Name: Easy 5 Ingredient Guacamole
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: ½ small red onion, finely diced; Juice of 1 small lime; 1-2 tablespoons sliced pickled jalapeños, finely diced, plus 1 tablespoon of the pickling liquid; 2 tablespoon chopped fresh coriander ((optional but recommended)); 2 large ripe Hass avocados ((or 3 small)); Sea salt & pepper to taste; 1 small tomato, deseeded and finely diced; ¼ teaspoon ground cumin

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This Easy 5 Ingredient Guacamole recipe is made by mixing together ripe avocados, red onion, lime, coriander, pickled jalapeños and my secret ingredient – the brine from the jalapeños!! It is not only the best but also the easiest appetiser you can make in 5 minutes for your next Mexican fiesta!

Easy 5 Ingredient Guacamole in a white bowl on a white plate with corn chips on a white wood background. 2 glasses of water, lime wedges and coriander scattered around the plate

Guacamole is a beloved dish, and everyone has their preferred version. Let me share mine – a simple recipe featuring only 5 ingredients. One of these ingredients was a well-kept secret until now: the addition of brine from pickled jalapeños! No more secrets here… 😂 This subtle addition brings a remarkable depth of flavour that takes the guacamole to a whole new level.

A few years ago, during my visit to the United States, I discovered the joy of purchasing fantastic guacamole from almost every food and grocery store. It was fresh, available in chunky or smooth variations, and offered an array of flavours, resembling a homemade guacamole experience. Quite different from what we find in Australia.

Unfortunately, the store-bought guacamole in Australian supermarkets is typically long-life and lacks the authentic homemade touch. In my experience, making your own is the key to savouring the good stuff!

Given that this guacamole recipe requires just a handful of ingredients and a mere 5 minutes of your time, with its simplicity, there’s truly no excuse not to make it yourself. Trust me, this homemade version will win every time, and the secret ingredient might just become your new guacamole must-have!

Easy Guacamole in a white bowl on a white plate with corn chips on a white wood background. 2 glasses of water, lime wedges and coriander scattered around the plate

close up of person scooping some gaucamole

Ingredients required for easy 5 ingredient guacamole

Hass avocados
Red onion
Lime
Pickled jalapeños, plus some juice
Coriander
Sea salt & pepper

How to make

Combine red onion, lime juice, jalapeños, pickling liquid and coriander in a bowl.
Slice the avocados in half and carefully remove the stones. Using a spoon, scoop the flesh into the bowl with the onion mixture. Using a fork, gently mash the avocado into the mixture until just combined. Add extra add-ins now if using.
Season well with sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste.

Storage

Storing homemade guacamole properly is crucial to prevent it from browning and maintain its freshness. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to store homemade guacamole:

Cover it Right Away:
- As soon as you make the guacamole, cover it with plastic wrap or airtight container lids to minimise exposure to air. This helps prevent oxidation, which causes browning.
Direct Contact with Plastic Wrap:
- If using plastic wrap, press it directly onto the surface of the guacamole, ensuring there’s minimal air between the wrap and the dip. This creates a barrier that slows down oxidation.
Citrus Juice Layer:
- Squeeze some lime or lemon juice over the guacamole before sealing. The citric acid helps preserve the green colour and adds a fresh flavour. Stir it gently to incorporate the juice.
Keep the Avocado Pit:
- If you have the avocado pit (seed), place it in the centre of the guacamole before sealing. While this won’t prevent all browning, it can help reduce it in the areas directly beneath the pit.
Airtight Container:
- Transfer the guacamole to an airtight container. Ensure the container is the right size to minimise air exposure. The less air in the container, the better the guacamole will keep.
Refrigerate Promptly:
- Place the airtight container in the refrigerator immediately after making or serving the guacamole. The cool temperature slows down the oxidation process.
Eat Within a Day or Two:
- Guacamole is best when consumed fresh, but if stored correctly, it can stay good for up to two days. However, it may start to lose its vibrancy over time.
Remove Top Layer Before Serving:
- If a thin layer of browning occurs on the surface, it’s typically due to oxidation. Simply remove that top layer before serving the guacamole.

Serving suggestions

It doesn’t matter whether you make this simple guacamole recipe for nachos, serve it with chilli, or simply eat it by the spoonful. This delicious guacamole is guaranteed to please no matter how you serve it…

Traditional Tortilla Chips
Vegetable Sticks
Pita Bread or Naan
Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Quesadillas or Tacos
Eggs Benedict: Upgrade your brunch by spooning guacamole over eggs Benedict.
Grilled Meats: Serve guacamole as a side or topping for grilled meats such as chicken, steak, or prawns.
Sushi Rolls: Incorporate guacamole into homemade sushi rolls or serve it as a dipping sauce alongside sushi.
Burger or Sandwich Spread
Garnish for Soup: Use a dollop of guacamole as a garnish for soups, especially those with Mexican or southwestern flavours.