Salsa de Aguacate, or Avocado Salsa, is a spicy topping that’s perfect for tacos or any Mexican food favorites. Spicy, creamy, and totally dreamy.
Caution! Cuidado! Do not confuse Salsa de Aguacate, or Avocado Salsa with guacamole!
Have you ever been to an authentic Mexican restaurant? You know, the kind where you walk in and you wonder if anyone in the place speaks English or you have to point to the picture of your food because the menu is in Spanish? I’m all about little hole in the wall restaurants that serve food their abuelitas made. Maybe Abuelita is in the back helping to cook and hustling just as hard as the fastest short order cook! If you’ve ever been so lucky as to know a Mexican restaurant like this, chances are, they serve Salsa de Aguacate, or Avocado Salsa.
Looks can be deceiving. This salsa is thinner than guacamole and made with tomatillos. It’s usually VERY spicy. So if you are served Salsa de Aguacate, or Avocado Salsa, taste it first. Otherwise, you might find yourself gulping your Agua de Jamaica or your ice, cold cerveza down faster than you expected. My aunt adds a splash of olive oil for texture – the heretic. Using olive oil does have its advantages. Think, no refrigeration and less worrying whether it sits outside or not.
History lesson: Aguacate, or avocado, comes from the Aztec meaning “testicle.” I can’t make this stuff up, folks. Look it up on Wikipedia. You’ve gotta have a lot of cajones to make this sauce. 🙂
All joking aside, Salsa de Aguacate, or Avocado Salsa, is spicy and smooth. It’s the perfect topping for grilled carne asada or breakfast tacos. This salsa is also great for snacking with veggies or tortilla chips. iProvecho!
- 3 tomatillos, husks removed
- ½ onion, quartered
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 jalapeño
- 4 cups of water
- Salt to taste
- Handful of fresh cilantro
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 avocados, pitted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or 1 tablespoon sour cream (optional)
- Add tomatillos, onion, garlic, and jalapeño in a large stock pot.
- Add enough water to cover.
- Bring to a boil.
- Let boil 6-8 minutes, or until tomatillo is soft.
- Turn off stove.
- Add cooked tomatillo, onion,garlic, and jalapeño to a blender along with 1 cup of the water used in boiling.
- Discard the rest of the water.
- Be very careful. It will be very hot.
- With a kitchen towel, blend until smooth.
- Add salt, cilantro, lime juice, avocado.
- Add olive oil or sour cream (if using)
- Blend until smooth.
- Taste for good measure.
- Serve and enjoy!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
Willow says
I live in Tucson, so I have been to quite a few authentic Mexican places. I don’t have to point though, because my husband speaks fluent Spanish. This recipe sounds wonderful! I have yet to try tomatillos, but they are on my list of new foods to try.
Maggie Unzueta says
Tomatillos are easier to work with than you think. 🙂
Tine says
I had no idea this excited, and I’m such an avocado lover! I was actually going to make some quesadilla’s this weekend, this seems like the perfect side dish!
Maggie Unzueta says
Awesome! This salsa goes perfect on quesadillas. 🙂
Leah says
This looks so good, and I would love to try this out! Yum!
Maggie Unzueta says
I hope you do. 🙂
Danielle @ Follow My Gut says
I love avocado anything from a face mask to a dip and this salsa looks so yummy! I wouldn’t put it on my face, but I would eat it so fast!
Danielle | FollowMyGut.com <3
Maggie Unzueta says
LOL! I feel you on the avocado. 🙂
Angie says
This looks so dang good. Really. I want to have some of it now!
Maggie Unzueta says
Thank you! It is pretty DANG good. 🙂
Maggie Unzueta says
Thanks for sharing. This a great salsa!