How to Make Guacamole and Salsa From Scratch

This recipe is the perfect appetizer for anything from a casual fiesta with friends, to your neighbor's huge Super Bowl bash! Pair it with tortilla chips or throw it inside a taco, this salsa and guacamole works for just about anything! It's super easy and takes under an hour to make which is super convenient for those with packed schedules. I hope you enjoy!

Step 1: INGREDIENTS FOR SALSA

Serves 6

- 6 large tomatoes

- 4 garlic cloves

- 1 jalapeño

- 1/2 onion (red or white)

- 1 tablespoon of olive oil

- the juice of 1 lime

- salt, pepper, and chili powder (about a tablespoon of each)

- a large bowl

- knives

- a chopping board

- a spatula

Step 2: SALSA) Prepare Tomatoes and Garlic

- Slice the tomatoes into halves, then quarters, then eighths, until you get to your desired size of tomato. I personally don't go any bigger than my pinky nail. The tomatoes are the main ingredient of the salsa so they shouldn't be too big. When you finishing chopping the tomatoes, put them into the large bowl. Next, take out your garlic and mince it. When you finish mincing the garlic, pour it into the bowl as well.

- If you are a beginner in the kitchen: how to mince garlic

Step 3: SALSA) Prepare Jalapeños and Onion

- You can really use however many jalapeños you'd like, depending on how spicy you want your salsa to be. This recipe only calls for one so it is fairly mild. Chop off the top of the jalapeño and then cut down the side vertically so the jalapeño opens up like a book. Then cut out all of the seeds and throw them away. You can add a few of the seeds into the bowl for some extra spice if you'd like. Cut the jalapeño into thin strips then repeat in the other direction so you are left with small cubes. Toss them into the bowl with your tomatoes and garlic. Next, chop your onion similarly to how you chopped your tomato. Pour them into the bowl.

TIP: Wear swim goggles will chopping onions to avoid crying.

TIP: Don't touch your eyes or face for at least an hour after chopping your jalepeños. Be sure to wash your hands.

Step 4: SALSA) Lime and Olive Oil

- Slice your lime in half and juice directly over the bowl of tomatoes, garlic, jalepeños, and onions. Make sure you take out any seeds that fall in. Add the olive oil into the bowl. This will help all the ingredients stick together.

Step 5: SALSA) Salt, Pepper, and Chili Powder

- Add the salt, pepper, and chili powder. Do as much as you think is necessary but at least a tablespoon of each is recommended. Take your spatula and stir the ingredients until they're combined. Test the flavor and add any amount of ingredients you deem necessary. Your salsa is complete!

Step 6: INGREDIENTS FOR GUACAMOLE

Serves 6

- 5 avocados

- 1/2 an onion (red or white)

- 2 large tomatoes

- 2 cloves of garlic

- 2 limes

- salt, pepper, cayenne, cumin (about a tablespoon of each)

- a large bowl

- knives

- a chopping board

- a spatula

- a spoon

- a potato masher

Step 7: GUACAMOLE) Prepare Avocados and Onion

- Slice the avocados all the way around the length until you are left with two halves each. Remove and throw out all but one pit. Set this aside for later. Take your spoon and scoop out all the avocado into the bowl. Mash the avocados with the potato masher until they reach a smooth, creamy consistency. Take the onion and dice it into fine cubes. Pour these into the bowl as well.

If you are a beginner in the kitchen:

Step 8: GUACAMOLE) Prepare Tomatoes and Garlic

- Chop tomatoes finely and mince your garlic. Add these into your bowl. See step one of the salsa instructions on how to chop and mince. At this point, take the spatula and evenly distribute the onion, tomato, and garlic into the avocado.

Step 9: GUACAMOLE) Add Lime and Spices

- Squeeze in lime juice just as you did for the salsa, watching for any seeds that drop into the bowl. Throw in approximately a tablespoon of salt, pepper, cayenne, and cumin. You can add in more if you prefer. Mix once more with your spatula. Test the guacamole and add any other ingredients you deem necessary. Congratulations! You've made simple and easy salsa and guacamole!