El Pollo Loco Avocado Salsa Recipe

El Pollo Loco’s avocado salsa is creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy!

The key is using ripe avocados, but not overripe. Too soft, and the texture gets too loose instead of thick and scoopable.

For this copycat, I always add a splash of lime juice right away to keep the color bright and fresh.

Roasting the tomatillos before blending makes a huge difference—it deepens the flavor and gives the salsa a slightly smoky edge.

Blend everything just enough to keep a little texture. Too smooth, and it loses that chunky, homemade feel that makes it so good.

How to Make El Pollo Loco Avocado Salsa

Ingredients

• 1 Avocado (ripe)
• 2 tsp Fresh Cilantro
• 1 Jalapeno (fresh)
• 2 tsp Onion
• 3/4 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp White Vinegar
• 1 cup Water

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Peel the ripe avocado and remove the seed by cutting it in half.

Place it in a blender.

Step 2:

Add 2 teaspoons of fresh cilantro, 1 fresh jalapeno, and 2 teaspoons of onion.

These ingredients will add a vibrant taste.

Step 3:

Include 3/4 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of white vinegar to the blender.

These will balance the flavors.

Step 4:

Pour in 1 cup of water.

This will help achieve the desired consistency.

Step 5:

Blend everything until smooth.

Adjust seasoning if needed.

Enjoy it with chips or as a topping!

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Pick the Right Avocado

Make sure the avocado is ripe and slightly soft to the touch, which makes it perfect for blending into a smooth salsa.

Adjust Spice Level

You can control the heat by varying the amount of jalapeno added, depending on your taste preference.

Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh cilantro and jalapenos will increase the salsa’s flavor and brightness and add an authentic touch.

Tweak Consistency

If you prefer a thicker or thinner salsa, adjust the water quantity until you achieve the consistency you desire.

Taste Before Serving

Once blended, taste the salsa and adjust the seasoning if necessary to ensure a well-balanced flavor profile.

What to Serve with El Pollo Loco Avocado Salsa

El Pollo Loco Chicken

You’ll want to try serving the avocado salsa with El Pollo Loco Chicken, which creates a perfect pairing.

The chicken’s flavors go incredibly well with the salsa’s creamy and spicy combo.

This combination is just meant to be enjoyed together because they complement each other so beautifully.

Mexican Rice

Another great option is Mexican rice, as it offers a nice balance to the avocado salsa.

The rice adds a lovely texture and a subtle flavor that’s perfect with the richness of the salsa.

You’ll find this pairing to be not just satisfying but also quite traditional and classic.

BBQ Black Beans

BBQ black beans are an excellent option that can go wonderfully with avocado salsa.

They bring a smoky and rich taste that enhances the different flavors of the salsa.

This dish works great when you need something hearty on the side, pairing beautifully with the salsa’s spiciness.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Consider pairing the avocado salsa with grilled corn on the cob, which can be a fun and exciting addition.

The corn’s sweetness works brilliantly with the salsa, creating a fantastic burst of flavors.

Grilled corn offers something a bit different while still harmonizing well with the salsa.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Roasted sweet potatoes provide a unique and tasty partner with avocado salsa.

The sweetness of the potatoes combined with the salsa’s creaminess creates a delicious contrast.

Try this for an unexpected yet tasty combination that adds color and flavor to your plate.

Variations and Substitutions

Avocado Swaps

You can use ripe Hass avocados, but feel free to try others like Fuerte or Reed for a different taste.

If avocados are tough to find, mix in some mashed green peas for a smooth texture and mild flavor.

Adjusting Heat Levels

Jalapeños give the salsa a nice kick!

If you prefer milder heat, remove the seeds and membranes.

Want more spice?

Try adding serrano peppers to amp up the heat!

Flavor Enhancements

Add some freshly squeezed lime juice for an extra tangy flavor.

Fresh cilantro gives an herbaceous twist, so throw in more for a bright, fresh taste.

Substitute cilantro with parsley for a different herbal note if cilantro isn’t your favorite.

Delicious Pairings

Use this salsa as a topping for grilled chicken or spread it over tacos.

It works wonderfully as a dip for tortilla chips at a casual gathering!

How to Store Leftover El Pollo Loco Avocado Salsa

Refrigerating Leftovers

Store your leftover El Pollo Loco Avocado Salsa in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Make sure to place it in the refrigerator within two hours of making.

This will help to maintain its flavor and texture for up to three days.

Freezing Tips

If you want to keep it longer, freezing is an option, although it may alter the salsa’s texture.

Pour the salsa into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion.

You can keep it frozen for up to one month.

Thawing and Usage

When you’re ready to use the frozen salsa, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight.

Give it a good stir to mix up any separated ingredients before serving.

This way, you can enjoy your homemade salsa at your convenience!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Measuring Ingredients Incorrectly

You want to use precise measurements for a smooth texture and balanced flavor.

Eyeballing avocados or cilantro leads to inconsistency, so grab those measuring cups!

Over-blending or Under-blending

Using a food processor gives great results, but consistency is key.

Blend just enough to mix without creating mush or leaving big chunks.

A few pulses should do the trick for that perfect salsa texture!

Not Adjusting Spice Levels

The heat in your salsa depends a lot on the jalapeños you add.

Taste as you go and adjust the spice by adding seeds or reducing them based on your preference.

Nothing else changes the mood of this avocado salsa quite so fast as getting the spice level wrong.