Guacamole

Personal Note

“This is a go-to party dip and a longtime fan favorite of my boys. It’s simple, healthy, and always hits the spot—especially when made with perfectly ripe avocados.” —Merrill Collins

👩‍💼 Submitted by Merrill Collins
📋 Director of Auxiliary Operations, Advancement
📍 Home Country: United States
🍽 Serves: 10
🕒 Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: None
🌱 Dietary Info: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, and Dairy-Free

Ingredients

• 4 ripe Haas avocados
• 1 plum tomato
• 1 thick slice of red onion
• Juice of 1–2 limes, to taste
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Favorite tortilla chips for dipping (family favorites include Tostitos Lime or Scoops)

Instructions

• Select and prep your avocados: Begin by choosing perfectly ripe Haas avocados—dark, slightly soft when pressed, and free from blemishes. Halve each one lengthwise and carefully remove the pit. With a paring knife, gently score the flesh into cubes while still in the skin. This step makes mashing easier and gives you nice chunks. Using a spoon, scoop the cubed avocado into a mixing bowl.
• Add the aromatics and acidity: Dice the plum tomato into small pieces, making sure to remove excess juice and seeds if you prefer a less watery guacamole. Next, finely dice a thick slice of red onion. Be mindful of the onion’s pungency—you may want to rinse the diced onion in cold water or soak briefly to soften its bite, especially if using a very strong bulb. Add both to the bowl.
• Squeeze in lime juice: Roll your limes first to release their juices. Halve them and squeeze over the avocado mixture. Start with one lime and adjust to taste—lime juice is key not only for flavor, but also for preserving the bright green color of the avocado by slowing oxidation.
• Mash and mix: Using a fork or potato masher, gently mash the ingredients. Don’t overdo it—the goal is a rustic, chunky consistency where textures blend without becoming puréed. A bit of variety in chunk size adds dimension to every bite.
• Season with salt and pepper: Taste, then season slowly. Keep in mind the chips you’ll be serving with the guacamole may already be salted, so start with a light hand and adjust as needed.
• Serve immediately or chill briefly: For best freshness and color, serve right after mixing. If you must wait, cover the guacamole surface tightly with plastic wrap (pressing it down onto the guac) to minimize air exposure and refrigerate briefly.

Cultural Context

While not tied to a specific holiday or celebration, guacamole is a timeless American party staple—especially in households where simplicity, freshness, and great ingredients shine.

Family Tip

Though many add extras like sour cream, cilantro, garlic, or jalapeños, the Collins family swears by keeping it clean: avocado, tomato, red onion, lime, and seasoning. If you can’t get good Haas avocados, it’s just not worth it!