My Family’s Favorite Guacamole (With a Chile Lime Kick)

Is there anything better than a bowl of guacamole that disappears before dinner even hits the table? This one is always the first thing to go—fresh, flavorful, and gone in minutes. It’s the version that officially earned “favorite” status in our house, mostly because my son asks for it constantly.

I’ve tried different versions over the years, but this is the one we keep coming back to. It hits the perfect balance of creamy, citrusy, and just a hint of heat. And when I pair it with my favorite blue corn chips from Kroger or the Siete brand lime chips? Game over.

Here’s how I make it:

Jill’s Family-Favorite Guacamole
Serves: 4–6
Prep time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe avocados

• 2 small Roma tomatoes, diced

• 1 small jalapeño, seeds and membranes removed, finely diced

• 1/4 red onion, finely diced

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• Juice of 1 lime

• Salt to taste

• Pinch of garlic powder

• Trader Joe’s Chile Lime Seasoning to taste (see below for swaps if you don’t have this)

Instructions:

1. Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop into a bowl. Mash to your desired consistency. We like it a little chunky.

2. Add the diced tomatoes, jalapeño, red onion, and cilantro.

3. Squeeze in the lime juice, and season with salt, garlic powder, and Chile Lime Seasoning.

4. Give it a gentle mix. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

5. Serve immediately with your favorite tortilla chips or spoon it right on top of grilled chicken, tacos, or a big salad.

See below if you don’t have this seasoning! (I just stock up when I’m near a Trader Joe’s store.)

A Few Tips:

• If you’re not serving it right away, press plastic wrap directly on the surface to keep it from browning.

• Want to stretch it a little further? Add another avocado in.

• No Trader Joe’s Chile Lime? Mix 1/4 teaspoon chili powder with 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika and an extra squeeze of lime juice. It gives a similar smoky-citrus flavor that really perks up the guac.

Is there anything better than opening a perfectly ripe avocado?

This guac has made its way into football Sundays, Taco Tuesdays, and pretty much every impromptu happy hour at our house. It’s one of those small wins in the kitchen that feels like a big deal.

Let me know if you try it or tag me if you post it. I love seeing how you make it your own.