Best Seasonings for Guacamole

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We all know there’s not just one perfect recipe for guacamole; it’s made with many different seasonings and ingredients and is often a personal preference kind of thing. At least it is for me.

Finding the best seasonings for guacamole largely depends on personal preference, but there are some tried and true seasonings that work best to bring out the true flavor of the guacamole and enhance the taste.

» You might also like 9 Best Substitutes for Cilantro.

Guacamole
Best seasonings for guacamole

Most people use salt, onion, and cilantro to season their guacamole, but does it end there? What are the best seasonings for guacamole?

From zesty lime juice to spicy jalapenos, there are seasonings out there that will take your guacamole to the next level. Here’s a look at some of the best seasonings you can use to craft your favorite guacamole recipe.

Guacamole in a stone bowl with chips

Best Seasonings for Guacamole

The right combination of seasonings and ingredients can really elevate the flavor of guacamole and make it more flavorful. I included “ingredients” because it’s not just about seasoning. While salt goes a LONG way to making a good guacamole, you also need things like lime and cilantro.

How to Flavor Your Guacamole

Salt

If there’s one thing that guacamole absolutely must have and cannot be made without, it’s salt. Adding just the right amount of salt enhances the flavor of avocado, which on its own is quite bland. Once you’ve added salt, you’ll notice that the flavor of the avocado is boosted and really pops.

Lime Juice

Citrusy lime juice adds tartness to contrast with the creaminess of avocados in guacamole. It also helps keep the color vibrant so it looks more appealing when served on chips or crackers.

Use freshly squeezed lime juice for maximum flavor; avoid bottled juices which may contain preservatives or added sugars that could affect taste and consistency.

Cumin

cumin seeds

My secret ingredient for guacamole that most people do not add to their recipe is cumin. Cumin adds warmth and complexity to the flavor profile. A little bit goes a long way so start with a small amount and adjust accordingly. Cumin also pairs well with the other seasonings in your guacamole, like garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeños for even more depth of flavor.

Garlic

Garlic is a great way to add flavor and aroma to guacamole. Choose freshly minced garlic or even roasted garlic for an added depth of flavor. To ensure that the garlic doesn’t overpower the dish, start with a small amount and increase from there, if necessary.

Here’s a quick tip: if you remove the inner stem of the garlic clove, you’ll get all of the flavor, without the bitterness.

Onion

I don’t like to add a lot of onion to guacamole because it can quickly overpower the flavor of all the other ingredients. I use just 2 tablespoons of onion – preferably sweet onions. I don’t use red onion in guacamole, as it is very pungent and overpowers quickly. Use whatever you like most.

cilantro

Cilantro

Fresh cilantro is an absolute must in guacamole. The bright, almost citrusy, vibrant flavor of cilantro really pops in the guacamole. You’ll definitely taste the difference without it. You can add just a little or a lot, depending on your preferences. I chop about 1/4 cup loosely packed to add to 3 avocados.

Tajin Seasoning

You might have heard about Tajin seasoning. It’s a blend of spices including salt, lime, chili peppers, citric acid that really increases the flavor of a dish. It can be quite potent, so I suggest using very little. I also buy the low-sodium version to keep the salt level down.

Jalapeños

If you want to give your guacamole some heat, jalapeños are the perfect addition. Be sure to remove all – or at least most of – the seeds and the white ribs inside the pepper before adding jalapeños to your guacamole to avoid making it too spicy.

If you prefer a milder guacamole, start with half of the jalapeño and add more to taste, or leave in a few seeds for even more heat.

Guacamole Recipe

We have a simple and delicious guacamole recipe that you can follow, that includes all of the above ingredients and seasonings. Start here and adjust to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

  • 3 ripe avocados
  • 2 tablespoons onion finely chopped
  • 1/2 clove minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, more if desired
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/8 teaspoon Tajin
  • 1/4 cup cilantro chopped, loosely packed
  • 1/2 jalapeño minced, seeds and membrane removed, optional

Tip: It’s important to use fresh, high-quality ingredients when making guacamole to get the best flavor possible. You can adjust the ingredients and seasonings you add to your guacamole to suit your taste preference.

homemade guacamole

5 Ways to Serve Guacamole 

Now that you have your guacamole ready, here are a few ideas to enjoy it:

  • On Tortilla Chips – Guacamole is a classic but easy way to serve your favorite dip at parties or gatherings. Try topping tortilla chips with guacamole and salsa for a fresh take on nachos.
  • In Tacos and Burritos – Craving tacos or burritos? You don’t need to go through the trouble of making them from scratch. Simply add some guacamole to your favorite store-bought taco shells or burrito wraps!
  • As a Side Dish – Guacamole is always delicious, but when you pair it with grilled chicken or fish, it becomes even more exciting. It makes a perfect summer meal!
  • On Top of Steak Fries – Steak fries are thicker than traditional French fries and have more flavor—thanks to the added seasoning on their surface! Steak fries alone aren’t enough to make an amazing meal. It’s better off with guacamole.
  • As a Pizza Topping – What about some guacamole pizza? Spread some guacamole on your favorite pizza crust, then add whatever toppings you want. Bake at a temperature of 400°F for about 10 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.

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A bowl of guacamole with a chip in it.

Frequently Asked Questions  

Can I use lemon juice if lime isn’t available?

Yes, you can use lemon juice instead of lime juice in guacamole. However, keep in mind that lime juice has a slightly different flavor than lemon juice. This flavor is traditional for guacamole.

Can I add hot sauce to guacamole?

While we prefer adding jalapenos to guacamole to spice it up, you can add hot sauce to guacamole to give it some extra kick. Add it gradually to avoid making the guacamole too spicy or too thin.

Can I make guacamole without any seasoning?

Technically, you can make guacamole without any seasoning, but then it would really just be smashed avocado. It’ll be bland and flavorless. At the very least, add salt and lime juice to enhance the taste of the avocados.

How do I store leftovers?

Guacamole doesn’t keep well so it’s always best to consume it right when it’s made. The best way to store leftover guacamole to spritz the top with lime juice, then cover it with plastic wrap and press down on the plastic wrap so it touches the top of the guacamole, with no air in between. This will do the best to keep the avocado from oxidizing and turning brown
Another way to keep it fresh longer is to embed the pit of the avocado into the guacamole before covering it. The pit has properties that keep the avocado from browning. 

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2 thoughts on “Best Seasonings for Guacamole

  1. Richard says:

    Never use red onion??? seriously wtf. They’re perfect for it, better than white/yellow. just soak in water for a bit.

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