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Avocado Tomato Salsa with Corn Chips


  • Author: Bianca

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large, ripe Hass Avocados: These are the heart of the salsa, providing a rich, buttery creaminess that forms the base of the dip. Ensure they are ripe but still firm to the touch.
  • 2 cups Cherry or Grape Tomatoes, quartered: These small tomatoes are ideal as they have a lower water content and a firm flesh, preventing the salsa from becoming too watery while offering a sweet, juicy burst in every bite.
  • 1 ½ cups Corn Kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned): Adds a delightful sweetness and a satisfying textural pop. If using fresh, lightly grilling or charring the cob first will add a wonderful smoky dimension.
  • 1 medium Red Onion, finely diced: Provides a sharp, slightly sweet crunch and a beautiful purple hue that contrasts with the green and red. Its milder flavor is preferable to yellow onion in this fresh preparation.
  • 1 large Jalapeño, finely minced: This is your source of heat. For a milder salsa, be sure to remove the seeds and white membranes before mincing.
  • 1 cup fresh Cilantro, chopped: Lends a classic, bright, and slightly citrusy herbal note that is essential to any great salsa.
  • 2 large Limes, juiced (about ¼ cup): The acidity of the lime juice is crucial. It cuts through the richness of the avocado, brightens all the other flavors, and helps to slow the browning (oxidation) of the avocados.
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced: Adds a pungent, aromatic depth that underpins the entire flavor profile.
  • 1 teaspoon Sea Salt (or to taste): Enhances all the individual flavors and brings them together in harmony.
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground (or to taste): Provides a subtle, earthy warmth.
  • 1 large bag of Corn Chips: The classic vessel for scooping up every last bit of this delicious salsa. Choose a sturdy, thick-cut chip that can handle the chunky texture.

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Vegetables: The key to a great chunky salsa is uniform dicing. Begin by washing all your fresh produce. Quarter the cherry tomatoes and place them in a large mixing bowl. Finely dice the red onion and add it to the bowl. If you are using a whole jalapeño, carefully slice it in half lengthwise. Using a small spoon, scrape out the seeds and the white pith (the membrane) for a milder heat. For more spice, you can leave some in. Mince the jalapeño flesh finely and add it to the bowl. Mince your garlic cloves and add them as well.
  2. Incorporate the Corn: If you are using canned corn, drain it thoroughly and rinse it to remove any excess sodium from the canning liquid. If using frozen corn, thaw it according to package directions and pat it dry. If using fresh corn on the cob, you can either slice the kernels off raw or grill/char the cob for a few minutes on each side for a smoky flavor before slicing the kernels off. Add the corn kernels to the bowl with the other vegetables.
  3. Create the Flavor Base: Squeeze the fresh lime juice directly over the vegetable mixture in the bowl. Add the sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Gently stir everything together. Allowing the tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, and corn to sit in the lime juice and salt for about 10 minutes is a crucial step. This process, known as maceration, draws out some of the juices and allows the flavors to begin melding together into a cohesive, flavorful base before the more delicate ingredients are added.
  4. Add the Avocado and Cilantro: While the base is resting, prepare your avocados. Slice each avocado in half, remove the pit, and score the flesh into a small dice directly in the skin. Use a large spoon to scoop the diced avocado out and into the mixing bowl. Chop your fresh cilantro and add it to the bowl.
  5. Gently Combine: This is the most important step for texture. Using a rubber spatula or a large spoon, gently fold the avocado and cilantro into the salsa mixture. Avoid vigorous stirring, as this can mash the avocado and turn your chunky salsa into a guacamole-like paste. You want to keep the distinct chunks of avocado intact. Fold just until everything is evenly distributed.
  6. Taste and Rest: Give the salsa a final taste. Adjust the seasoning if necessary—it may need another pinch of salt or a small squeeze of lime juice to suit your preference. For the absolute best flavor, cover the bowl and let the salsa rest in the refrigerator for at least 20-30 minutes. This allows all the individual ingredients to get acquainted and the flavors to deepen significantly.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the chilled salsa with a large bowl of your favorite sturdy corn chips for dipping.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: one normal portion
  • Calories: 185
  • Fat: 14g
  • Fiber: 7g