Ina Garten’s Zesty Guacamole Recipe for Gatherings

Guacamole transforms ordinary gatherings into vibrant culinary celebrations, bringing zesty personality to any table.

Creamy, rich avocados form the luxurious base of this beloved Mexican-inspired dip.

Fresh ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of tangy and bold flavors that awaken your taste buds.

Robust herbs and spices complement the smooth texture, making each bite an unforgettable experience.

Home cooks adore this simple yet sophisticated recipe that elevates casual snacking to gourmet status.

Preparing guacamole requires minimal skill but delivers maximum deliciousness, turning even novice chefs into instant kitchen heroes.

Master this crowd-pleasing classic and watch friends and family request seconds: enjoy the magic!

Tips for Flavor-Packed Guacamole

• Ripen Avocados Perfectly: Choose dark, slightly soft avocados that give when gently squeezed, ensuring creamy and smooth guacamole.
• Prevent Browning Tricks: Splash fresh lime juice immediately after cutting avocados to maintain bright green color and prevent oxidation.
• Season Like a Pro: Start with less salt and gradually add, tasting as you go to create a balanced and personalized flavor profile.
• Serve Immediately: Prepare guacamole just before serving to enjoy maximum freshness and vibrant texture.
• Smart Storage Strategy: Cover surface directly with plastic wrap, pressing out air pockets to minimize browning when refrigerating leftovers.

Storage Help for Fresh Guacamole

• Airtight Seal Method: Press plastic wrap directly onto the guacamole surface, eliminating air exposure. Minimizes oxidation and prevents browning by creating a tight barrier between the dip and oxygen.
• Citrus Preservation Technique: Drizzle fresh lemon or lime juice over the guacamole before sealing. Adds bright flavor while the citric acid slows down enzymatic browning, keeping the dip vibrant and fresh.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store guacamole in a sealed container in the coldest part of the refrigerator. Keep temperature consistently below 40°F to maintain quality and prevent bacterial growth, extending the dip's life up to 2-3 days.

Twists on Ina Garten Guacamole

• Spicy Southwest Guacamole: Add diced jalapeños, cilantro, and a pinch of cumin for a bold, zesty kick that brings Mexican street food vibes to your appetizer.
• Mediterranean Herb Guacamole: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh oregano, and a splash of olive oil to transform the classic recipe with Mediterranean flavors.
• Smoky Chipotle Guacamole: Mix in chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, roasted corn kernels, and a dash of smoked paprika for a rich, smoky undertone that elevates the traditional dip.
• Tropical Fruit Guacamole: Fold in diced mango, pineapple, and a hint of lime zest to create a sweet and tangy version that adds a refreshing summer feel to the classic recipe.

End of the Bowl: Guacamole Edition

Guacamole maestros, celebrate this zesty Mexican classic crafted by culinary queen Ina Garten.

Her signature recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing sensation that whispers of fresh, bold flavors.

Kitchen adventurers can quickly master this creamy dip with just a few chopping strokes and strategic seasoning.

California avocados merge seamlessly with sharp onions, bright tomatoes, and tangy lemon for an irresistible blend.

Gathering friends around this emerald-hued delicacy promises instant connection and pure flavor joy.

Social media mavens, snap that perfect guacamole shot, tag the recipe, spread flavor love – because sharing means caring, and this dish deserves worldwide recognition.

Why You’ll Love Ina Garten Guacamole Recipe

• Craft Chunky Texture Magic: By chopping avocados directly in the bowl, you create an authentic, rustic guacamole with delightful chunks that provide amazing mouthfeel and visual appeal.
• Quick and Easy Flavor Punch: This recipe delivers bold, zesty flavors through simple ingredients like Tabasco sauce, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic, transforming basic avocados into a vibrant dip in mere minutes.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Perfect for casual gatherings, game days, or spontaneous snacking, this guacamole pairs effortlessly with corn chips and brings people together with its irresistible, fresh taste that appeals to all ages.

What Goes in Ina Garten Guacamole

• Avocados: Creamy base with rich, buttery flavor, choose ripe but firm avocados without dark spots.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus that prevents browning and adds tangy freshness.

• Onion, Garlic: Sharp, zesty components that provide depth and classic Mexican flavor profile, select fresh and firm produce.

• Tabasco Sauce: Adds spicy kick and vibrant heat, choose original red pepper sauce for authentic taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and highlight other ingredients, use freshly ground black pepper for best results.

• Tomato: Fresh, juicy element that adds color and light acidity, pick ripe Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes.

How to Make Smooth and Chunky Guac

Step 1: Slice And Scoop Avocados

Grab ripe avocados and slice them in half lengthwise. Remove the pit carefully. Use a spoon to scoop out the creamy green flesh into a spacious mixing bowl.

Step 2: Add Zesty Flavor Boosters

• Tabasco sauce
• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Create Chunky Texture

Take a sharp knife and chop the avocado directly inside the bowl. Break the avocado into rustic, uneven chunks for a homemade feel.

Step 4: Mix In Fresh Tomatoes

Fold in diced tomatoes, stirring gently to distribute them evenly throughout the guacamole.

Step 5: Taste And Adjust Seasoning

Sample the guacamole and enhance the flavor by adding extra salt and pepper as needed. Trust your taste buds to create the perfect balance.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Transfer the guacamole to a serving dish. Present at room temperature alongside crispy corn chips for a delightful snack or appetizer.

Ina Garten Guacamole Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mexican classic guacamole shines with Ina Garten’s signature touch, blending ripe avocados, zesty lime, and fresh cilantro. Fresh ingredients and careful preparation create a creamy, irresistible dip you’ll crave at every gathering.

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Ingredients

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Avocados:

• 4 ripe Haas avocados

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) finely chopped red onion (approximately 1 small onion)
• 1 medium tomato, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 large garlic clove, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
• 8 dashes of Tabasco sauce
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon (2 grams) freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Carefully slice the ripe avocados in half lengthwise, gently twist to separate, and extract the central pit using a sharp knife or spoon.
2. Scoop the creamy avocado flesh into a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring no green goodness is left behind.
3. Quickly drizzle fresh lemon juice over the avocado to prevent browning and enhance the vibrant flavor profile.
4. Add finely diced red onion, crushed garlic, Tabasco sauce, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the bowl.
5. Using a fork or potato masher, gently break down the avocado while blending the ingredients, maintaining a rustic, slightly chunky consistency.
6. Fold in freshly chopped ripe tomatoes, distributing them evenly throughout the guacamole mixture.
7. Taste the dip and fine-tune the seasoning, adjusting salt, pepper, or hot sauce to personal preference.
8. Allow the guacamole to rest at ambient temperature for 10-15 minutes, letting the flavors meld and intensify.
9. Serve immediately alongside crisp corn tortilla chips or as a zesty accompaniment to your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes.

Notes

• Use ripe avocados only.
• Don’t skip the lime juice—it prevents browning.
• Mash to your desired texture—chunky or smooth.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg