3-Ingredient Guacamole proves you don't need a long list of ingredients to make a fresh, flavorful dip. Chunky salsa skips the chopping, while a squeeze of lime juice adds a bright, zesty finish that brings everything together. Ready in minutes, it's the perfect addition to Taco Tuesday, game day, or anytime a guacamole craving hits.
3-Ingredient Guacamole Recipe Essentials
- 🍽️ Course: Appetizer
- ⏱️ Cooking Time: 5 minutes (plus optional chilling).
- 🍴 Servings: 4
- 🥑 Flavor Profile: Creamy, fresh, zesty, and savory with avocado, lime, and salsa.
- 🍚 Best Served With: Corn chips, fresh cilantro, and extra lime wedges.
- 🧊 Make Ahead?: Yes, prepare ahead, cover, and chill until ready to serve.
Summarize and Save This Content On
I can't tell you how many times this has saved me when I needed a last-minute party appetizer. The chunky salsa already has everything I would normally chop, so all that's left is mixing it with creamy avocados and a squeeze of lime for a fresh, bright dip. It's simple, but it always delivers on flavor.
Some more tasty dips that use the salsa shortcut are cream cheese salsa dip and salsa con queso.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The spice level is customizable: You can make your homemade guacamole as mild or spicy as you like.
- Ready in 5 minutes: It takes at most 5 minutes to mash the avocado and combine the ingredients. Then, it's ready for the party table!
- Only 3 ingredients: All you need to make this easy guacamole recipe is fresh avocados, lime juice, and salsa. It can't get any easier.
Ingredients
Everything you need for this 3-ingredient guacamole recipe with salsa is listed below!
- Avocados: They are at perfect ripeness when they are soft but not mushy. Firm avocados are typically ready after 2-3 days on the kitchen counter. Fresh avocados are amazing in other dip and sauce recipes like this avocado hot sauce.
- Salsa: Use any variety of salsa that you like. I prefer a hearty, chunky salsa over a thinner variety. You get less excess water and more tomato and onion pieces, adding texture to the guacamole. If you want to make your own, try this easy homemade tomato salsa.
- Lime juice: Fresh is the way to go here. It adds brightness and acidity and helps to slow down the browning process.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Sweet-heat: Use mango or peach salsa to add a hint of sweetness and spice to the guacamole.
- Extra chunky: Try a black bean and corn salsa for a chunkier result.
- Extra creamy: Combine the mashed avocado with a couple of tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt to make a smooth and creamy version.
How to Make 3-Ingredient Guacamole with Salsa
In just 2 simple steps, you'll have ready-to-eat homemade guacamole. It really takes only 5 minutes or less!
Step 1: Mash avocado and add ingredients. Start by opening the avocados and adding them to a bowl. Then, mash them with a fork until they're smooth and creamy before adding the salsa, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Mix to combine: Gently stir until everything is well combined, and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top if you like. Scoop it with chips or add a dollop to your pork and bean burritos.
Expert Tips
- Mash the avocado before mixing: You want to avoid pulverizing the salsa, so mash the avocado separately, not after it's mixed with the salsa. Otherwise, you'll lose the chunky texture.
- Drain watery salsa: If your variety of salsa has excess water or liquid, drain some out before combining it with the avocado so the guacamole isn't thin and watery.
- Add extra lime before storing: Before putting the leftovers away, I like to add an extra squeeze of lime juice. It helps slow down the browning of the avocados while the guacamole is in the fridge.
- Scale it for a crowd: You can easily double or even triple the recipe depending on how many party guests you're expecting.
- Storage directions: Place the guacamole in an airtight container and add a layer of plastic wrap, touching the surface before you close the lid. Refrigerate it for up to 2 days.
If you love fresh guacamole, you should also try my recipe for smoked guacamole.
Serving Suggestions
- Crunchy dippers: Some of my favorite dippers for this 3-ingredient guacamole include air-fried pita chips, tortilla chips, and fresh veggies like bell pepper strips.
- Mexican night: A scoop of guacamole would level up any Mexican dish from smoked chicken tacos to steak fajita nachos.
- Beverage ideas: Anything from a classic margarita to chamoyada would complement the guacamole on a hot summer day or any time.
3-Ingredient Recipe FAQs
I do this by adding more lime juice, using it within 2 days, or adding a layer of plastic wrap under the lid of the container. The avocado will still brown, but these things can significantly slow it down.
My favorite trick is placing the avocados into a brown paper bag with a banana. They ripen a lot faster!
No, I don't recommend it. The color and texture don't hold up after the guacamole is frozen and thawed.
I don't recommend making it more than 24 hours ahead. When making ahead, add an extra squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top and press plastic wrap directly against the surface before storing. When ready to serve, give it a good stir. Thanks to the chunky salsa, any slight browning is barely noticeable and blends right back in.
More Easy Cold Dip Recipes
Do you like cold dip recipes? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.
3-Ingredient Guacamole
Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados mashed
- ½ cup chunky salsa
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Serve with cilantro extra limes, and corn chips.
Instructions
- Combine the mashed avocados, chunky salsa, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Mix until smooth. Chill covered until ready to eat.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- If your salsa is especially watery, drain off some of the excess liquid before mixing it with the avocado. This helps keep your guacamole thick, creamy, and scoopable.
- Need ripe avocados fast? Place them in a brown paper bag with a banana to speed up the ripening process.
- To slow browning, add an extra squeeze of lime juice and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before covering the container. The guacamole will still brown over time, but these steps help keep it fresh longer.
Leave a Reply