Tomatillo Avocado Salsa Verde

This bright and creamy Tomatillo Avocado Salsa has become a staple in my kitchen whenever I want something fresh to brighten up tacos, grilled veggies, or simply for scooping with chips. With just a handful of bold ingredients, there is no need to turn on the stove. You let the blender do all the work and just taste the goodness.

I first whipped this up on a hot summer day when I wanted a break from classic tomato salsa. That hit of tangy tomatillo with creamy avocado hooked me instantly. Now every time I serve it at family gatherings it disappears fast.

Ingredients

• Tomatillos: These little green fruits give the salsa its classic tangy flavor. Look for tomatillos with tight papery husks and firm feel. Remove husks and rinse off any stickiness.
• Jalapenos: Bring a mild heat to the salsa. Choose glossy peppers with no wrinkles. For spicier salsa try serrano peppers. For extra mild remove seeds and ribs.
• Fresh Cilantro: The green herb adds vibrant bright notes. Go for bunches with perky leaves and no yellowing.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves bring punchy aroma and depth. Use plump firm cloves.
• Yellow Onion: Adds mild sharp sweetness and moisture. You can swap with white or red onion or use a sweet onion.
• Avocado: Makes the salsa luscious and creamy. Look for slightly soft avocados that yield to gentle pressure but with no dark spots.
• Lime Juice: Brings that pop of acidity and ties the flavors together. Always go for fresh limes if possible since bottled juice can taste flat.
• Salt: Essential for bringing all those flavors to life. Taste and add more if needed.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Produce:

Remove the husks from the tomatillos and rinse off the stickiness under warm water. Quarter the tomatillos for even blending. Slice the jalapenos removing seeds for less heat if desired. Peel and roughly chop the onion and garlic.

Blend the Base:

Place tomatillos jalapenos cilantro garlic and onion into a food processor or blender. Pulse for about five seconds until the mix looks chunky and combined. Scrape down the sides to ensure everything is incorporated.

Add Creaminess:

Dice the avocado and squeeze the juice from one lime. Add both to the blender with salt. Pulse gently until just blended. The salsa should be smooth with some texture left for scooping.

Taste and Adjust:

Taste the salsa with a spoon and see if it needs a little more salt or lime juice. Stir or pulse again as needed.

Serve:

Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy with chips tacos or as a topping on just about anything.

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You will love how the bright flavors of freshly rinsed tomatillo pop against creamy ripe avocado. My absolute favorite moment is sliding the sticky husk off each tomatillo because that scent is pure garden. My kids always ask to help with this part and sneak tastes before I can even blend.

Storage Tips

Keep your salsa in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to five days. If you want to stash it away longer you can freeze it in a zip-top bag. Just thaw overnight and stir before serving. The avocado may darken slightly but it still tastes great.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are not a cilantro fan use fresh flat-leaf parsley or add a few oregano leaves. You can swap jalapenos with serranos for extra heat or use mild green chiles for almost no heat. Sweet onion works instead of yellow and lemon juice can stand in for lime in a pinch.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve it as a dip with tortilla chips or drizzled over taquitos and enchiladas. It also makes an amazing topping for grilled chicken carnitas huevos rancheros or stuffed sweet potatoes. I love adding a spoonful to grain bowls for a burst of flavor.

A Little Salsa History

Tomatillo salsa is a loved staple in Mexican cuisine traditionally made both raw and cooked. The combination of raw tomatillo and creamy avocado is a newer twist that has gained popularity for its bold tangy and smooth texture. In many families recipes are closely guarded and every cook claims theirs is best.

Commonly Asked Questions

→ What do tomatillos taste like?

Tomatillos have a bright, tart flavor that's similar to green tomatoes but sharper. Their acidity adds a vibrant, tangy note to dishes.

→ Can I make this salsa less spicy?

Yes, for a milder salsa, remove the seeds and ribs from the jalapeños or use fewer peppers. You can also substitute with green bell pepper for no heat.

→ Is there a substitute for cilantro?

If you don't enjoy cilantro, try using fresh parsley and a bit of oregano for herbal flavor, or simply omit the herbs.

→ How long does this salsa keep?

Store tomatillo avocado salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days for the best freshness.

→ Can I freeze this salsa?

Yes, pour salsa into a freezer-safe bag, press out air, and freeze up to two months. Thaw and stir before serving for best texture.

→ What are some serving ideas?

Tomatillo avocado salsa is perfect with tortilla chips, tacos, burrito bowls, eggs, grilled meats, or as a zesty salad topping.