Easy Guacamole Recipe Without Lime (Simple Guac With Lemon) (2024)

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Guacamole is a classic party dip that everyone loves, but sometimes we find ourselves without the key ingredient - fresh lime juice. Don't worry, though - it's still possible to make a delicious easy guacamole recipe without lime.

All you need is some fresh avocados and lemon juice, and a few other pantry staples. In this blog post, we'll show you how to make guacamole without lime, so you can enjoy this tasty treat anytime, even when you're out of limes.

This homemade guacamole recipe is perfect for dipping chips, vegetables, or as a topping for tacos or burritos. You can also add in other fresh ingredients to customize the flavor, such as diced jalapenos for a little extra heat, or chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Next time you find yourself without any limes, don't stress - just grab some avocados and lemon juice and whip up this tasty guacamole. Your taste buds (and your friends and family) will thank you.

🛒Ingredients

Avocado: Avocado is the main ingredient of this simple recipe, providing the creamy base for the guacamole. The avocado should be ripe, which means it will be soft and easy to mash.

Roma tomatoes: The tomato adds a burst of freshness and a hint of sweetness to the guacamole. Be sure to seed the tomato before chopping it, as this will help prevent the guacamole from becoming too watery.

Onion: The onion adds a subtle pungency and a little bit of crunch to the guacamole. Be sure to mince the onion finely, as larger pieces may be difficult to eat in the dip.

Seasoned salt: The seasoned salt adds a savory and slightly salty flavor to the guacamole. If you don't have seasoned salt, you can use regular salt and a pinch of your favorite herbs or spices.

Chili Powder: I love the slightly smoky flavor chili powder lends to this guac recipe. If you have powdered guajillo or ancho chili powder, you can use that with great results.

The chili powder adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor to the guacamole. You can adjust the amount of chili powder to your taste, or omit it altogether if you don't like spice.

Lemon juice: If you don't have lime juice on hand, you can use lemon juice as a substitute in guacamole. Lemon juice has a similar tangy and acidic flavor to lime juice, and it will work well in most guacamole recipes. You can use an equal amount of lemon juice in place of lime juice.

See recipe card for quantities.

What else can I use if I don't have limes?

Other options for substituting lime juice in guacamole include:

White wine vinegar: This has a mild and slightly fruity flavor that can work well in guacamole. Use about half as much vinegar as you would lime juice.

Apple cider vinegar: This has a slightly sweet and tangy flavor that can be a good substitute for lime juice in guacamole. Use about half as much vinegar as you would lime juice.

Orange juice: This has a sweet and citrusy flavor that can add a unique twist to your guacamole. Use about half as much orange juice as you would lime juice.

Keep in mind that these substitutes may alter the flavor of your guacamole slightly, so adjust the seasoning and other ingredients to taste.

💭How to choose the best avocado for making guacamole

To choose a good avocado for making good guacamole, you'll want to look for one that is ripe but still firm. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best avocado:

Check the color: A perfectly ripe avocado will be a dark green or brown color, depending on the variety. Avoid avocados that are still bright green, as they will not be ripe yet.

Give it a gentle squeeze: A ripe avocado should give slightly when you press it gently with your thumb. If it feels too soft or mushy, it may be overripe. A hard avocado is not yet ripe. Underripe avocados can turn into perfect avocados in a day or two by keeping them in a paper bag. Doing this helps them ripen and become creamy avocados ideal for making quick guacamole.

Look for blemishes: Avoid avocados that have brown spots or black spots on the skin, as these could be signs of decay.

Choose the right variety: Different avocado varieties have different levels of ripeness when they are harvested. For example, Hass avocados are known for being ripe when they are dark and slightly soft, while Fuerte avocados are usually firmer when they are ripe.

✅How to get avocados to ripen faster

Ethylene gas is a naturally occurring plant hormone that can help to speed up the ripening process of some fruits, including avocados. Avocados release ethylene gas as they ripen, and this gas can help to stimulate the ripening process in other nearby fruits.

To get avocados to ripen faster, you can try placing them in a paper bag with a banana or apple. These fruits release a high amount of ethylene gas, which can help to ripen the avocados more quickly. You can also try placing the avocados in a sunny spot or in a warm area, as heat can also help to speed up the ripening process.

Keep in mind that it can take several days for avocados to fully ripen, so be patient and check them regularly to see if they are ready. You can test the ripeness of an avocado by gently pressing it with your thumb. Mushy avocados will usually have brown instead of bright green flesh, so they are passed their prime. If it is ripe, it should give slightly, but it should not be too soft or mushy.

❔How long does guacamole last in the fridge?

Guacamole can last in the fridge for a few days, but it is best consumed within the first 1-2 days to ensure the best flavor and texture. Here are a few tips to help keep your guacamole fresh:

Store it properly: To keep the guacamole green, place it in an airtight container and press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the dip. This will help prevent air from getting in and oxidizing the avocado, which can cause it to turn brown.

Keep it chilled: Store the guacamole in the fridge to help keep it fresh. The cold temperature will slow down the enzymatic reactions that cause the avocado to turn brown.

Don't add extra ingredients: Avoid adding ingredients like chopped tomato or onion to the guacamole until you are ready to serve it. These ingredients can add excess moisture to the dip, which can cause it to spoil more quickly.

Use it up quickly: If you have leftover guacamole, try to use it up within a day or two. The longer it sits in the fridge, the more likely it is to turn brown and lose its fresh flavor.

Storing the avocado pit with the leftover guacamole may help it stay fresher for a little longer, but it is not a foolproof method for preventing the avocado from turning brown. The pit contains enzymes that can help to slow down the browning process by inhibiting the enzymatic reactions that cause the avocado to turn brown when it is exposed to air.

Another way to keep the guacamole from turning brown is to squeeze extra lemon or lime juice on top of the guac before covering it with a lid. Don't mix in the extra liquid, just squeeze it on top of the surface. You can pour it off later when you are ready to eat the remaining guacamole.

🥑What to serve with guacamole dip

This basic guacamole recipe can be served so many different ways. Creamy guac is always a staple next to a big bowl of tortilla chips but here are a few more ideas:

• Potato Chips or crunchy tortilla chips
• Carrot sticks, bell pepper slices, or other vegetables for dipping into a bowl of guacamole
• Grilled chicken, steak or birria
• Black beans, pinto beans, or refried beans
• Grilled shrimp or scallops
• Baked sweet potato wedges or regular potato wedges
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Baked plantain chips or tostones
• Soft tacos, quesatacos or burritos
• Nachos- use homemade tortilla chips for sturdy nachos that can handle lots of toppings
• Grilled fish or salmon
• Salad, topped with diced fresh avocado and a spoonful of guacamole
• As a spread for avocado toast or sandwiches

Is brown guacamole safe to eat?

Brown guacamole is generally safe to eat, as long as it has been stored properly and has not developed any off-odors or mold. Avocado naturally turns brown when it is exposed to air, and this process can be accelerated by heat and light.

While brown guacamole may not be as visually appealing as green guacamole, it should still be perfectly edible as long as it has been handled properly. If the guacamole has developed an off-odor or there is visible mold present, it is best to discard it to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.

If you want to prevent your guacamole from turning brown, you can try pressing a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole before storing it in the fridge. This will help to prevent air from getting in and oxidizing the avocado. You can also try adding a few drops of lemon or lime juice, as the acidity can help to slow down the browning process.

🎥How to Make Guacamole Video

❄️Can you freeze guacamole?

Yes, you can freeze guacamole, although the texture may change slightly once it is thawed. Freezing can cause the avocado in the guacamole to become a little bit watery and less creamy when it is thawed.

Here are a few tips for freezing guacamole:

Leave out the tomatoes: Tomatoes can release a lot of liquid when they are frozen and thawed, which can affect the consistency of the guacamole. Consider leaving them out or adding them just before serving.

Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the dip: This will help to prevent air from getting in and causing the avocado to oxidize and turn brown.

Freeze in small portions: Consider freezing the guacamole in small, individual portions, rather than one large batch. This will make it easier to thaw only what you need and minimize waste.

Thaw in the fridge: To thaw frozen guacamole, place it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. You can also thaw it more quickly by placing it in a bowl of cold water.

Keep in mind that frozen guacamole may not be as smooth and creamy as fresh guacamole, but it can still be a convenient and tasty option if you want to make a large batch in advance.

👩🏾‍🍳Substitutions

Onion- use red onion or white onions

Seasoned salt- I use Lawrys seasoned salt, but adobo seasoning or badia seasoning are also great options when it comes to spices for guacamole.

Roma tomato- use ripe beefsteak tomato, or even cherry tomato for this recipe. As long as the tomatoes are ripe and you have removed the prevent watery guacamole, you should be good to go.

Lemon juice- this adds the acidity needed help keep the guacamole fresh. It also provides the flavor missing from the lime juice typically found in guacamole. If you don't have lemon juice, you can leave it out altogether, but the guacamole just won't have the flavor you are looking for.

Other acidic ingredients you can add are: vinegar, orange juice

This is a super simple guacamole recipe so be sure you choose the best of each ingredient.

📖Printable Recipe Card