Chunky Guacamole (Babalu Guacamole)
Make the best chunky guacamole at home with this easy recipe! This fresh and flavorful dip recipe features avocados, lime, and a delicious twist with sundried tomatoes.
If you’re looking for the perfect chunky guacamole that’s fresh, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make, you’ve come to the right place. This version is inspired by the popular guacamole served at Babalu Tacos and Tapas, known for its bold flavors and unique twist. This simple dip is loaded with creamy avocados, bright lime juice, and a few unexpected mix-ins that take it to the next level.
“Oh my goodness This is the best ever!!!! One of my most very favorite things.”
-Scarlett
Recipe at a glance
This isn’t your average guac. It’s a chunky guacamole dip recipe that keeps things simple while still feeling a little special.
- Ready in just 10 minutes
- No fancy equipment required
- Perfect balance of creamy and chunky
- Made with fresh, easy-to-find ingredients
- A unique twist with sun-dried tomatoes
If you love a good chunky guac recipe, this one is about to become your go-to.
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Ingredients you will need
Whether you’re serving it at a party, taco night, or just craving a quick snack, this homemade guacamole delivers bold flavor and the perfect texture in every bite. To make this delicious guacamole, you will need:
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
- Hass Avocados – Hass avocados are rich, creamy, and have the best flavor. Look for ones that yield slightly when gently pressed.
- Lime Juice – Freshly squeezed lime juice adds brightness and helps keep the guacamole from browning too quickly.
- Green Onions – Milder than traditional onions, green onions add a subtle bite without overpowering the dip.
- Red Onion – Adds a bit more sharpness and crunch, balancing out the creamy texture of the avocados.
- Fresh Cilantro – Brings a fresh, citrusy note that ties everything together.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – This is the secret ingredient that gives this guacamole with tomatoes a bold, slightly sweet, and tangy flavor. It’s a fun twist that makes this recipe reminiscent of a Babalu guacamole.
- Kosher Salt and Pepper – Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
Substitutions and variations
One of the best things about this chunky guacamole is how easy it is to customize based on your taste or what you have on hand.
Skip the Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Not a fan or don’t have them? Leave them out for a more traditional homemade guacamole flavor, or swap with freshly diced tomatoes for a classic guacamole with tomatoes.
Use White or Yellow Onion: If you don’t have red onion, finely diced white or yellow onion works just as well. For a milder flavor, soak the chopped onion in cold water for a few minutes before adding.
No Cilantro? If you’re not a cilantro fan, simply leave it out or substitute with fresh parsley for a different but still fresh flavor.
Add Some Heat: Mix in finely diced jalapeno peppers or serrano peppers for extra heat, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Make It Extra Creamy: If you prefer a smoother texture, mash the avocados a bit more or stir in a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Boost the Flavor: Take your chunky guacamole dip recipe up a notch by adding a clove of minced garlic, a pinch of ground cumin, or a dash of hot sauce.
Make It Heartier: Turn this into a more filling dip by folding in black beans, corn, or diced mango or pineapple for a sweet twist.
How to pick the best avocados for guacamole
Using perfectly ripe avocados is the secret to getting that rich flavor and texture that makes a good guacamole. Here’s what to look for at the store:
- Check the firmness – Gently press the avocado in the palm of your hand (don’t poke with your fingers). Fresh avocados should yield slightly to pressure but not feel mushy. This is the ideal stage for making homemade guacamole.
- Look at the color – For Hass avocados, the skin usually turns dark green to nearly black as it ripens. Brighter green avocados are typically underripe and will need a few days on the counter.
- Avoid soft spots – Skip avocados with large dents, deep indentations, or areas that feel overly soft. These are signs the avocado may be overripe inside.
- Check under the stem – This is one of the best tricks. Gently flick off the small stem cap at the top. If it’s breen underneath, it’s perfectly ripe. If it’s brown underneath, it’s likely overripe. If the stem is hard to remove, it’s not ripe yet.
- Plan ahead if needed – If your avocados are still firm, let them ripen on the counter for a couple of days. Once ripe, you can move them to the refrigerator to slow the ripening process.
Using perfectly ripe avocados is the secret to getting that rich flavor and texture that makes a great chunky guac recipe.
How to make chunky guacamole
Step 1: Cut the avocados in half using a paring knife, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a medium bowl.
Step 2: Add the green onions, red onion, lime juice, cilantro, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Step 3: Using a fork or potato masher, mash until the mixture is combined but still slightly chunky.
Step 4: Season with kosher salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the best chunky guac
- Don’t over-mash: The key to great chunky guacamole is texture. Leave some larger pieces of avocado.
- Use ripe avocados: Underripe avocados won’t mash well and lack flavor.
- Taste and adjust: Add more lime juice or salt as needed.
- Serve fresh: Guacamole is best enjoyed right after it’s made.
Serving suggestions
This chunky guacamole dip recipe is incredibly versatile. Serve it with:
- Crispy tortilla chips or barbecue pulled pork nachos
- Steak fajitas, catfish tacos, or burrito bowls
- Grilled chicken or tequila lime skirt steak
- Pepper Jack stuffed burgers or sandwiches
- As a topping for eggs or avocado toast
Storage instructions
Guacamole is best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers:
- Store in an airtight container.
- Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent browning.
- Refrigerate for up to 1–2 days.
Chunky guacamole FAQ’s
A fork works perfectly for this chunky guac recipe and actually gives you better control over the texture.
Guacamole turns brown because of oxidation due to air exposure. A little lime juice helps slow this down, but the best way to prevent it is to limit air contact.
Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface and add a little extra lime juice to slow oxidation.
You can make it a few hours ahead, but for best results, serve it fresh.
Freezing isn’t recommended. The texture of the avocados can become watery and mushy once thawed, which takes away from that signature chunky guacamole texture.
Fresh lime juice is best for flavor, but bottled will work in a pinch. Just note that it may taste slightly less bright.
Absolutely! This chunky guacamole dip recipe scales up easily—just be sure to adjust seasoning to taste as you go.
Tried This Recipe? Let Me Know!
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If you made chunky guacamole , I’d love to hear how it turned out! Your ratings and reviews help others find the recipe and give me great feedback too.
Chunky Guacamole (Babalu Guacamole)
Ingredients
- 2 Hass avocados
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon chopped red onion
- 1 ½ tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 ½ tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon minced sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Split the avocados, remove and discard the pits, and scoop the flesh into a medium bowl.
- Add the remaining ingredients. Using a fork or potato masher, mash until the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- For best flavor, use ripe avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure.
- Serve immediately or press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent browning.
I asked Babalu for the recipe and they gave me an actual recipe card with the recipe printed on it!
Lord knows how much I love guacamole and this recipe looks like another delicious guacamole recipe for sure! Agree with your statement, get the HAAS avocados! So much creamier and flavorful! And sun dried tomatoes is just a plus!! Great guacamole recipe!
This is definitely my kind of guacamole. I love it chunky and packed with the ingredients on your list. Must be a great restaurant. Table side guacamole is always so much fun. I would be watching them like a hawk too! 🙂
I love Guacamole and would love to have mine made fresh right in front of my eyes too! Haha. This recipe looks so delicious!