The Creamy Avocado Tomatillo Salsa is a luscious fusion of fire-roasted tomatillos and buttery Haas avocados, creating a dip that walks the line between salsa verde and guacamole. This velvety, vibrant green sauce is balanced with fresh lime, cilantro, and a gentle jalapeño heat, making it the ultimate topping for tacos, grilled meats, or a fresh chip dip.
It’s one of those rare recipes that feels indulgent but is packed with nothing but fresh, wholesome ingredients. It takes just 15 minutes to whip up and is perfect for entertaining, summer cookouts, or keeping in the fridge for a zesty snack. Whether you’re team guac or salsa, this one brings the best of both worlds.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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4-5 medium tomatillos, husked and rinsed
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1 medium jalapeño, halved and deseeded
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1 clove garlic, skin-on
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2 Haas avocados
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¼ teaspoon lime zest
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2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
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¼ cup fresh cilantro
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½ teaspoon kosher salt
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¼ cup white onion, minced (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
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Husk and rinse the tomatillos to remove any sticky residue.
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Slice tomatillos and jalapeño in half.
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Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high and spray lightly with vegetable spray.
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Place tomatillos, jalapeño halves (cut side down), and garlic (with skin) in the skillet. Sear for 5-6 minutes until blistered and browned.
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Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until everything is softened and aromatic.
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Remove from heat, peel garlic, and transfer all to a food processor.
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Pulse several times until roughly blended.
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Add cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, and salt. Pulse again to combine.
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Halve avocados, remove pits, and scoop flesh into the food processor.
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Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt or lime juice if needed.
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Transfer to a bowl and garnish with minced white onion and extra cilantro.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 93 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Creamy Avocado Tomatillo Salsa: The Tangy, Velvety Dip Your Kitchen Needs
If you’re looking for a flavorful dip that’s as versatile as it is easy to prepare, Creamy Avocado Tomatillo Salsa is your answer. Also known as salsa de aguacate, this vibrant green blend brings together the best of Mexican culinary tradition: the spicy brightness of salsa verde and the creamy comfort of guacamole. It’s not just a condiment—it’s a secret weapon in your kitchen arsenal.
A Taste of Tradition: Where This Salsa Comes From
Avocado tomatillo salsa is deeply rooted in Mexican cuisine, where tomatillos and avocados are everyday staples. Tomatillos, also called “husk tomatoes,” are a native fruit that has been cultivated in Central America for centuries. Their tart, citrusy flavor is foundational in many regional dishes—most notably salsa verde, a green sauce used in everything from enchiladas to grilled meats.
Combine that with Hass avocados, Mexico’s creamy, buttery gift to the culinary world, and you have a fusion that tastes traditional, yet surprisingly modern. In Mexican households, this kind of salsa is often made fresh and enjoyed with family meals, bringing brightness to the table in the form of fresh herbs, roasted vegetables, and a touch of spice.
Why This Salsa is a Must-Make
Let’s be honest: there are a lot of salsas out there. From chunky pico de gallo to smoky chipotle blends. But what makes Creamy Avocado Tomatillo Salsa stand out?
1. A Perfect Balance of Flavors
This salsa has it all—acidity from tomatillos and lime, creaminess from avocado, heat from jalapeño, and freshness from cilantro. Each bite is layered and balanced, hitting all the right taste notes: tangy, smooth, spicy, and bright.
2. Nutrient-Dense Ingredients
Made entirely from fresh vegetables, this salsa is naturally:
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-free
- Keto-friendly And packed with fiber, potassium, heart-healthy fats, and vitamin C. It’s a delicious way to boost your daily veggie intake without sacrificing flavor.
3. Quick and Easy
The entire recipe can be made in 15 minutes, including the roasting of the vegetables. It’s a true one-bowl wonder that requires nothing more than a skillet and a food processor.
4. So Versatile
Serve it as:
- A dip with tortilla chips or sliced veggies
- A topping for tacos, nachos, fajitas, or enchiladas
- A creamy sauce for grilled chicken, steak, or fish
- A sandwich spread or burger topping
- A tangy base for salad dressing or pasta sauce
Once you make it, you’ll start adding it to everything.
Ingredient Spotlight: What Makes This Salsa Work
Let’s take a closer look at what goes into this salsa and why each ingredient matters:
🍅 Tomatillos
These bright green fruits may look like small green tomatoes, but they’re in a league of their own. When roasted, tomatillos develop a richer flavor and lose their sharp acidity, lending a deep tanginess that gives the salsa its characteristic “zing.”
🧄 Garlic
Roasting the garlic in its skin softens its bite, making it mellow and rich without overwhelming the salsa.
🌶️ Jalapeño
Deseeded and roasted, the jalapeño gives just enough heat to make things interesting without burning your mouth. Want more kick? Use a serrano pepper or leave in the seeds.
🥑 Hass Avocados
The star of the show. Avocados add creaminess and a subtle buttery flavor. They also help mellow out the acidity of the tomatillos and lime.
🍋 Lime Zest & Juice
This not only brings flavor but also helps preserve the bright green color of the avocado, preventing it from browning.
🌿 Fresh Cilantro
A classic herb in Latin American cooking, cilantro brings brightness and herbaceousness to balance the other rich ingredients.
🧂 Kosher Salt
Essential for bringing out the full spectrum of flavors. You can adjust the quantity to taste.
🧅 White Onion (Optional)
Adds a bit of crunch and sharpness on top—perfect as a garnish when serving.
How to Make the Perfect Avocado Tomatillo Salsa
Making this salsa is about building layers of flavor. Roasting the tomatillos, jalapeños, and garlic creates a deeper, more caramelized taste. Pulsing these together before adding the avocado ensures the texture stays light, not too puréed.
Pro Tip: Always use ripe avocados for maximum creaminess. If your avocados aren’t ripe, place them in a paper bag with a banana to speed up ripening overnight.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Because this salsa contains avocado, it’s prone to oxidation (aka browning). But don’t worry—there are ways to keep it fresh:
- Use fresh lime juice—its citric acid helps slow browning.
- Store in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent air exposure.
- Best consumed within 24 hours, but will keep up to 2 days in the fridge.
Serving Ideas to Elevate Your Meals
Here’s where this salsa shines. It’s not just a chip dip. Try these creative pairings:
🌮 Tacos
Drizzle over shrimp, chicken, pork carnitas, or grilled veggie tacos for a pop of color and flavor.
🍳 Huevos Rancheros
Ditch the red sauce and spoon this salsa over your breakfast eggs.
🥗 Avocado Dressing
Thin with a bit of olive oil and white wine vinegar for a creamy dressing over grilled chicken salad.
🍗 Grilled Proteins
Use as a finishing sauce for grilled steak, chicken breast, or even swordfish.
🍞 Avocado Toast, Upgraded
Spread on toast and top with crispy bacon and a fried egg.
Nutritional Benefits: What You’re Really Eating
One serving of this avocado tomatillo salsa is around 93 calories and loaded with:
- 7g of healthy fats (mostly from avocado)
- 4g of fiber (hello digestion)
- 10.6mg of Vitamin C
- Potassium & Iron
Unlike store-bought salsas or creamy dips, this one contains zero additives, no preservatives, and absolutely no dairy or mayo.
What Makes It the Best?
There’s no shortage of salsa recipes online, but this one wins for three reasons:
✅ Flavor Complexity
Roasted, raw, creamy, spicy, and fresh—all in one.
✅ Health-Conscious Ingredients
Vegan, gluten-free, and keto-friendly without trying too hard.
✅ Effortless Execution
15 minutes and one food processor. That’s all you need.
Common Questions
Can I freeze this salsa?
Not recommended. Avocado changes texture once frozen and thawed. It’s best made fresh or a few hours ahead.
What if I don’t have tomatillos?
Green tomatoes are a passable substitute, though they’re less tangy. Add extra lime juice to compensate.
Is this safe for kids?
Absolutely! You can even omit the jalapeño or use a smaller amount for a mild version.
Conclusion
Creamy Avocado Tomatillo Salsa is the kind of recipe that makes you wonder why you ever bought dip from a jar. It’s fresh, flavorful, and fast—three essentials for modern cooking. Whether you’re throwing a backyard BBQ, meal prepping lunches, or jazzing up Taco Tuesday, this salsa is the glue that pulls the plate together.
It’s not just a side—it’s the main character on your table.
