Grilled California Avocado with Fresh Garden Salsa

It’s easy to combine garden favorites into a mild fresh salsa that pairs perfectly with unique, grilled fresh California avocado.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 3 min

Ingredients

• 2 medium vine-ripened tomatoes, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/4 inch dice*
• 2 tablespoons julienne-cut and quartered orange bell pepper slices
• 1/2 clove garlic, minced
• 2 small green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon chopped red onion
• 1 tablespoon drained, sliced black olives
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh orange or lemon zest, minced
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh dill
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon fresh orange or lemon juice, + extra for drizzling
• 2 Fresh California Avocados, halved and seeded**
• Olive oil spray

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, gently combine the tomatoes, pepper, garlic, green and red onions, olives, zest, dill, salt and juice. Set aside for the flavors to blend while you grill the avocados.
2. Drizzle the avocado halves with a little juice, then spray with olive oil spray. Gently place cut side down on grill over hot coals for 2-3 minutes. Remove to a platter or individual serving plates.
3. Stir the salsa, then fill the hollows of each grilled avocado half with the salsa.
4. Serve immediately with remaining salsa on the side.

Notes

* To easily peel the tomatoes, slice an “X” across the top of each tomato. Using tongs, submerge the tomatoes into a pot of boiling water for 10 seconds. Cool, then peel the tomato skins starting from the center of the “X”.

** Large avocados are recommended for this recipe. A large avocado averages about 8 ounces. If using smaller or larger size avocados adjust the quantity accordingly.

Super Spicy Variation: Protecting your hand with rubber gloves, trim two to three thin slices from a habanero pepper. Mince and stir into the salsa.

Beverage Pairings: Try with a cold beer or fresh fruit drink.

Nutrition

Per serving: Calories 170; Total Fat 14g (Sat 2g, Trans 0g, Poly 2g, Mono 9g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 270mg; Potassium 470mg; Total Carbohydrates 12g; Dietary Fiber 7g; Total Sugars 3g; Protein 2g; Vitamin A 371 IU; Vitamin C 30mg; Calcium 32mg; Iron 4mg; Vitamin D 0 IU; Folate 80 mcg; Omega 3 Fatty Acid 0.1 g

% Daily Value*: Vitamin A 8%; Vitamin C 50%; Calcium 4%; Iron 20%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 Calorie diet. Your Daily Values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Attribution

Recipe and photo used with permission from: California Avocado Board