If you’re craving a fresh, zesty dip to brighten up your meals, look no further than this Cilantro-Lime Avocado Salsa! It’s everything you love about guacamole, with a tangy twist from the lime and a burst of fresh cilantro that gives it a vibrant, herbaceous flavor. Whether you’re serving it alongside chips, tacos, or grilled meats, this salsa will instantly elevate your meal. The creamy avocado is balanced perfectly by the bright lime and the crunch of onions and tomatoes, creating a fresh, satisfying salsa that’s impossible to resist.
This recipe is quick, simple, and takes just a few minutes to whip up. It’s the kind of salsa that will make everyone ask for the recipe! Trust me, it’s the perfect go-to for any fiesta, BBQ, or casual get-together. Ready to make some magic in your kitchen? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love Cilantro-Lime Avocado Salsa
Fresh and Flavorful
The combination of ripe avocados, fresh cilantro, and zesty lime creates a salsa that’s bursting with flavor. It’s light, refreshing, and addictively good.
Quick and Easy
With just a handful of ingredients, this salsa comes together in under 10 minutes. No need to slave away for hours—just chop, mix, and enjoy!
Versatile
This salsa is the perfect topping for tacos, grilled meats, salads, or even as a dip for tortilla chips. It’s versatile enough to complement so many different dishes.
Healthy
Packed with healthy fats from the avocado and full of fresh ingredients, this salsa is both nutritious and delicious. It’s a great way to add some goodness to your meal without compromising on flavor.
Crowd-Pleasing
Every time I make this salsa, it’s a hit with guests! Whether it’s a casual dinner or a party, people love how fresh and vibrant it tastes. It’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Avocados
The heart of this salsa! Ripe avocados give this salsa its creamy texture and rich, buttery flavor. Make sure to choose avocados that are perfectly ripe for the best results.
Cilantro
Fresh cilantro brings a vibrant, herbal note that complements the rich avocado. It’s the secret ingredient that takes this salsa from good to great.
Lime
Lime adds that tangy, refreshing zing that balances out the creaminess of the avocado. It’s a must for that perfect salsa flavor.
Red Onion
Red onion gives a mild crunch and slight sweetness to the salsa, plus a pop of color.
Tomato
A juicy tomato adds brightness and a touch of sweetness, making this salsa even more balanced and fresh.
Jalapeño (optional)
If you like a little heat, a diced jalapeño will bring just the right amount of spice to this salsa. You can adjust the heat level to your liking by removing the seeds or adding more jalapeño.
Salt and Pepper
A little salt and pepper will bring out all the flavors in the salsa and tie everything together.
(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
Start by chopping the avocados, tomato, red onion, and cilantro into small pieces. If you’re using a jalapeño, make sure to remove the seeds for less heat, then finely chop it.
Mix the Salsa
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped avocados, tomato, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño (if using). Stir everything together gently to avoid mashing the avocado too much.
Add Lime and Season
Squeeze the juice of one lime into the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir again to combine and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve the salsa immediately with tortilla chips, tacos, grilled meats, or even on top of a salad. It’s the perfect accompaniment to just about any dish!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4-6
Calories per serving: 120-150
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
How to Serve Cilantro-Lime Avocado Salsa
Tacos
This salsa is a perfect topping for tacos! Whether you’re making chicken, beef, shrimp, or veggie tacos, this salsa adds a fresh, creamy, and zesty kick that perfectly complements the filling.
Grilled Meats
Top grilled chicken, steak, or fish with this salsa for a burst of flavor. The creamy avocado and tangy lime pair beautifully with smoky grilled meats.
Tortilla Chips
Make this salsa the star of your next party by serving it with tortilla chips. It’s a quick and easy dip that’s guaranteed to disappear fast!
Salads
This salsa is a great topping for salads, adding freshness and flavor without the need for a heavy dressing.
Quesadillas or Burritos
Drizzle or spoon this salsa over quesadillas or wrap it inside burritos for an extra pop of flavor.
Additional Tips
Make it Spicy
If you love spice, keep the seeds in the jalapeño, or add more jalapeños to the mix. You can also throw in a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Use Lime Zest
For an extra burst of lime flavor, add some lime zest to the salsa. It’ll amp up the citrusy goodness!
Make Ahead
If you’re making this salsa ahead of time, be sure to store it in an airtight container. You can also sprinkle the top with a little extra lime juice to prevent the avocado from browning.
Use Ripe Avocados
The key to this salsa is using perfectly ripe avocados. You want them to be soft but not mushy. If the avocados are too firm, the salsa won’t have the same creamy texture.
Customize the Flavor
Feel free to get creative with this salsa! Add some diced mango or pineapple for a tropical twist, or throw in some roasted corn for extra texture and flavor.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this salsa ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can make this salsa a few hours ahead of time, but it’s best served fresh. If you’re storing it, just add a little extra lime juice to keep the avocado from browning.
Q2: Can I make this salsa without cilantro?
A2: Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can skip it or use parsley instead. The salsa will still be delicious.
Q3: How can I make this salsa spicier?
A3: To spice it up, add more jalapeño, some chili flakes, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can adjust the heat to your liking!
Q4: Can I freeze this salsa?
A4: While fresh salsa is always best, you can freeze the components (like the avocado, cilantro, and lime juice) separately. However, freezing may change the texture of the salsa, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Q5: Can I use a different citrus instead of lime?
A5: Yes, you can swap lime for lemon or orange for a different citrusy twist. Lime, however, gives the best balance of flavor for this salsa.
Q6: What other vegetables can I add to this salsa?
A6: You can add diced cucumber, bell pepper, or even corn for more texture and flavor.
Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. If you want to prevent browning, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salsa before sealing it.
Q8: Is this salsa gluten-free?
A8: Yes, this salsa is naturally gluten-free! It’s a great addition to any gluten-free meal.
Q9: Can I use store-bought guacamole instead of fresh avocado?
A9: While fresh avocado gives the best flavor, store-bought guacamole can work in a pinch. Just be sure to add the lime, cilantro, and other fresh ingredients to brighten it up.
Q10: Can I serve this salsa with anything other than tacos?
A10: Absolutely! This salsa goes great with grilled meats, salads, burritos, quesadillas, and even as a topping for rice bowls. The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion
This Cilantro-Lime Avocado Salsa is the perfect combination of fresh, creamy, and zesty flavors. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly versatile, making it the perfect addition to so many dishes. Whether you’re serving it with tacos, chips, or grilled chicken, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. So, grab your ingredients, make this salsa, and get ready to enjoy all the vibrant flavors it has to offer!
PrintCilantro-Lime-Avocado Salsa
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cilantro-Lime-Avocado Salsa is a creamy, tangy, and refreshing salsa that combines the perfect balance of ripe avocados, zesty lime, fresh cilantro, and the savory punch of tomatillos. With a slight kick from jalapeños and a rich, smooth texture from crema mexicana (or sour cream), this salsa is perfect as a topping for tacos, enchiladas, or even as a dip for tortilla chips. It’s bursting with fresh flavors and sure to be a crowd favorite!
Ingredients
- 6 tomatillos, husked and rinsed
- 1 jalapeño (optional, for extra spice)
- 2 ripe avocados
- A handful of fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup crema mexicana (or sour cream)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon (or veggie bouillon)
- 1 tablespoon salt (or to taste)
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1/4 white onion
Instructions
- Boil the Tomatillos and Jalapeño:
Place the tomatillos and jalapeño (if using) in a small pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the tomatillos soften and change color. - Blend the Salsa:
In a blender, combine the two ripe avocados, a handful of cilantro, crema mexicana (or sour cream), minced garlic, chicken bouillon, salt, lime juice, and quartered white onion. Add the boiled tomatillos and jalapeño, along with about a cup of the boiling water from the pot to help make the salsa smooth and creamy. - Blend Until Smooth:
Blend everything together until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or lime juice as needed. - Serve and Enjoy:
This salsa is perfect for topping tacos, enchiladas, grilled meats, or as a dip with crispy tortilla chips. Enjoy the fresh, zesty flavor!
Notes
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you want a milder salsa, omit the jalapeño or use less. You can also add a bit of crushed red pepper flakes for a different type of heat.
- Freshness Matters: The cilantro and lime juice are key for adding a refreshing and vibrant flavor. If you can, use fresh ingredients for the best taste.
- Crema Mexicana or Sour Cream: Using crema mexicana will give a richer, creamier texture, but sour cream is a great substitute if that’s what you have on hand.
- Serve Immediately: The salsa is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dip, Topping
- Method: Blending, Boiling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg