If you’ve been on the hunt for the best guacamole recipe with a little extra something, you’re in for a treat. This zippy, flavour-packed version is our new go-to—and it never lasts long on the table!
Whether it’s game day, taco night, or just a casual summer gathering, this guacamole is always the first to disappear. So grab a bag of tortilla chips and get ready to upgrade your snack game.
The Backstory: Cheryl’s Famous Guacamole
I used to keep guacamole simple: mashed avocados, lime juice, and salt. That was it. And while it still hits the spot, it turns out my friend Cheryl had a little secret….
Her version? Totally next-level. At every get-together, people raved about Cheryl’s Famous Guacamole—raising elbows and diving in before the bowl was empty. I finally gave in, asked for the recipe, and let’s just say: my basic guac days are over.
The Secret Ingredient for the BEST Guacamole
What makes this the best guacamole recipe (and not just another guac)?
One word: pickled jalapeños.
That’s right! The twist is adding finely chopped pickled jalapeños and a splash of the brine they come in. It gives the guacamole an irresistible tangy heat that balances the creamy avocado perfectly. Think of it as a built-in flavour bomb that wakes up your taste buds in the best way.
Once you try it, you may never go back to plain guac again. Trust me—this one little ingredient makes a huge difference.
Why You’ll Love This Guacamole
- Zesty and bright with the perfect texture
- Quick and easy to make
- Uses simple ingredients you likely already have
- Always a crowd-pleaser
We now make this guacamole nearly weekly—especially on taco nights, which are basically a way of life in our home. It’s our go-to meal for entertaining, and this guacamole is the unofficial star of the show.
Jump to Recipe
Tips for Picking the Perfect Avocado
Knowing how to select (and store) ripe avocados makes all the difference:
- Gently press the avocado with the palm of your hand. It should yield slightly but not feel mushy.
- Look for darker skin as a sign of ripeness.
- Check for air pockets by lightly pressing; if you feel large empty spots, it may be overripe.
- Speed up ripening by placing avocados in a paper bag with a banana or apple. The ethylene gas helps soften them in 1–2 days.
- Once ripe, store them in the fridge to slow down the ripening process.
Pro Tip: Pair It With the Best Homemade Salsa
And of course—what’s guacamole without salsa? You’ll love this Homemade Fresh Salsa!
The Best Guacamole Recipe (With a Zesty Twist!)
Looking for the best guacamole recipe with a zesty twist? This easy, crowd-pleasing guac is packed with flavour and perfect for taco night or game day!
Ingredients
- 3 large ripe avocados
- 6 pickled jalapeño slices, diced
- 5 fresh chopped basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro
- juice of 1 lime
- splash pickled jalapeño juice
- salt to taste
- white onions, diced (optional)
- tomatoes, diced (optional)
- good quality tortilla chips for serving
- fresh jalapeño slices or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Place all 3 avocados in a large bowl and roughly mash them up (it should be slightly chunky still). Stir in the diced pickled jalapeños, basil, cilantro, lime juice and add a splash of the pickled jalapeño juice and salt to taste. Stir in onions and tomatoes if using!
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Place the reserved avocado pit in the bottom of a serving bowl, scoop the guacamole on top, and garnish with extra cilantro or fresh sliced jalapeños for garnish if desired. Serve with a basket of tortilla chips.
Is this very spicy?
Our favourite version of guacamole is a combination of a simple pico de gallo with the avocado, garlic and lots of lime juice, all mashed/stirred together but we will have to try this one too for a different spin!
That gauc looks so good!!
Absolute hit!!!!! Hands down The Best guacamole ever!