit
To open an avocado, split it in half from top to bottom. Then remove the pit from the center. Use a spoon to remove the flesh and discard the peel.
Step 2 | Mash all ingredients together
Combine prepared avocados, cilantro, and a little bit of freshly squeezed lime juice. Mash with a form until chunky or smooth, depending on how you like it. Add more lime juice to taste. Season with salt to taste.
Pairing and Serving Ideas
The best way to serve this easy 4-ingredient guacamole is…you guessed it…with tortilla chips!
I also love serving it on top of tacos and burrito bowls, or as a dip with a fresh vegetable platter.
Here are some of my favorite Mexican-inspired dishes that pair really well with it:
Recipe FAQs
See “How to Keep Guacamole from Turning Brown” section above for step-by-step instructions.
I’d recommend making it 10-15 minutes before serving.
Yes, but it might be a bit plain. If you’re leaving out the cilantro, maybe try adding diced tomatoes and a few grinds of black pepper.
Yes, this is a must. Otherwise, it will be hard to mash and it will have a raw taste.
This recipe was published in 2018 and updated in May 2022 to include new photos and information, plus a few recipe modifications.
Tips for Success
- Use ripe avocados for best results
- If your avocados are not ripe, put them in a brown bag along with a banana or an apple and seal the bag tightly for 1-2 days to help expedite the ripening process. Apples and bananas produce ethylene gas, which helps avocados ripen faster.
- Adjust the amount of lime juice and salt to taste
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Easy 4-Ingredient Guacamole
Ingredients
- 4 medium RIPE avocados
- Juice of 1 or 2 fresh limes - to taste
- ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro - or to taste
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cut avocados in half and remove the pit. Using a spoon, scoop the avocado to remove the flesh and discard the peel.
- In a bowl, mash avocado, cilantro, and a little bit of freshly squeezed lime juice until chunky or smooth, up to you. Add more lime juice to taste. Season with salt to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use ripe avocados for best results. They are ripe when they feel soft to the touch but not mushy.
- Use fresh lime juice to flavor and to help prevent the guac from turning brown.
- How to ripen avocados faster: Place avocados in a brown bag along with a banana or an apple. Seal bag tightly for 1-2 days. These fruits produce ethylene gas, which helps avocados ripen faster.
- Trick to prevent guacamole from turning brown (lasts 1-2 days):
- Spread in a shallow bowl.
- Pour a layer of fresh lime juice or water over the top to cover the surface completely. This will act as a barrier with the air, which is what causes it to turn brown (oxidation).
- Cover with plastic wrap, making sure it’s completely touching the guac to seal the barrier.
- Refrigerate. When ready to serve, remove the plastic wrap and water or lime juice from the surface. Give it a quick and rough stir, and serve.
- Cilantro: If desired, leave out cilantro, but I’d recommend adding something else like diced tomatoes and a few grinds of black pepper.
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