Chunky Guacamole Recipe with Fresh Tomatoes and Cilantro

The BEST chunky guacamole made with ripe avocados, crisp vegetables, bright lime juice and a touch of heat — ready in minutes. Ideal for summer barbecues, game-day snacks, taco nights or whenever you want a fresh, flavorful dip.

A reliable guacamole recipe belongs in every cook’s repertoire — this version is simple, fresh and delicious. Creamy avocado meets zesty lime, crisp red onion, juicy tomatoes, fragrant cilantro and a jalapeño for just the right amount of heat. Compared to many store-bought tubs, this homemade guacamole uses only fresh, high-quality ingredients and delivers a bright, authentic flavor that’s great on chips, tacos or as a spread.

Why You’ll Love This

• Quick and easy – ready in about 10 minutes using basic, fresh ingredients.
• Fresh flavors – ripe avocado, tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, garlic, cilantro and lime create a vibrant combination.
• Healthy – avocados provide healthy fats, fiber and nutrients. This guacamole is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and low in carbs.
• Versatile – serve as a dip with chips or veggies, or use it as a topping for tacos, bowls, burgers and more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Avocados – 3 ripe Hass avocados. They should yield slightly when pressed.
• Tomatoes – grape or cherry tomatoes work well because they’re sweet and less watery; Roma tomatoes are fine too.
• Limes – fresh lime juice is essential for bright flavor. Avoid bottled lime juice when possible.
• Red onion – adds crunch and color. White or green onions can be substituted.
• Jalapeño pepper – gives a mild heat. Omit for no spice or use serrano for more heat.
• Garlic – fresh minced garlic is best, but jarred minced garlic will work.
• Cilantro – chopped fresh cilantro adds freshness; substitute parsley if you prefer.
• Cumin – just a pinch to enhance the flavors.
• Salt + pepper – to taste and to balance the flavors.

How to Make Chunky Guacamole

1. Prep the produce. Finely chop tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño and cilantro. Slice avocados, remove the pits and scoop the flesh into a large bowl.
2. Mash the avocados. Add lime juice and salt, then gently mash with a fork or masher to a creamy but slightly chunky texture.
3. Combine and season. Stir in tomatoes, red onion, garlic, lime zest, jalapeño, cilantro and cumin. Taste and adjust salt and lime as needed, then serve.

Tips for the Best Guacamole

• Use ripe avocados – choose fruit that gives slightly to firm pressure for optimal creaminess.
• Dice uniformly – even pieces ensure a balanced texture and flavor in every bite.
• Serve promptly – guacamole is brightest and most flavorful when eaten soon after making.
• Store to slow browning – press plastic wrap directly on the guacamole’s surface inside an airtight container to limit oxidation.

How to Serve

• As an appetizer – pair with tortilla chips, pita chips or fresh vegetable sticks for parties or snacks.
• As a topping – spoon over tacos, nachos, burgers, grain bowls or salads.
• As a spread – use on toast, burgers or sandwiches as a flavorful, creamy spread.

Prepping and Storage

Guacamole is best enjoyed fresh. To keep leftovers green, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole before sealing it in an airtight container to reduce oxygen exposure. Properly stored, it will keep for about 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator, though flavor and color are best within the first day.

Favorite Dips and Spreads

• High Protein French Onion Dip
• Peach Mango Salsa
• Easy Tomato and Basil Bruschetta
• 7 Layer Spicy Taco Dip
• Sun Dried Tomato Dip

More Appetizer Recipes

• Black Bean and Corn Salad
• Sheet Pan Loaded Bell Pepper Nachos
• Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
• Honey Garlic Cauliflower Wings
• Baked Crab Cake Balls
• Hot Italian Sliders

If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a rating and share how you served it — we love seeing your variations!