The bold tang of roasted tomatillos, the heat of a single serrano, and the velvety texture of ripe avocados come together in this luscious Avocado Salsa Verde. This vibrant green dip brings a perfect balance of spice and creaminess to your table — it’s the condiment you never knew you needed.
Ideal for tortilla chips, drizzling over tacos, or as a flavor-packed salad dressing, this dip is dairy-free, gluten-free, and refreshingly simple. It’s made in just minutes using wholesome ingredients and a quick roast under the broiler. Whether you’re meal prepping or throwing a backyard BBQ, this salsa will wow the crowd with its zingy flavor and creamy finish.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1½ pounds fresh tomatillos, husked
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1 serrano or jalapeño pepper (adjust for heat)
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½ cup yellow onion, diced
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½ cup cilantro, chopped
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1 garlic clove, minced
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1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
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1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
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2 large ripe avocados (or 3-4 small avocados)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to high broil.
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Place husked tomatillos and pepper on a baking sheet.
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Roast for 5 minutes, flip, and broil for another 5 minutes until blistered.
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Transfer roasted tomatillos and pepper to a food processor.
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Add onion, garlic, cilantro, salt, and lime juice. Pulse until combined but slightly chunky.
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Taste and adjust salt/lime. Chill the salsa for at least 1 hour.
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Before serving, blend the chilled salsa with the avocados until smooth and creamy.
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Serve cold with tortilla chips, grilled meats, tacos, or salad dressing.
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Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes Kcal: 113 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
Why This Salsa Verde Stands Out
There are plenty of condiments out there, but what makes Avocado Salsa Verde so special is its unique combination of textures and flavors. It’s not just another dip; it’s a smart, nutritious blend that hits all the right notes—creamy, citrusy, herbal, and spicy. The tomatillos bring that signature tang you expect from salsa verde, while the avocado adds luxurious creaminess without any need for dairy.
This dip is not only versatile but also super easy to prepare. It’s made primarily in a food processor, minimizing both effort and cleanup. You don’t need to worry about meticulously chopping every ingredient—just a quick pulse and you’re good to go. The roasted tomatillos and peppers deepen the flavor, giving it a slightly smoky and caramelized quality that raw salsas lack.
Additionally, this salsa is an excellent option for those on specific diets. It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo-friendly, Whole30-approved, and vegan. That means whether you’re following a health-conscious lifestyle or entertaining guests with diverse dietary needs, this condiment checks every box.
Health Benefits That Go Beyond Flavor
Beyond taste, Avocado Salsa Verde delivers a solid nutritional punch. Tomatillos, a cousin of the tomato, are low in calories but high in vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. They’re especially good for aiding digestion, supporting the immune system, and managing inflammation due to their high polyphenol content.
Avocados, on the other hand, are widely celebrated for their heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and array of vitamins including B, E, and K. They help stabilize blood sugar levels and keep you feeling full longer, which makes this condiment a satisfying complement to meals.
Add to that the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of garlic, the hydration boost from lime juice, and the detoxifying benefits of cilantro, and you’ve got yourself a sauce that’s working overtime in the health department. Not only does it taste indulgent—it truly nourishes the body.
How to Store It and Keep It Fresh
One downside to working with avocados is their tendency to oxidize, which causes that undesirable brown color to develop quickly. Fortunately, there’s a strategy to keep your Avocado Salsa Verde fresh and appetizing for longer.
The best method is to store the base salsa verde (without the avocado) separately in the fridge. This base can last up to a full week. Only when you’re ready to eat or serve should you blend in the avocado. Once the avocado is added, the dip is best consumed within two days.
To further slow oxidation, store it in an airtight container and press a layer of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salsa. This minimizes air contact and preserves that beautiful bright green hue. If you’re planning to serve this at a gathering, make it the night before and blend the avocado in just before the event begins.
Freezing and Batch Prep Options
If you love meal prepping or want to have this on hand for future meals, you’ll be happy to know that Avocado Salsa Verde is freezer-friendly. You can freeze the base salsa verde on its own or even with avocado blended in, though for best texture, it’s recommended to freeze just the base. Avocados freeze better than most people expect, and the lime juice helps preserve their texture and flavor upon thawing.
Simply store in freezer-safe containers or even silicone ice cube trays for small, portioned-out servings. When you’re ready to use it, defrost in the fridge overnight, blend in avocado if needed, and enjoy.
Ways to Serve and Pair It
This salsa shines in almost any context. It’s a chip dip, sure—but it’s also so much more.
Use it as a topping for tacos, enchiladas, grilled chicken, carne asada, or fajitas. Its creaminess makes it an excellent substitute for sour cream or cheese-based sauces. Drizzle it over rice bowls or nourish bowls for a flavor upgrade. It also makes a great dressing for taco salads or Mexican-inspired slaws.
Vegetarians and vegans will love it as a spread inside wraps, on avocado toast, or over roasted vegetables. Its bold flavor complements roasted cauliflower, sweet potatoes, or grilled zucchini beautifully.
For those who like to get creative, try spooning a bit over scrambled eggs or stirring it into grain salads. It also works well as a burger or sandwich topping—especially with spicy black bean burgers or grilled fish sandwiches.
Adjusting the Heat Level
One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Heat levels in peppers like serrano or jalapeño can vary wildly, so always taste a tiny piece before roasting. If you’re sensitive to spice, remove the seeds and veins before cooking. For a more fiery kick, toss in a second pepper or use a hotter variety like a habanero.
The avocado will naturally mellow the heat, so don’t be afraid to play around with the balance until it’s just right for you. Always add heat gradually—it’s easier to ramp up than it is to tone down.
A Condiment with Culture and Comfort
At its core, Avocado Salsa Verde is rooted in the rich culinary traditions of Mexican cuisine. Salsa verde itself has long been a staple in Mexican households, prized for its tartness and vibrant color. The addition of avocado is a modern twist that honors the classic while enhancing its versatility and appeal.
In many ways, this sauce represents the intersection of tradition and innovation. It’s grounded in generations of flavor but adapts beautifully to modern dietary preferences and lifestyles. It’s food that feels both nostalgic and new—comforting yet refreshing.
Conclusion
Avocado Salsa Verde is much more than a simple chip dip—it’s a show-stopping condiment that brings together health, flavor, and versatility in every spoonful. It’s easy to make, rich in nutrients, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping for the week, or just trying to elevate a Tuesday night taco, this creamy green salsa has got you covered.
Its bold personality complements everything from meats and grains to vegetables and eggs. And while its bright color and complex taste may steal the spotlight, it’s the thoughtful ingredients and simple preparation that truly make it a must-have in your kitchen arsenal.
So next time you find yourself choosing between guacamole and salsa, don’t. Make this instead—and enjoy the very best of both worlds in a single delicious bite.