Chipotle Guacamole Recipe: Fresh, Creamy, Easy Copycat

I’ve been making this Chipotle Guacamole Recipe at home for years now, and honestly, it tastes just like the real deal.

Maybe even better, because I can pile it on as thick as I want without paying extra. The first time I tried recreating it, I was skeptical that something so simple could taste that good, but the secret is really in the quality of your avocados and not overthinking it.

This recipe comes together in about 10 minutes, uses ingredients you probably already have, and delivers that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and fresh that makes Chipotle’s guac so addictive.

Quick Recipe Summary
Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	0 minutes
Total Time	10 minutes
Servings	4-6 servings
Difficulty Level	Easy

If you love fresh dips, you’ll also want to try my Healthy Guacamole for a lighter version.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Chipotle Guacamole Recipe

This guacamole is everything you want in a dip: creamy but still chunky, bright with lime and cilantro, and with just enough kick from jalapeño.

I love that it takes less time to make than it does to drive to Chipotle. Plus, you can adjust the heat level and chunkiness exactly to your liking, which is something you can’t do at the restaurant.

Here’s what makes this recipe special:

Restaurant-quality taste at home – tastes just like the original, maybe better
Ready in 10 minutes – faster than ordering takeout
Simple, fresh ingredients – no weird additives or preservatives
Customizable heat level – make it mild or spicy
Perfect for meal prep – makes enough for multiple meals or a party
Budget-friendly – costs a fraction of what you’d pay at the restaurant

Ingredients

This guacamole relies on fresh, quality ingredients to shine. The beauty is in its simplicity, so each component really matters.

4 ripe Hass avocados (about 2 lbs / 900g) – look for ones that give slightly when squeezed
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime) (30 ml)
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro (10g)
1/4 cup finely diced red onion (40g)
1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and finely diced (about 2 tablespoons)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste (3g)
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (optional, but authentic) (0.5g)

Another crowd-pleaser for dipping? Try my Healthy Hummus.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe. Just a few basic tools and you’re good to go.

Medium mixing bowl – for mashing and mixing the guacamole
Fork or potato masher – to mash the avocados to your desired consistency
Sharp knife – for chopping vegetables and cutting avocados
Cutting board – preferably one for produce
Citrus juicer (optional) – makes getting lime juice easier
Measuring spoons – for accurate seasoning

Recommended Products for This Recipe

After making this recipe countless times, I’ve found a few products that really make a difference in achieving that perfect restaurant-quality guacamole.

1. OXO Good Grips Avocado Slicer

This tool is a total lifesaver for anyone who makes guacamole regularly. It splits, pits, and slices avocados safely and efficiently, saving you so much time and preventing those accidental knife cuts. I use mine at least three times a week.

Get it on Amazon

2. Bellemain Micro-Perforated Stainless Steel Basket Strainer

Perfect for rinsing your cilantro and jalapeños quickly. The fine mesh catches even the smallest bits, and it doubles as a great tool for draining canned goods or washing other produce. It’s one of those kitchen tools you didn’t know you needed until you have it.

Get it on Amazon

3. Prepworks by Progressive Guacamole Bowl

This specially designed bowl has a textured bottom that makes mashing avocados incredibly easy, plus it has measurement markings on the inside. The lid makes storage simple, and it’s the perfect size for this recipe. Mine has lasted years and still looks brand new.

Get it on Amazon

4. Mexgrocer Authentic Mexican Lime

If you want the most authentic flavor, Mexican limes (key limes) make all the difference. They’re more aromatic and have a sharper, more complex flavor than regular Persian limes. You can find fresh ones or bottled juice, and either works beautifully in this recipe.

Get it on Amazon

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Chipotle Guacamole

Follow these simple steps for perfect guacamole every time. The key is getting the right texture and balancing the flavors.

1. Prepare Your Avocados

Cut each avocado in half lengthwise, working your knife around the pit
Twist the halves in opposite directions to separate them
Remove the pit by carefully tapping your knife into it and twisting (or use a spoon to scoop it out)
Scoop the avocado flesh into your mixing bowl using a large spoon
Discard the skins and pits

2. Mash the Avocados

Use a fork or potato masher to mash the avocados to your desired consistency
For authentic Chipotle-style guacamole, aim for mostly smooth with some small chunks remaining
Don’t overmash – you want some texture, not baby food
This should take about 30-45 seconds of mashing

3. Prepare Your Vegetables

Finely dice the red onion into small, uniform pieces (about 1/8 inch or 3mm)
Cut the jalapeño in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes with a spoon (keep the seeds if you want it spicier)
Finely dice the jalapeño into tiny pieces
Finely chop the fresh cilantro, stems and all (the stems have tons of flavor)
Juice your lime to get about 2 tablespoons of fresh juice

4. Combine Everything

Add the diced red onion to the mashed avocados
Add the diced jalapeño
Add the chopped cilantro
Pour in the fresh lime juice
Sprinkle in the sea salt
Add the ground cumin if using

5. Mix and Season

Gently fold all ingredients together using a fork or spoon
Mix until everything is evenly distributed but still has some texture
Taste and adjust seasoning – add more salt if needed, more lime juice for brightness, or more jalapeño for heat
Remember, the flavors will develop slightly as it sits

6. Serve or Store

Transfer to a serving bowl if serving immediately
If storing, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole to prevent browning
Refrigerate for up to 24 hours for best quality
Give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute any liquid that may have separated

Read Also: Avocado Toast

Tips for The Best Chipotle Guacamole

After making this recipe hundreds of times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference.

Choose perfectly ripe avocados – they should give slightly when gently squeezed but not feel mushy. If your avocados are too firm, let them sit on the counter for 1-2 days.
Use fresh lime juice, never bottled – the flavor difference is dramatic. Fresh lime juice is bright and vibrant, while bottled tastes flat.
Don’t skip the cilantro – it’s essential to that authentic Chipotle flavor. If you’re not a cilantro fan, try using less rather than omitting it completely.
Adjust the jalapeño to your heat preference – start with half if you’re sensitive to spice, or add the seeds back in if you want serious heat.
Salt properly – guacamole needs more salt than you think. Add it gradually and taste as you go.
Make it fresh – guacamole is always best within a few hours of making it. The flavors are brightest and the color stays vibrant.
Keep some texture – don’t overmash. Those little chunks of avocado are part of what makes it satisfying.
Mince your aromatics finely – large chunks of onion or jalapeño can overwhelm individual bites.

For another fresh side, check out this Mexican Street Corn.

What to Serve with Chipotle Guacamole

This guacamole is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with so many dishes. Here are my favorite serving suggestions.

Perfect pairings include:

Chipotle Burrito – the ultimate combo
Tortilla chips – classic and always crowd-pleasing
Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa – the perfect topping
Baja Fish Tacos – adds creaminess to crispy fish
Taco Soup – dollop it on top for richness
Quesadillas – spread inside before cooking or serve on the side
Grilled chicken or steak – use as a topping for extra flavor
Breakfast Burrito – perfect for weekend brunch
Veggie sticks – carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers all work great
Loaded nachos – the star topping for any nacho platter

Another favorite? Try my 7 Layer Taco Salad.

Variations of Chipotle Guacamole

While the classic version is perfect, here are some fun ways to mix things up.

Spicy guacamole – add 1-2 teaspoons of your favorite hot sauce or keep the jalapeño seeds in for extra heat
Chunky guacamole – mash less and leave larger pieces of avocado for more texture
Garlic guacamole – add 1-2 cloves of finely minced fresh garlic for an extra flavor punch
Mango guacamole – fold in 1/2 cup of finely diced fresh mango for a sweet-savory twist
Pomegranate guacamole – add 1/4 cup of pomegranate seeds for pops of sweetness and beautiful color
Bacon guacamole – stir in 2-3 tablespoons of crumbled crispy bacon (trust me on this one)
Greek guacamole – add 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese and a tablespoon of fresh dill
Roasted corn guacamole – mix in 1/2 cup of roasted corn kernels for sweetness and texture
Tomato guacamole – add 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes (seed them first to avoid excess moisture)
Serrano guacamole – swap the jalapeño for serrano peppers for a cleaner, hotter kick

Storage and Reheating

Proper storage is key to keeping your guacamole fresh and green as long as possible.

Storage instructions:

Short-term storage – press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole, eliminating all air pockets, then cover the bowl with a lid or more plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Prevent browning – the plastic wrap touching the surface is crucial. You can also add a thin layer of water or lime juice on top before covering.
Airtight container – transfer to a container with a tight-fitting lid, press plastic wrap on the surface, then seal the lid. This double protection works best.
Freezing – while not ideal, you can freeze guacamole in an airtight container for up to 3 months. The texture will be slightly different when thawed, but the flavor remains good.
Thawing – if frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and give it a good stir before serving to reincorporate any separated liquid.

Note: Guacamole doesn’t need reheating since it’s served cold. If it looks slightly brown on top after storage, simply scrape off the oxidized layer or stir it in – it’s still perfectly safe to eat.

For more dip ideas, try my Bang Bang Sauce.

Nutritional Facts

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

Calories: 160
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 200mg
Total Carbohydrates: 9g
Dietary Fiber: 7g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 2g
Vitamin C: 15% DV
Vitamin K: 20% DV
Folate: 15% DV
Potassium: 10% DV

Read Also: Cocktail Sauce

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

This guacamole isn’t just delicious, it’s actually packed with nutrients that are good for you.

Key health benefits:

Avocados are loaded with healthy fats – they’re rich in monounsaturated fats that support heart health and help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
Great source of fiber – one serving provides about 7 grams of fiber, which supports digestive health and helps you feel full longer.
Packed with potassium – avocados contain more potassium than bananas, which is essential for blood pressure regulation and muscle function.
Rich in antioxidants – the combination of avocados, lime juice, and cilantro provides vitamin C, vitamin E, and other antioxidants that fight inflammation.
Cilantro aids digestion – this herb has been shown to help with digestive issues and may help reduce bloating.
Jalapeños boost metabolism – capsaicin, the compound that makes peppers spicy, can temporarily increase your metabolic rate.
Lime juice supports immunity – high in vitamin C, which is crucial for immune function and skin health.
Low in sugar – unlike many dips and spreads, guacamole is naturally low in sugar while being satisfying and flavorful.

Another healthy option? Check out my Healthy Bruschetta.

FAQs About Chipotle Guacamole

1. How do I keep my guacamole from turning brown?

The best method is to press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole, eliminating all air exposure. You can also add a thin layer of lime juice or water on top before covering.

The browning is just oxidation and doesn’t mean the guacamole has gone bad. If it does brown slightly, just stir it back in or scrape off the top layer.

2. Can I make this guacamole ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best made within a few hours of serving for optimal color and flavor. If you must make it ahead, prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it properly with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface.

The flavors actually meld nicely after an hour or two, but the bright green color won’t last more than a day.

3. What’s the secret to getting perfectly ripe avocados?

Look for avocados that give slightly when you gently squeeze them, but don’t feel mushy. The skin color should be dark, almost black for Hass avocados.

If you need to ripen them quickly, place them in a paper bag with a banana or apple for 1-2 days. The ethylene gas from these fruits speeds up the ripening process.

4. Can I make this without cilantro?

While cilantro is traditional and adds that authentic Chipotle flavor, you can substitute it with fresh parsley if you have the genetic variation that makes cilantro taste like soap. Some people also like using a combination of parsley and a tiny bit of mint.

Just know that it won’t taste exactly like the restaurant version without cilantro.

5. Why does my guacamole taste bland?

The most common reason is not enough salt. Guacamole needs proper seasoning to bring out all the flavors.

Add salt gradually, tasting as you go, and don’t forget the lime juice, which adds brightness and helps balance the richness of the avocados. Fresh ingredients also make a huge difference in overall flavor.

For another classic sauce, try my Yum Yum Sauce.

Final Thoughts

Making Chipotle Guacamole at home is one of those simple pleasures that never gets old. It’s quick, it’s fresh, and it tastes absolutely incredible with just about everything.

Once you see how easy it is to make restaurant-quality guacamole in your own kitchen, you’ll wonder why you ever paid extra for it. Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out for you in the comments below!

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Chipotle Guacamole Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Chipotle Guacamole Recipe

Ingredients

Kitchen Equipment Needed