Tomato and Avocado Salsa

Tomato and Avocado Salsa Recipe - Mexican-Style Fresh and Healthy Salsa

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Tomato and Avocado Salsa is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for summer gatherings or as a healthy snack. The combination of ripe tomatoes, creamy avocado, and zesty lime juice creates a delicious salsa that pairs well with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled meats or fish.

History

Tomato and Avocado Salsa is a popular dish in Mexican cuisine, where it is known as "salsa de aguacate." The recipe has been passed down through generations and has evolved over time to include different variations and ingredients. It is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit individual tastes and preferences.

Ingredients

2 tomatoes, finely chopped
0.25 cup finely chopped red onion
0.25 jalapeno chile, finely diced
0.25 cup finely chopped cilantro
2 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp lime zest
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 avocado, halved lengthwise

How to prepare

In a bowl, combine tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, and cilantro. Set aside.
Add lime juice, lime zest, oil, and salt to the tomato mixture. Stir well.
Score the flesh of each avocado half into small dice and scoop it out. Fold it into the tomato mixture.
Cover the surface with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
Stir the mixture before serving.
Serve with tortilla chips.

Variations

Add diced mango or pineapple for a sweet and tangy twist.
Mix in black beans or corn for added texture and flavor.
Substitute lemon juice for lime juice for a different citrus flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use ripe avocados for the best flavor and texture.

- Adjust the amount of jalapeno chile to suit your spice preference.

- For a smoother salsa, blend the ingredients in a food processor or blender.

- Serve the salsa chilled for a refreshing taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tomato and Avocado Salsa with tortilla chips, grilled chicken, fish tacos, or as a topping for salads or grilled vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

Use a sharp knife to finely chop the tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.

- Score the avocado flesh with a knife before scooping it out for easy dicing.

- Stir the salsa gently to avoid mashing the avocado.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use red bell pepper instead of jalapeno for a milder salsa.

- Substitute parsley for cilantro if desired.

- Use lemon juice instead of lime juice for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Tomato and Avocado Salsa can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent browning of the avocado.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Tomato and Avocado Salsa in a decorative bowl or hollowed-out avocado shells for a visually appealing presentation. Garnish with extra cilantro leaves or lime wedges for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Tomato and Avocado Salsa with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or a light beer like a Mexican lager. It also pairs well with margaritas or mojitos for a refreshing cocktail option.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Tomato and Avocado Salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving. Do not freeze as the texture of the avocado may change.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 120

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 10g

Dietary Fiber: 5g

Sugars: 2g

Fats

Total Fat: 7g

Saturated Fat: 1g

Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 2g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 20% DV

Vitamin A: 10% DV

Potassium: 10% DV

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

Tomato and Avocado Salsa is a nutritious dish that is low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is a healthy snack or appetizer option that is packed with flavor and freshness.

Summary

Tomato and Avocado Salsa is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With its fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, this salsa is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy it as a snack, appetizer, or topping for your favorite dishes.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Tomato and Avocado Salsa. It was a sunny summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria, who lived in a small village in Mexico. Maria was known for her amazing cooking skills, and she always had a new recipe to share with me whenever I visited her.

That day, Maria greeted me with a warm hug and a bright smile. She led me to her kitchen, where the aroma of fresh herbs and spices filled the air. As we caught up on each other's lives, Maria began to prepare a delicious meal for us to enjoy.

I watched in awe as Maria chopped up ripe tomatoes, creamy avocados, fragrant cilantro, and zesty jalapeños. She combined them all in a bowl and seasoned the mixture with a squeeze of fresh lime juice, a pinch of salt, and a dash of cumin. The vibrant colors and enticing aroma of the salsa made my mouth water in anticipation.

As Maria handed me a tortilla chip loaded with the salsa, I took a bite and was immediately transported to a world of flavors and textures. The juicy tomatoes, creamy avocados, and spicy jalapeños danced on my taste buds, leaving me craving more.

I asked Maria for the recipe, eager to recreate this delicious salsa at home. She smiled and began to recount the story of how she learned to make it.

Many years ago, when Maria was just a young girl, she spent summers with her grandmother in a small village in the mountains of Mexico. Her grandmother was a skilled cook who taught Maria everything she knew about traditional Mexican cuisine.

One summer, Maria's grandmother took her to a local market where they bought fresh produce to make salsa. They picked out ripe tomatoes, creamy avocados, fragrant cilantro, and spicy jalapeños, along with other ingredients like lime juice, salt, and cumin.

Back at home, Maria's grandmother showed her how to chop up the vegetables and combine them in a bowl. She seasoned the mixture with a squeeze of lime juice, a pinch of salt, and a dash of cumin, just like Maria had done earlier that day.

As they sat down to enjoy the salsa together, Maria's grandmother explained the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients to create delicious dishes. She also taught Maria the secret ingredient that would elevate the salsa to a whole new level – love.

Maria's grandmother believed that cooking was a way to show love and care for others. She instilled in Maria the belief that food was not just nourishment for the body, but also for the soul. Every dish that Maria made was infused with love and memories of her grandmother's teachings.

As Maria finished telling me the story, I felt a deep connection to her and her grandmother. I too had learned the importance of cooking with love from my own grandmother, who had passed down her recipes to me with care and affection.

I thanked Maria for sharing the recipe with me and promised to cherish it always. From that day on, Tomato and Avocado Salsa became a staple in my kitchen, a reminder of the love and tradition that was passed down to me through the generations.

As I make the salsa now, I can't help but think of Maria and her grandmother, and the bond that we share through our love of cooking. Every time I take a bite of the salsa, I am transported back to that sunny summer day in Mexico, surrounded by the warmth and flavors of a tradition that will always live on in my heart.