Creamy Dreamy Avocado Tomatillo Salsa: A Flavor Explosion Recipe

Avocado tomatillo salsa: the vibrant, tangy, creamy condiment you didn’t know you were missing. Forget the store-bought stuff, this homemade version is bursting with fresh flavors and is incredibly easy to make. It’s the perfect topping for tacos, nachos, grilled meats, eggs, and honestly, just about anything that needs a flavor boost. This recipe will guide you through creating the perfect avocado tomatillo salsa, from selecting the best ingredients to mastering the blending process. Get ready to experience a taste sensation that will elevate your meals to a whole new level!

Why You’ll Love This Avocado Tomatillo Salsa

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of tangy tomatillos, creamy avocado, spicy peppers, and aromatic cilantro creates a complex and addictive flavor profile.
* **Easy to Make:** This salsa comes together in minutes with just a few simple steps.
* **Versatile:** Perfect as a dip, topping, or sauce for a wide variety of dishes.
* **Healthy:** Packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and antioxidants.
* **Impress Your Friends:** Homemade salsa is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather the necessary ingredients. Quality ingredients are key to achieving the best flavor.

* **Tomatillos:** 1 pound, husked and rinsed. Tomatillos are small, green, tomato-like fruits with a papery husk. They have a tart, slightly acidic flavor that is the foundation of this salsa. Look for firm, green tomatillos with tight husks.
* **Avocado:** 2 ripe avocados. The avocado adds creaminess and richness to the salsa. Choose avocados that are slightly soft to the touch but not mushy. Hass avocados are a great choice.
* **Jalapeño Pepper:** 1-2, seeded and roughly chopped (adjust to your spice preference). Jalapeños provide the heat. Remove the seeds and membranes to reduce the spiciness. For a milder salsa, use only half a jalapeño or omit it altogether. For extra heat, leave the seeds in or substitute with a serrano pepper.
* **Onion:** ½ medium white onion, roughly chopped. White onion provides a sharp, pungent flavor. You can substitute with red onion for a slightly sweeter taste.
* **Cilantro:** ½ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped. Cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous note. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute with parsley, but it will change the flavor profile.
* **Lime Juice:** 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice. Lime juice brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity. Freshly squeezed lime juice is always best.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic adds a pungent, aromatic flavor.
* **Salt:** To taste. Salt enhances the other flavors in the salsa.
* **Water:** 1-2 tablespoons (optional, for thinning). If the salsa is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water to reach your desired consistency.

**Ingredient Notes and Substitutions**

* **Tomatillos:** If you can’t find fresh tomatillos, you can use canned tomatillos as a substitute, but the flavor won’t be quite as vibrant. Make sure to drain them well before using.
* **Avocado:** If you don’t have ripe avocados on hand, you can try ripening them quickly by placing them in a paper bag with an apple or banana for a day or two.
* **Jalapeño:** For a milder salsa, use poblano pepper. For a spicier salsa, try serrano or habanero pepper (use caution!).
* **Onion:** Red onion can be substituted for white onion.
* **Cilantro:** Parsley can be used as a substitute, though it will alter the flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Blender or Food Processor:** A blender or food processor is essential for creating the smooth, creamy texture of the salsa. A high-speed blender will produce the smoothest results, but a regular blender or food processor will also work.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** For chopping the vegetables.
* **Measuring Spoons and Cups:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Bowl:** For serving the salsa.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients and equipment ready, let’s make some delicious avocado tomatillo salsa!

**Step 1: Prepare the Tomatillos**

* Remove the husks from the tomatillos and rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove any sticky residue.

**Step 2: Combine Ingredients**

* In a blender or food processor, combine the tomatillos, avocado, jalapeño, onion, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and salt.

**Step 3: Blend**

* Blend until smooth and creamy. If the salsa is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to reach your desired consistency. Be careful not to over-blend, as this can make the salsa bitter.

**Step 4: Taste and Adjust**

* Taste the salsa and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, lime juice, or jalapeño to taste. If the salsa is too spicy, add more avocado or lime juice.

**Step 5: Chill and Serve**

* Transfer the salsa to a bowl, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is optional, but it will enhance the flavor of the salsa.
* Serve with your favorite chips, tacos, grilled meats, or anything else that needs a flavor boost.

Tips for the Best Avocado Tomatillo Salsa

* **Use Ripe Avocados:** Ripe avocados are essential for achieving the creamy texture of the salsa. Choose avocados that are slightly soft to the touch but not mushy.
* **Don’t Over-Blend:** Over-blending the salsa can make it bitter. Blend just until smooth and creamy.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of jalapeño to your spice preference. Remove the seeds and membranes to reduce the spiciness. For a milder salsa, use only half a jalapeño or omit it altogether. For extra heat, leave the seeds in or substitute with a serrano pepper.
* **Use Fresh Lime Juice:** Freshly squeezed lime juice is always best for its bright, vibrant flavor.
* **Chill Before Serving:** Chilling the salsa for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld and enhances the taste.
* **Add a Pinch of Sugar (Optional):** A pinch of sugar can help balance the acidity of the tomatillos, especially if they are particularly tart.
* **Add Other Herbs and Spices (Optional):** Experiment with adding other herbs and spices to customize the flavor of your salsa. Some good options include cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika.
* **Roast the Tomatillos and Jalapeños:** Roasting the tomatillos and jalapeños before blending will add a smoky flavor to the salsa. To roast them, place them on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes, until they are slightly charred. Be sure to watch them carefully to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions

This avocado tomatillo salsa is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways:

* **Dip:** Serve with tortilla chips, vegetable sticks, or crackers.
* **Topping:** Top tacos, nachos, burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, or grilled meats with the salsa.
* **Sauce:** Use as a sauce for eggs, fish, chicken, or vegetables.
* **Salad Dressing:** Thin the salsa with a little water or olive oil and use it as a salad dressing.
* **Sandwich Spread:** Spread on sandwiches or wraps.

Here are some specific serving suggestions:

* **Tacos:** Top your favorite tacos with avocado tomatillo salsa, shredded cabbage, and a squeeze of lime juice.
* **Nachos:** Load up tortilla chips with cheese, beans, and avocado tomatillo salsa.
* **Grilled Chicken:** Serve grilled chicken with a generous dollop of avocado tomatillo salsa.
* **Eggs:** Scramble eggs and top with avocado tomatillo salsa and crumbled cheese.
* **Fish Tacos:** Make delicious fish tacos with grilled or pan-fried fish, avocado tomatillo salsa, and shredded cabbage.

Storage Instructions

* Store leftover avocado tomatillo salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salsa may brown slightly due to oxidation, but it is still safe to eat. To minimize browning, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salsa before sealing the container.
* Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the avocado will change and become mushy when thawed.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations you can try:

* **Roasted Avocado Tomatillo Salsa:** Roast the tomatillos and jalapeños before blending for a smoky flavor.
* **Spicy Avocado Tomatillo Salsa:** Add more jalapeño or substitute with a hotter pepper, such as serrano or habanero.
* **Sweet and Spicy Avocado Tomatillo Salsa:** Add a tablespoon of honey or agave nectar to balance the heat.
* **Mango Avocado Tomatillo Salsa:** Add a diced mango for a tropical twist.
* **Pineapple Avocado Tomatillo Salsa:** Add diced pineapple for a sweet and tangy flavor.
* **Black Bean and Corn Avocado Tomatillo Salsa:** Add black beans and corn for a heartier salsa.
* **Smoked Paprika Avocado Tomatillo Salsa:** Add smoked paprika for a smoky depth of flavor.
* **Different Herbs:** Experiment with other herbs, such as oregano, or even a touch of mint.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, about ¼ cup)

* Calories: 80-100
* Fat: 7-9g
* Saturated Fat: 1-2g
* Cholesterol: 0mg
* Sodium: 50-100mg
* Carbohydrates: 4-6g
* Fiber: 2-3g
* Sugar: 2-3g
* Protein: 1-2g

**Note:** Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Avocado Tomatillo Salsa Recipe

Here is the complete recipe, for easy reference:

**Yields:** About 2 cups
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Total time:** 10 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound tomatillos, husked and rinsed
* 2 ripe avocados
* 1-2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and roughly chopped
* ½ medium white onion, roughly chopped
* ½ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
* 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* Salt to taste
* 1-2 tablespoons water (optional, for thinning)

**Instructions:**

1. Remove the husks from the tomatillos and rinse them thoroughly.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine the tomatillos, avocado, jalapeño, onion, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and salt.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed to reach desired consistency.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more salt, lime juice, or jalapeño as needed.
5. Chill for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld (optional).
6. Serve with your favorite chips, tacos, grilled meats, or anything else that needs a flavor boost.

Enjoy your homemade Avocado Tomatillo Salsa! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a delicious way to add some zest to your meals. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the recipe and make it your own. Happy cooking!