I stumbled upon this creamy avocado salsa recipe during a frantic kitchen experiment when I realized I had way too many avocados ripening all at once. The result? A blissful blend that’s as smooth as a summer breeze—perfect for those days when you just want to dip, scoop, and savor without overthinking it. Who knew avocados could dance this well with cilantro and lime?
Steps
- Prepare your ingredients by peeling and pitting a ripe avocado, removing the husks from 3-4 tomatillos (rinse if they’re fresh), and chopping 1/4 to 1/3 cup of onion. Slice 1/4 of a jalapeño and gather 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro, salt, pepper, and the juice of half a lime.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, tomatillos, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, salt, pepper, lime juice, and 3 tablespoons of water. Add any optional ingredients, such as cumin or green chiles, if desired.
- Blend the mixture until it reaches a smooth consistency. Taste and adjust the flavors by adding more salt, pepper, lime juice, or jalapeño if needed, then blend again to incorporate any additional ingredients.
- Serve the avocado salsa immediately, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days, though the lime juice helps maintain its vibrant green color.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
- 3–4 tomatillos (fresh or canned), husks removed and rinsed if using fresh
- 1/4–1/3 cup diced white or sweet onion
- 1/4–1 jalapeño, to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- Juice of 1/2 lime (approximately 1 tablespoon)
- 3–4 tablespoons water, for blending
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 (4-ounce) can of mild green chiles
FAQ
- What can I use if I can’t find fresh tomatillos?
- If fresh tomatillos are unavailable, canned tomatillos are a great alternative. Keep in mind that canned tomatillos are a bit juicier, so you might want to reduce the amount of water you add when blending the salsa.
- How should I store avocado salsa to keep it fresh?
- To maintain freshness, store avocado salsa in an airtight container. Press a piece of food wrap directly onto the surface of the salsa before sealing the container with a lid to minimize exposure to air and prevent oxidation.
- How long will avocado salsa remain fresh in the refrigerator?
- Avocado salsa can stay vibrant for about 2-3 days in the fridge. The lime juice helps maintain its green color, especially when stored according to the aforementioned tips.
- Can avocado salsa be frozen?
- Yes, avocado salsa can be frozen. The lime juice helps preserve its color in the freezer. Place the salsa in a freezer-safe bag, remove excess air, and freeze flat for quicker thawing. Thaw in the refrigerator and stir well before serving.
- How can I adjust the spiciness of the salsa?
- To alter the heat level, start by adding a small amount of jalapeño and gradually increase according to your preference. For a milder version, you can substitute jalapeño with canned green chiles or a fresh poblano pepper.
Tips
- Start Small with Spice: When adding jalapeño to your salsa, begin with a small amount. You can always increase the heat later, but it’s difficult to reduce it once added. This approach allows you to customize the spice level to your preference.
- Storing for Freshness: To keep your avocado salsa looking fresh and green, store it in an airtight container and press a layer of food wrap directly onto the surface before sealing with a lid. This minimizes exposure to air, helping to prevent browning.
- Experiment with Citrus: For a unique twist, try substituting the water in the recipe with orange juice. This will add a bright and citrusy flavor that pairs well with spicy dishes or Cuban flavors.
- Freezing for Later: If you make more salsa than you can consume, consider freezing it. Transfer the salsa to a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air before sealing. Freeze flat for quicker thawing, and remember to stir well after thawing to restore its creamy texture.
Equipment
- Blender or Food Processor – This is essential for pureeing the ingredients into a smooth salsa.
