This naturally gluten-free recipe has been a family favorite for years. You may call it avocado dip or even avocado pico de gallo, but my family lovingly calls it “Ugly Dip.” Why ugly you ask? I’m not sure, but someone must have thought it was ugly at one time. This dip is best after chilling in the refrigerator for a few hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to mingle. Of course, if left too long the pretty green and yellow avocado may start to turn brown. Maybe that’s where the “ugly” title got started. I’ve found that the vinegar in the recipe helps keep it all looking and tasting fresh for at least 24 hours if sealed tight in a plastic container.
It makes a perfect appetizer for a party. Make it the night before, or the morning before the party. It only takes about ten minutes to prepare, seal tightly and place in the refrigerator. A couple hours later, take it out and serve with some tortilla chips.
So, here’s another reason why I love this dip so much: You don’t have to wait for the avocado to be perfectly ripe. This tastes great with an almost ripe avocado. (You know, it has a dark skin, but it’s still firm — not really soft enough for guacamole.) So next time you think about making guacamole, but the avocados are too firm, try this instead. You won’t be disappointed.
Avocado Salsa (aka. Ugly Dip) Recipe
Ingredients:
1 firm avocado, seeded, peeled and chopped
1 medium tomato, chopped
3 green onions, sliced
1 small can (4 oz.) of chopped black olives
1 small can (4 oz.) of chopped green chiles
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 TBSP olive oil
1 TBSP apple cider vinegar
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients and mix well.
- Refrigerate for a couple hours or overnight.
- Serve with tortilla chips.
Additional Notes:
This is a mild dip. It has good flavor, but isn’t spicy. If you prefer something with a little more kick, add one or two finely chopped jalapeños.- This is also great served as a pico de gallo. Consider adding it to tacos, salads, or fajitas. Or, as I did here, on top of Cilantro Rice, slow-cooked Mexican Chicken, and shredded cheddar.
Related Links:
More gluten-free appetizer recipes at The Gluten-Free Homemaker’s “What Can I Eat That’s Gluten-Free?”
More gluten-free Super Bowl Party Foods at The W.H.O.L.E. Gang.
For football party ideas, check out Celebrate-It!







16 Comments
September 2nd, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Avocado just isn’t something I use, but I need to work on that. Salsa is so well liked, this would be good to serve at a party. Thanks for sharing this. (I like funny family names for food.)
September 3rd, 2009 at 4:00 pm
I love, love, love avodcado!! Must say that I love salsa, too. Can you tell that this is right up my alley.
Joe would love it – I am always on the hunt for another great way to eat avocado & salsa because he loves chips and dip. If I let him, he’d live on it.
September 4th, 2009 at 2:12 am
That looks and sounds really good to me! I think I’ll make it for my next support group meeting.
Shirley
September 4th, 2009 at 7:16 pm
I love all the fresh ingredients. Great idea to add avocado to the salsa. Thanks for sharing.
September 5th, 2009 at 2:22 am
This is my absolute favorite salsa! Somehow it never tastes as good when I make it as it does when you make it. Yum!
September 20th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
[...] sister-in-law’s Avacado Salsa (aka Ugly Dip) with tortilla [...]
October 11th, 2009 at 9:17 pm
[...] at me every time I opened it. I may even put some of the leftover pulled pork in them. Serving with avocado salsa and leftover tossed [...]
October 25th, 2009 at 7:19 pm
[...] chicken to top cilantro rice. We’ll add black beans, green chiles, corn, shredded cheese, avocado salsa or whatever sounds good to complete our rice [...]
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[...] – Taquitos Mexican chicken rolled in corn tortillas. Serving with leftover Avocado Salsa and Cilantro [...]
February 6th, 2010 at 7:49 am
Great idea! I always have those “almost-ripe” avocados hanging around.
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[...] Avocado Salsa [...]
August 9th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
[...] and let everyone make their own sandwich with lettuce, onion, tomato, etc. I’ll serve it with Avocado Salsa and tortilla [...]
October 4th, 2010 at 9:17 am
[...] – Rice Bowls I’ll use leftover Mexican chicken, black beans, shredded cheddar and Avacado Salsa to top a large serving of Cilantro [...]
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[...] Avocado Salsa [...]
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