Cilantro-Lime Avocado Salsa Recipe

Fresh Cilantro-Lime Avocado Salsa Recipe For Snack Lovers

Crafting a zesty cilantro-lime avocado salsa can elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary in minutes.

Fresh ingredients dance together, creating a vibrant symphony of flavors.

Bright green avocados mingle with tangy lime juice and aromatic cilantro.

Each crisp bite promises a burst of freshness that dances across your palate.

Mexican-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly, offering a cool contrast to warm dishes.

Chopping and mixing becomes a delightful culinary adventure you’ll want to repeat.

Dive into this simple yet spectacular salsa that promises to become your new favorite condiment.

Variations to Switch Up Your Avocado Salsa

  • Herb Alternative: Replace cilantro with fresh parsley for a milder green herb flavor that works well for those who dislike cilantro's strong taste.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Swap crema mexicana with coconut cream or cashew cream to create a vegan-friendly salsa that maintains a creamy texture.
  • Spice Level Adjustment: Remove jalapeno seeds for a mild salsa or add habanero peppers for an extra hot version that brings intense heat to the dish.
  • Low-Carb Option: Use roasted green chiles instead of tomatillos and serve as a dip with cucumber slices or low-carb vegetable sticks for a keto-friendly alternative.

What to Serve with Cilantro-Lime Avocado Salsa

  • Pair with Crisp Mexican Lager: Grab a cold Corona or Modelo Especial to complement the salsa's tangy and creamy flavors, cutting through the richness with its light, refreshing profile.
  • Serve with Grilled Protein Companions: Match this zesty salsa with charred chicken, grilled fish tacos, or seared shrimp to enhance the citrusy and herbal notes of the cilantro-lime combination.
  • Create a Tortilla Chip Experience: Select thick, sturdy corn tortilla chips that can handle the salsa's creamy texture, preferably restaurant-style chips with a slight salt sprinkle to boost the overall taste sensation.

Storage Tips for Fresh Salsa

Transfer salsa to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover surface with plastic wrap to prevent browning.

Freeze in freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays for 2-3 months. Leave small space at top for expansion during freezing.

Thaw frozen salsa in refrigerator overnight. Gently warm in microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.

After reheating, stir in fresh chopped cilantro or squeeze extra lime juice to revive flavors and restore original zesty taste.

FAQs

  • Is this salsa spicy?

The heat level depends on the jalapeno. Remove seeds for less heat, or use more jalapeno for extra spiciness.

  • Can I make this salsa ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it a day in advance. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator, and stir before serving.

  • What if I can't find crema mexicana?

Substitute with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor.

  • How do I choose the right avocados?

Select avocados that are slightly soft when gently squeezed but not mushy, with a dark green to black skin.

Fresh and Zesty Cilantro-Lime Avocado Salsa

  • Quick and Easy Preparation: Blend this salsa in minutes with simple steps, making it perfect for spontaneous gatherings or sudden cravings.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Transform this recipe from a zesty dip to a delicious topping for tacos, enchiladas, and multiple Mexican-inspired dishes.
  • Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with fresh avocados, cilantro, and tomatillos, this salsa delivers incredible flavor and healthy ingredients in one delightful mixture.
  • Customizable Heat Level: Control the spiciness by adjusting jalapeno quantities, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and family members.

Ingredients for Homemade Cilantro-Lime Avocado Salsa

For the Main Ingredients:
  • Tomatillos: Green Mexican fruits that provide a tangy, slightly acidic base for the salsa.
  • Avocados: Creamy, rich fruits that create a smooth texture and add a buttery flavor to the salsa.
  • Cilantro: Fresh herb that brings a bright, citrusy, and herbal note to the salsa.
For the Flavor Enhancers:
  • Lime Juice: Adds a zesty, citrusy brightness that balances the richness of the avocados.
  • White Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that provide a sharp and pungent depth to the salsa.
  • Jalapeno: Spicy pepper that introduces a kick of heat and complexity to the flavor profile.
For the Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Crema Mexicana, Chicken Bouillon Powder, Salt: Components that help bind the salsa together and enhance its overall seasoning and savory qualities.

How to Whip Up Creamy Cilantro-Lime Salsa

Step 1: Boil Tomatillos and Peppers

Grab a saucepan and gently simmer tomatillos and jalapenos for about 10 minutes. You want them soft and slightly tender, releasing their vibrant flavors.

Watch for a slight color change and softening texture.

Step 2: Prepare Blender Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients in your blender:
  • Ripe avocados
  • Fresh cilantro leaves
  • Crema mexicana
  • Garlic cloves
  • Chicken bouillon powder
  • Salt
  • Fresh lime juice
  • White onion

Step 3: Combine Boiled Vegetables

Transfer the softened tomatillos and jalapenos into the blender.

Pour in about one cup of the boiling liquid to help create a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 4: Blend to Perfection

Pulse and blend the mixture until it becomes a silky, uniform salsa.

Taste and add extra salt if needed to enhance the flavor profile.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Drizzle this vibrant salsa over tacos, enchiladas, or use as a dipping sauce with crispy tortilla chips.

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.

Pro Tips for Vibrant and Balanced Salsa

  • Swap jalapeno with milder poblano pepper for less heat if you prefer a gentler flavor profile.
  • Choose ripe avocados that yield slightly when pressed to ensure creamy, smooth texture in the salsa.
  • Reserve some boiling water from tomatillos to control salsa consistency; add gradually while blending for perfect thickness.
  • For a dairy-free version, replace crema mexicana with coconut cream or cashew cream to maintain rich, creamy texture.
  • Keep salsa refrigerated and consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness and prevent browning of avocados.
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Cilantro-Lime Avocado Salsa Recipe

Cilantro-Lime Avocado Salsa Recipe


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4.7 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Zesty cilantro-lime avocado salsa brings Mexican coastal flavors to your table with fresh, tangy ingredients. Bold herbs and creamy avocados combine for a perfect summer condiment that elevates grilled meats and chips with authentic southwestern flair.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe avocados
  • 6 tomatillos, boiled
  • 1 jalapeno (optional, for added spice)
  • 1/4 white onion

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • 1 handful fresh cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder

Liquids and Creams:

  • 1/2 cup crema mexicana
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 1 cup boiling water from the tomatillos and jalapeno

Instructions

  1. Simmer tomatillos and jalapeño in a saucepan for 10 minutes until they become tender and slightly softened.
  2. Transfer boiled vegetables to a blender, preserving some cooking liquid.
  3. Add avocados, fresh cilantro, crema mexicana, minced garlic, chicken bouillon powder, salt, lime juice, and diced white onion to the blender.
  4. Pour approximately one cup of the vegetable cooking water into the blender with the other ingredients.
  5. Pulse and blend the mixture until achieving a creamy, uniform consistency with a vibrant green color.
  6. Taste the salsa and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or lime juice if needed to balance flavors.
  7. Transfer to a serving bowl and chill for 15-20 minutes to enhance flavor melding.
  8. Serve chilled as a robust dipping sauce for tortilla chips or as a zesty topping for tacos, enchiladas, or grilled proteins.

Notes

  • Roast tomatillos and jalapeños instead of boiling for a deeper, smokier flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.
  • Use Greek yogurt as a lighter, protein-rich alternative to crema mexicana for a healthier version of the salsa.
  • Add extra lime zest for a brighter, more vibrant citrus punch that complements the creamy avocado base.
  • Adjust jalapeño quantity to control spice level, removing seeds for milder heat or keeping them for extra kick.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 137 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 1045 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 7 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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