When it’s time for some sun and warm water, Rafael and I head to Mexico for quality R&R. Along with enjoying the beach and margaritas, we spend a lot of time wandering around town looking for the best tacos. Fresh corn tortillas, tender slow-cooked meats, and minimal but perfect accompaniments are the hallmarks of a great Mexican taco. We particularly enjoy tasting a huge variety of sauces. Not everything is about eye-watering heat. Their fresh salsas showcase tons of flavors and textures: smoky, sweet, spicy, tangy, chunky, and creamy. And the colors! I’m always drawn to anything green for the promise of a bright tomatillo salsa or a savory guacamole. Putting the two together? Paradise!

This combination of avocados and a tomatillo salsa verde satisfies both my love of salsa and of guacamole. I’ve had it many times in Mexico. It’s always smooth, a bit on the thick side, and very unlike a regular salsa verde in terms of texture. It’s delicious on tacos, eggs, vegetables, or anything else you’d like to add a kick to. While avocados are packed with nutrients and healthy fats, it’s too easy to devour a few hundred calories worth of guacamole before realizing it. That’s why I love this avocado salsa verde. It has the rich creaminess of avocado, but less calories per serving because it’s blended with a very low calorie tomatillo base.

Our version has blistered tomatillos, jalapeños, and onions, blended with cilantro, fresh squeezed lime juice, and avocado. The result is a bright salsa that adds a creamy spice to anything you add it to. As an added bonus, the delicious tang of the tomatillos and lime also keep your avocado from turning that sad brown color.