Creamy Avocado Tomatillo Salsa is a flavorful and versatile Mexican condiment that combines the rich creaminess of ripe avocados with the tangy zing of roasted tomatillos. It’s perfect as a dip for tortilla chips, a topping for tacos, burritos, and grilled meats, or even as a spread for sandwiches. This salsa strikes the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and spicy, making it a crowd-pleasing addition to any meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

4-5 medium tomatillos
1 clove garlic (skin on)
1 medium jalapeño
2 Haas avocados
¼ teaspoon lime zest
2 teaspoons lime juice
¼ cup cilantro
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ cup white onion, minced

Directions

Prepare the Tomatillos and Jalapeño: Remove the husks from the tomatillos and rinse them well. Slice the tomatillos crosswise. Slice the jalapeño in half vertically and remove the seeds and white membrane.
Roast the Vegetables: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and spray with nonstick vegetable spray. Arrange the tomatillos, jalapeño halves, and the unpeeled garlic clove in the pan. Cook the vegetables for about 5-6 minutes until they start to blister and become fragrant. Use tongs to turn the vegetables and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until softened. Remove from heat.
Blend the Ingredients: Remove the skin from the roasted garlic and discard. Transfer the tomatillos, jalapeño, and garlic to a food processor. Pulse several times until fairly smooth. Add the cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, and kosher salt. Pulse until the cilantro is well incorporated.
Add Avocados: Peel and pit the avocados, then add them to the food processor. Pulse until the salsa is smooth and creamy.
Serve: Transfer the avocado salsa to a bowl and sprinkle with minced white onion and extra cilantro leaves for garnish. Serve with tortilla chips or use as a topping for tacos, burritos, and more.

Note: You can serve this salsa immediately. If saving for later, transfer it to an airtight container. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the salsa to prevent discoloration. It can be made 4-5 hours ahead of serving.

Nutritional Facts

Per serving:

Calories: 93 kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Sodium: 295mg
Potassium: 334mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 1g
Vitamin A: 180 IU
Vitamin C: 10.6 mg
Calcium: 6 mg
Iron: 0.5 mg

History and Origins of Tomatillos

Tomatillos, the key ingredient in this salsa, have a long and rich history in Mexican cuisine. Native to Mexico and Central America, tomatillos (often called “husk tomatoes” due to their papery husks) have been a staple of indigenous diets for centuries. They are a relative of the tomato, but their flavor is distinctly different. Tomatillos have a bright, tangy taste with a slightly sour edge, making them a perfect base for salsas, sauces, and stews.

The popularity of tomatillos has spread far beyond their native regions, and they are now widely used in many other Latin American countries and even in the United States, where they have become a common ingredient in Mexican restaurants and home kitchens alike. Their versatility and ability to complement a variety of other flavors, particularly avocados, have made them a popular choice in many salsa recipes.

The Role of Avocados in the Recipe

Avocados are another integral component of this creamy salsa, contributing to its smooth texture and rich flavor. Known for their creamy consistency and mild taste, avocados balance the tanginess of the tomatillos while adding a healthy dose of monounsaturated fats. This healthy fat content makes avocados a great choice for anyone looking to add a nutritious element to their meals.

In addition to their taste and texture, avocados are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including potassium, vitamin E, and folate. They also contain fiber, which helps promote digestive health and keeps you feeling full longer. Incorporating avocados into this salsa not only enhances its flavor but also makes it a healthier alternative to many other condiments that are high in added sugars or unhealthy fats.

The Importance of Roasting the Tomatillos and Jalapeños

One of the key steps in making this salsa is roasting the tomatillos and jalapeños. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatillos while softening their tartness, allowing them to blend seamlessly with the other ingredients. The process also helps intensify the smoky, earthy flavor of the peppers, which adds depth to the overall taste of the salsa.

While raw tomatillos can be used in salsas, roasting them enhances their flavor profile, giving the salsa a more complex and rounded taste. Roasting also softens the texture of the tomatillos, making them easier to blend into a smooth, creamy consistency when combined with the avocados.

The jalapeños, which add a touch of heat to the salsa, become slightly charred during the roasting process, which imparts a subtle smokiness to the salsa. The heat level of the salsa can be adjusted based on personal preference by adjusting the amount of jalapeño used or by removing the seeds and membranes, which contain the majority of the heat.

The Role of Lime and Cilantro in Flavor Balance

Lime juice and cilantro are essential components in this salsa recipe, contributing to its bright, fresh, and tangy flavor. Lime juice not only enhances the flavor of the tomatillos and avocados but also helps to balance the richness of the avocado and the heat from the jalapeños. The acidity from the lime cuts through the creaminess of the avocado, creating a well-rounded and refreshing salsa that’s not too heavy or greasy.

Cilantro, with its distinct, citrusy flavor, adds an herbal freshness that complements the other ingredients. Some people have a strong preference for cilantro, while others may not enjoy its taste as much, but it’s undeniably a classic addition to many Latin American dishes, including this salsa. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can opt for fresh parsley or even basil as a substitute, although it will alter the overall flavor profile of the salsa.

How to Serve and Use Creamy Avocado Tomatillo Salsa

One of the great things about Creamy Avocado Tomatillo Salsa is its versatility. It can be used in a variety of ways, depending on your meal or occasion.

As a Dip: This salsa makes a perfect dip for tortilla chips, pita bread, or vegetable sticks. The creamy avocado and tangy tomatillos create a dip that’s both refreshing and satisfying. It’s a great addition to any appetizer spread or a casual snack for friends and family.
As a Taco or Burrito Topping: Add a generous spoonful of this salsa to tacos, burritos, or quesadillas to give them a flavorful kick. The creamy texture pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors of grilled meats, fish, or vegetables.
As a Sauce for Grilled Meats: This salsa also works great as a topping for grilled chicken, steak, pork, or fish. The combination of tangy tomatillos and rich avocado enhances the flavor of the meats without overpowering them.
As a Sandwich Spread: For a twist on your usual sandwich condiments, try using this salsa as a spread on your next sandwich or wrap. It adds a creamy, zesty element that will elevate any simple lunch.

Health Benefits of Creamy Avocado Tomatillo Salsa

In addition to being a flavorful condiment, Creamy Avocado Tomatillo Salsa also offers several health benefits. By incorporating fresh ingredients like tomatillos, avocados, cilantro, and lime, this salsa provides a good amount of essential nutrients and antioxidants.

Rich in Healthy Fats: Avocados are an excellent source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which have been shown to lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. The healthy fats in avocados also support brain health and help the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
High in Fiber: Both avocados and tomatillos are high in fiber, which promotes digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels. A high-fiber diet can also contribute to weight management by keeping you feeling fuller for longer.
Packed with Vitamins and Antioxidants: The ingredients in this salsa provide a range of vitamins and antioxidants, including vitamin C from the tomatillos and lime juice, vitamin A from the avocados, and vitamin K from the cilantro. These nutrients help support the immune system, promote healthy skin, and protect against oxidative stress.

Conclusion

Creamy Avocado Tomatillo Salsa is a versatile, delicious, and nutritious addition to any meal. Whether you’re using it as a dip, topping, or sauce, its bright and creamy flavors will enhance a variety of dishes. The combination of tangy roasted tomatillos, creamy avocados, fresh cilantro, and zesty lime juice creates a balanced salsa that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

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