Powell Family Cooking

  • Recipe Index
  • Spring Recipes
  • Little Chefs
  • About Us
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • Spring Recipes
  • Little Chefs
  • About Us
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • Spring Recipes
  • Little Chefs
  • About Us
×
You are here: Home / Recipes / Mexican Cuisine

Restaurant Style Guacamole Recipe with (or without) Cilantro

📋 Modified: Apr 7, 2025 Published: Jul 1, 2020 by 👩🏻‍🍳 Jami Powell · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Be the friend who shares good food.

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Reddit
  • SMS
Jump to Recipe

This fresh Restaurant-Style Guacamole is creamy and made with just a handful of real ingredients. Ripe avocados, lime juice, red onion, and a touch of seasoning come together in minutes for a dip that tastes just like your favorite Mexican restaurant. Whether you enjoy it with or without cilantro, this guacamole delivers big flavor and smooth texture every single time.

Our family loves to serve this dip with Air Fryer Tostadas Mexicanas or Chicken Tinga Enchiladas.

Close up of guacamole with a bowl of red white and blue tortilla chips and a cilantro bunch.

Save This Recipe 💌

Enter your email below and we'll send it to your inbox. Plus, you'll get new recipes from us each week!

This homemade guacamole is fresh, creamy, and ready in minutes! Whether you love cilantro or prefer it without, this easy dip is perfect for scooping, spreading, or topping your favorite dishes.

If you're looking for more crowd-pleasing dips, try Redneck Caviar for a fresh, healthy option or Creamy Queso Blanco Dip for a rich, cheesy alternative!

Jump to:
  • Why We Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Substitutions & Variations
  • How to Make Restaurant-Style Guacamole
  • Expert Tips for Success
  • Storage
  • Recipe FAQs
  • More Mexican Recipes You'll Love ♥️
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Share Your Thoughts

Why We Love This Recipe

  • Fresh & Creamy: Smooth avocados with a hint of lime make the perfect dip or topping.
  • Cilantro or No Cilantro: Customize it to your taste—keep it classic or skip the cilantro for a milder flavor.
  • Quick & Easy: Made in minutes with simple, fresh ingredients.
  • Versatile: Use as a dip, spread, or topping for tacos, nachos, and more!

Ingredients

A labeled photo of everything needed to make guacamole with or without cilantro.
  • Avocado: Only the ripest available will do. Make sure the skins are dark and it's not too firm to the touch. We like the Haas variety.
  • Tomato: We prefer Roma tomatoes in this recipe so they don't water down the dip.
  • Red onion: Just a little will do.
  • Lime: Fresh, juicy limes are non-negotiable.
  • Cilantro (Optional): Again, only fresh cilantro will do.
  • Tortilla chips: We're serving these for the Fourth of July, so I went with red, white, and blue tortilla chips. Festive!

A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

Substitutions & Variations

  • Cilantro: Substitute cilantro with fresh basil or flat leaf parsley instead. You could also leave it out altogether.
  • Tomatoes: A garden tomato or grape tomatoes would work well.
  • Add-ins: Add garlic or freshly squeezed lemon for a different flavor.
  • Presentation: Serve this guacamole with Beef or Chicken Fajitas on a platter.

How to Make Restaurant-Style Guacamole

Avocados and lime being washed in a colander.

STEP ONE: Prep the Produce

Wash the tomato, onion, cilantro, and lime. Set everything aside in a colander to drain.

Avocados being mashed in a bowl.

STEP TWO: Cut and Mash the Avocados

Slice the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a large bowl.

Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and gently mash with a fork or potato masher.

Fresh ingredients added to the avocados.

STEP THREE: Add the Fresh Ingredients

Dice the tomato, onion, and cilantro. Add them to the mashed avocado and season with salt and pepper.

Guacamole mixed and ready to add to a serving dish.

STEP FOUR: Mix and Serve

Stir everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve right away with tortilla chips.

Expert Tips for Success

👩‍🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!

✔️ DO Squeeze some fresh lime or lemon juice over the top and cover the dip with a layer of plastic wrap before refrigerating to prevent browning.
✔️ DO Put cilantro in a jar with a little water. Cover it loosely with a plastic bag to keep it fresh longer.

Storage

Store guacamole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, pressing plastic wrap onto the surface to prevent browning. Freezing isn’t recommended, as it affects texture. Serve chilled or at room temp, stirring before serving if needed.

Recipe FAQs

Why should I use Roma tomatoes for guacamole dip?

Roma tomatoes are not as juicy. They are firm in texture and will add fresh tomato flavor without diluting your dip.

Does cilantro taste like soap?

Believe it or not - yes, but only to some people. The issue comes down to genetics. If this is true for you, try cooking it before eating it. You could also try mincing it or mashing it in a mortar and pestle to release some of the soapy enzymes.

What is a substitute for cilantro in guacamole?

Basil is an Italian herb substitute that will add a sweet, peppery taste to guacamole. Flat leaf parsley would work well if you want to add freshness with a milder flavor profile.

Should you soak red onions?

If you prefer a milder taste, then yes. Soaking red onions in ice water for 20-30 minutes will mellow out their flavor.

More Mexican Recipes You'll Love ♥️

  • Elote corn dip in molcajete bowl with garnish and chips.
    Creamy Elote Corn Dip (Mexican Street Corn Salad)
  • Tex Mex chili feature image close up in bowl with cilantro, cheese, and lime.
    Tex-Mex Chili with Brisket
  • short rib barbacoa for street tacos feature image single taco with toppings.
    Short Rib Barbacoa for Street Tacos + Video
  • creamy queso blanco dip with jalapenos and green chiles feature image. dip bowl with soft tortilla and cilantro.
    Creamy Queso Blanco Dip

Did You Like This Fresh Homemade Guacamole Recipe?

  • Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Star Rating if think this restaurant style guacamole is amazing!

📖 Recipe

Guacamole

Restaurant Style Guacamole Recipe with (or without) Cilantro

Jami Powell
This fresh Restaurant-Style Guacamole is creamy and made with just a handful of real ingredients. Ripe avocados, lime juice, red onion, and a touch of seasoning come together in minutes for a dip that tastes just like your favorite Mexican restaurant. Whether you enjoy it with or without cilantro, this guacamole delivers big flavor and smooth texture every single time.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 0 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Dip
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 385 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Colander
  • Citrus squeezer
  • Potato masher

Ingredients
  

  • 7 avocados ripened
  • 2 small roma tomatoes (about ¾ cup, diced)
  • ¼ cup red onion diced small
  • 1 lime juice of
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (or cilantro substitute)
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • cracked pepper (optional) to taste

Instructions
 

  • Wash produce and set it aside to drain in a colander.
  • Slice all of the avocados in half and remove the seeds. Scoop out the flesh into a large bowl and discard the remainder.
  • Using a citrus squeezer, squeeze the juice of the lime over the top of the avocados and lightly mash with a potato masher (or fork).
  • Dice tomato, onion, and cilantro. Add it to the bowl of avocados and sprinkle with salt and garlic powder.
  • Mix well and add cracked pepper if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite tortilla chips.

Save This Recipe 💌

Enter your email below and we'll send it to your inbox. Plus, you'll get new recipes from us each week!

Notes

Storage Store guacamole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, pressing plastic wrap onto the surface to prevent browning.
Freeze Freezing isn’t recommended, as it affects texture.
Reheat Serve chilled or at room temp, stirring before serving if needed. No reheating is required.
Substitutions
  • Cilantro: Substitute cilantro with fresh basil or flat leaf parsley instead. You could also leave it out altogether.
  • Tomatoes: A garden tomato or grape tomatoes would work well.
Adjustments Cooking time may need to be adjusted based on the geography of the area (high vs. low elevation), cookware (stoneware vs traditional bakeware), and outdoor temperature if grilling.
Nutrition information is only an estimate

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 5gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 23gSodium: 309mgPotassium: 1213mgFiber: 16gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 595IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 36mgIron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?Tag @powell.family.cooking on Instagram

Other Related Recipes

  • cilantro jalapeno dip chuys copycate recipe feature image close up in bowl with garnish being dipped
    Jalapeño Ranch Dip
  • cheesy baked tex mex stuffed peppers feature image close up of four peppers stuffed with toppings
    Easy Tex-Mex Stuffed Peppers
  • easy and authentic mexican refried beans instant pot feature image close up with Monterey Jack cheese and cilantro in a decorative bowl
    Homemade Refried Beans from Scratch (Instant Pot Recipe)
  • easy crockpot birria tacos hero image close up of two tacos with toppings.
    Easy Crockpot Birria Tacos

Be the friend who shares good food.

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Reddit
  • SMS

Comments

No Comments

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Professional image of the Powell family sitting on a rock at the beach.

This is us. ♥️
We began this journey together in 2020, not really knowing which direction to take. Much has changed over the years, but we remain dedicated to this endeavor. We hope you continue to visit.

More about us →

Spring Recipes

  • Creamy pasta with ricotta and peas in a black bowl.
    Creamy Pasta with Ricotta and Peas

  • Spring pasta salad with garnish in a salad bowl.
    Spring Pasta Salad Recipe with Asparagus and Peas

  • Quick and easy marinated olives with feta cheese feature image close up in white bowl with rind.
    Simple Marinated Olives with Feta

  • Greek chicken meatballs with lemon spinach orzo feature image close up in white bowl.
    Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Spinach Orzo

  • Mediterranean smashed cucumber salad feature image close up in blue bowl.
    Mediterranean Smashed Cucumber Salad

  • green beans and carrots close up with thyme in buerre fondue sauce feature image
    Green Beans and Carrots in Thyme Infused Butter Sauce

See more Spring →

Popular Recipes

  • A feature image of the scallop recipe with the linguine being twirled around a fork.
    Easy Bay Scallop Pasta Recipe (Lemon & Garlic Sauce)

  • Beef stroganoff without mushrooms feature image close up in skillet
    Creamy Beef Stroganoff without Mushrooms

  • garbanzo bean soup recipe with chorizo feature image close up
    Cuban Garbanzo Bean Soup with Chorizo

  • Feature image of fried grouper cheeks on a wire rack.
    Grouper Cheeks Recipe (Fried to Perfection)!

  • Bacon and Green Beans on a plate.
    Quick & Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans

  • Sartin's signature deep fried bbq blue crabs copycat recipe feature image close up of fried crabs on platter on back deck next to a glass of white wine
    Sartin’s Signature Deep Fried BBQ Blue Crabs: Copycat Recipe

Footer

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Policy

Mailing List

  • Subscribe

Contact

  • Email

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 Powell Family Cooking, LLC

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.