Avocado-Orange Salsa

In my book, few flavor combinations rival the pairing of oranges and avocados. Whenever I come across a salad that combines these two ingredients on a restaurant menu, I instantly order it. This deep-seated love for the orange-avocado duo is the inspiration for creating this delectable salsa. And let me tell you, it has quickly claimed its place as a new favorite in my kitchen!

This easy-to-make salsa brings together the rich creaminess of avocados with the bright and tangy sweetness of mandarin oranges, resulting in a delicious fusion of flavors and textures. Whether you serve this as a dip for entertaining or use it as a topping to enhance your favorite dishes, this salsa promises to be a hit!

Ingredient shot-- image of all the ingredients used in this dish

Avocado-Orange Salsa Ingredients

Sure! Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients in the Avocado-Orange Salsa along with some ingredient tips for each:

Mandarin oranges: Choose mandarin oranges that are firm, yet juicy, with bright orange skin and a sweet aroma. I love using mandarins since they’re easier to peel and segment. This makes the preparation process easier.

Avocado: Ripe avocados yield slightly to gentle pressure when squeezed, but are not overly soft or mushy. Perfectly ripe avocados make all the difference in this salsa, giving it the perfect richness and creaminess! To prevent browning, dice the avocados just before mixing them with the other ingredients.

Red onion: Opt for a fresh and firm red onion with deep purple skin. For a milder flavor, soak the diced onion in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding it to the salsa. This helps to reduce the onion’s sharpness.

Jalapeño pepper: Wear gloves or use caution when handling jalapeños; their seeds and ribs can cause skin irritation. Adjust the amount of jalapeño you use, based on your desired level of spiciness.

Cilantro: Look for fresh cilantro with vibrant green leaves and a pleasant aroma. You can use the leaves and tender stems, discarding any thick or woody stems.

Lime juice and zest: Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor. It adds a tangy and citrusy element to the salsa. Roll the limes on a hard surface before juicing them to release more juice.

Olive oil: Choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for its superior flavor which shines in this salsa!

Process shots of Avocado-Orange Salsa-- images of the oranges, avocado, cilantro, red onion, jalapeño, seasonings, lime juice/zest, and olive oil all being added to a bowl

How To Make Avocado-Orange Salsa (Tips)

Kitchen tools make things easier: We love zesting the lime with a microplane and then juicing with this citrus juicer.

Adjust the jalapeño heat level: If you prefer a milder salsa, remove the ribs and seeds from the jalapeño before dicing. For a spicier kick, leave the ribs and seeds intact. Taste as you go and adjust the amount of jalapeño according to your heat preference.

Stir gently: When combining the ingredients, stir lightly to avoid mashing the avocado. You want to maintain some chunks for a satisfying texture.

Let the flavors meld: Allow the salsa to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving so the flavors meld. This results in a more harmonious flavor.

Adjust seasonings to taste: Taste the salsa and adjust the flavors according to your preference. Add more lime juice for extra tang, salt for more savory notes, or cilantro for an herbal punch.

Dice ingredients uniformly: For an evenly distributed salsa, aim to dice all the ingredients into similar-sized pieces. The smaller, the better! Tiny pieces fit onto chips and crackers better.

Serving Suggestions

Dip: Serve the salsa as a refreshing dip with tortilla chips or pita chips.

Grilled meat or seafood topper: Spoon the salsa over grilled chicken, steak, fish, or shrimp to add a burst of citrusy freshness and creaminess. It pairs wonderfully with the smoky flavors of grilled dishes.

Tacos and wraps: Add a zesty twist to your tacos or wraps with Avocado-Orange Salsa. It works particularly well with grilled chicken, fish, and vegetarian options.

Salads: Use the salsa as a vibrant dressing for green salads or grain bowls. Its citrusy tang and creamy texture complement mixed greens, quinoa, or couscous beautifully, creating a refreshing and nutritious meal.

Bruschetta or crostini: Spread the salsa over toasted baguette slices or crusty bread for a delicious bruschetta or crostini topping.

Breakfast boost: Add a spoonful of the salsa to your breakfast routine. It can be a delicious topping for avocado toast, or a flavorful addition to a breakfast burrito.

Baked sweet potatoes: Amp up the flavor of baked sweet potatoes by spooning the salsa over them. The creamy avocado and citrusy notes elevate the humble spud into a tasty and satisfying meal.

Overhead image of a chip dipping into the Avocado-Orange Salsa

Storage

Avocado-Orange Salsa is best on the same day it is made. The avocado in the salsa is prone to browning, even with the citrus juice. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, but expect some browning of the avocado. Before serving, give the salsa a good stir to mix the ingredients.

For the best quality and flavor, it’s recommended to make smaller batches, based on your immediate needs.

More Easy Salsa Recipes:

Avocado Salsa with cherry tomatoes

Salsa Verde made with tomatillos

White Bean Salsa with sun-dried tomatoes

Salsa made in a food processor (or blender)

Fruit Salsa with cinnamon-sugar chips

Appetizers

Avocado-Orange Salsa