In New Jersey, we know that great food brings people together, and sometimes, the simplest ingredients create the most unforgettable flavors. This week, we’re celebrating a true culinary star: Chunky Avocado Salsa. This isn’t just another dip; it’s a vibrant, versatile, and incredibly satisfying addition that promises to brighten any meal and perfectly capture the fresh spirit of the Garden State.
Imagine a delightful blend that’s both creamy and zesty, loaded with a satisfying mix of textures from crisp, colorful vegetables and aromatic herbs. Chunky avocado salsa offers a refreshing twist that sets it apart, bridging the best qualities of a classic pico de gallo with the rich indulgence of guacamole. It’s the kind of dish that makes you wonder how you ever lived without it!
What makes this salsa so captivating? It starts with perfectly ripe avocados, diced into generous chunks that retain their creamy texture without turning into a mash. These verdant pieces are then lovingly combined with other fresh favorites: think juicy, finely diced tomatoes that burst with garden-fresh flavor, a subtle kick from minced jalapeños (adjustable to your preferred spice level!), and the sharp, refreshing bite of red onion. A generous squeeze of fresh lime juice is essential, not only for its vibrant zest but also to keep those beautiful avocado chunks bright green. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh, fragrant cilantro ties all the flavors together, creating a harmonious and utterly delicious symphony for your taste buds.
This versatile condiment is truly a culinary chameleon. It’s fantastic served simply with a basket of your favorite tortilla chips, making it an instant crowd-pleaser for any gathering, from casual backyard barbecues to festive celebrations. But its uses extend far beyond a dip! Pile it high onto sizzling fish tacos for a burst of freshness, serve it alongside grilled chicken or steak for an instant flavor upgrade, or even dollop it onto scrambled eggs for a gourmet breakfast twist. Its bright profile makes it a perfect complement to a wide array of dishes, transforming everyday meals into something extraordinary.
This particular Chunky Avocado Salsa recipe comes to us courtesy of a talented “Jersey Girl Cooks,” a testament to the fact that some of the best culinary inspiration can be found right here in our own neighborhoods. It’s about bringing fresh, high-quality ingredients together with a touch of passion to create something truly special.
Chunky Avocado Salsa Recipe
This recipe creates a vibrant, flavorful salsa that’s a delightful mashup between classic pico de gallo and creamy guacamole. It’s perfect for dipping, topping tacos, or adding a fresh burst to any meal!
Yields: Approximately 3.5 – 4 cups Prep time: 15-20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 3 medium firm, ripe avocados (they should be slightly soft but still hold their shape when diced)
- 3-4 Roma tomatoes (or 1 pint cherry/grape tomatoes), seeded and diced small (about 2.5 cups)
- 1/2 medium red onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 medium jalapeño, seeded and finely minced (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1-2 limes, juiced (start with 1, add more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- Optional: Pinch of ground cumin for an earthy flavor
Instructions:
- Prepare the Onion (Optional Step for Milder Flavor): If you prefer a milder onion flavor, place the finely diced red onion in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold water for about 10 seconds. Let it drain thoroughly while you prepare other ingredients.
- Combine Vegetables (Except Avocado): In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, minced jalapeño, and chopped cilantro. If you rinsed the onion, add it now after it’s well-drained.
- Dice Avocados: Halve the avocados and remove the pits. Using a paring knife, score the flesh of each avocado half in a 1/4-inch crosshatch pattern (be careful not to cut through the skin). Using a spoon, scoop the diced avocado pieces into the bowl with the other vegetables. Gently break up any larger clumps, but avoid mashing them, as you want “chunky” avocado.
- Season the Salsa: Add the fresh lime juice and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt to the bowl. If using, add a pinch of ground cumin.
- Gently Combine: Using a large spoon or spatula, gently fold all the ingredients together until just combined. You want to mix thoroughly without mashing the avocado.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the salsa and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want a little more salt, an extra squeeze of lime juice for more zest, or even a bit more minced jalapeño for extra heat.
- Serve: Serve immediately with tortilla chips, as a topping for tacos, grilled meats, or any dish that needs a burst of fresh flavor!
Tips for Success:
- Ripe Avocados are Key: Choose avocados that are ripe but still slightly firm. Overly soft avocados will turn mushy, while underripe ones won’t have that creamy texture.
- Prevent Browning: The lime juice helps prevent browning, but for best results, serve this salsa soon after making it. If you need to make it ahead, you can prepare all ingredients except the avocado, then dice and add the avocado just before serving. You can also press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salsa to minimize air exposure.
- Customization: Feel free to add a touch of finely minced garlic, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or even some diced mango for a sweet and spicy twist!
Enjoy making this incredibly fresh and flavorful Chunky Avocado Salsa!
Ready to bring this fresh, flavorful delight to your own table? Get inspired to create this and other delectable dishes that celebrate the spirit of New Jersey. For this fantastic recipe and many more culinary inspirations, dive into our diverse collection of recipes: https://explorenewjersey.org/category/recipes/.