Whether spooned straight from the bowl or scooped up with warm tortilla chips, this zesty Avocado Salsa definitely hits the spot.
Growing up in a Latin American family meant I was infatuated with avocados long before they even became cool. At our house, they were a staple we simply could not do without. Slices of avocado were served as a cooling contrast to spicy stews and hearty soups. We’d mash them to top tortillas slathered with refried beans. Sometimes, we would simply cut them in half, drizzle the soft green flesh with good olive oil, sprinkle on some salt, and spoon it right out of the leathery shells.
Of course, my love for this healthy fruit (yes, fruit!) has only grown throughout the years, especially when I switched to a plant-based diet. Avocado now fills even more roles in my kitchen. It replaces butter and eggs in desserts like silky avocado chocolate mousse and fudgy brownies. I tuck it into plant-based sushi, pile it onto grain bowls, and swap it for mayo in creamy dressings and sauces (it’s amazing in pesto). But one of my favorite ways to enjoy a perfectly ripe avocado is in this delicious salsa. Made with vibrant ingredients such as juicy tomatoes, spicy jalapeño, bright cilantro, and zesty lime juice, this refreshing salsa is so good you could eat it with a spoon (which I often do), but it truly shines when paired with warm tortilla chips and a cold Mexican beer.
Is This Avocado Salsa Healthy?
I would certainly say so. Avocados are a good source of heart-healthy fats along with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, potassium, and magnesium. Jalapeños, tomatoes, and onions provide additional antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. No oil is used, making the recipe whole-food and plant-based. Those trying to reduce their sodium intake can easily leave out the salt.
How To Handle Jalapeños Like a Pro
Jalapeños are used in many Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes, bringing fire and flavor to any food. However, if you don’t know how to handle them properly, you might encounter problems like I did the first time. Let me warn you right now—wear gloves. You’ve probably seen chefs on cooking shows handle jalapeños without gloves. That’s because they are professional chefs and know what they’re doing.
Jalapeños contain capsaicin, a chemical compound that can cause a burning sensation. This situation can become especially problematic if you rub your eyes or touch your nose after handling a jalapeño.
Here are some helpful tips to avoid potentially painful mistakes:
- Wear disposable gloves.
- Use a paring knife or small spoon to carefully remove the seeds and dispose of them immediately.
- After removing the gloves, wash your hands with cold water and dish soap.
- Wash all cutting boards and knives well with cold water and dish soap to avoid spreading the pepper’s oils.
- If you do, by any chance, end up with burning skin, soak the affected area briefly in milk until the sensation stops.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Avocados rapidly turn brown when exposed to air. Although lime juice slows down the process, it won’t prevent it. That’s why it’s best to make this salsa right before serving. If you do end up with leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Freezing is not recommended, as it will affect the avocado’s texture upon thawing.
Serving Suggestions
Avocado salsa is delicious with a bowl of tortilla chips, but it also pairs perfectly with dishes like Seared Tuna Tacos, Fish Cakes, Air-Fryer Shrimp, Cast-Iron Pork Tenderloin, Oven-Fried Chicken Breast, and Healthy Chicken Enchilada Casserole. Serve it like I often do, with Vegan Chili, Refried Beans, and Mexican Brown Rice.
Ingredients
- 3 medium avocados peeled, pitted, and diced
- 4 medium Roma tomatoes seeded and diced
- 1/2 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño seeded and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine diced avocados, tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
- Drizzle with lime juice, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Gently toss to combine all the ingredients without mashing the avocados.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface of the salsa and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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