Salsa Taquera (Falso Guacamole) + Video
Discover salsa taquera, a creamy avocado-free salsa that’s perfect for chips, tacos, quesadillas, and so much more! Packed with bold flavors, it’s rich, perfectly balanced with a mild kick, and endlessly versatile. Whether serving a crowd or indulging on your own, this salsa makes everything taste better.
Salsa verde taquera uses fresh ingredients and gets its richness from charred vegetables and one surprising ingredient — zucchini! It’s a delicious blend of tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors, offering the perfect balance of taste and texture.
This spicy fake avocado sauce is tomatillo-based and is a staple in Mexican cuisine. With its creamy and rich texture, it makes everything it touches better, especially my Chicken al Pastor tacos, crispy quesadillas or cheesy tacos.
Whether you’re looking for a guacamole without avocado or simply enjoy experimenting with new salsa recipes, this one is a must-try. Salsa taquera is a delightful alternative to traditional guacamole, offering a fresh and tangy twist for those looking for an avocado-free option.
Looking for a more traditional guacamole-inspired salsa? Don’t miss my avocado salsa recipe for another creamy dip option!
I think everyone thinks that salsas need to be chilled, but this “false guacamole” recipe is insanely delicious, and surprisingly, often times served warm. It will surprise you!
By all means chill it as you would any salsa and serve as is if you prefer.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
(Be sure to check the recipe card for a full list of ingredients and quantities)
- Tomatillos – The key ingredient that makes salsa taquera so unique! These small, green fruits have a sweet and slightly sour flavor that adds a nice tangy note to the salsa. If fresh aren’t available, use canned tomatillos or green tomatoes.
- Onion – Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the salsa. If you prefer a milder option, you can substitute with shallots or green onions.
- Garlic – Gives a rich, savory flavor. Fresh garlic cloves are ideal, but a couple of teaspoons of garlic powder can be used as an alternative.
- Jalapeños and Serrano Chile – For some heat! Jalapeños bring a moderate spice level, while the serrano chile adds a sharper, more intense heat. Poblano or Anaheim peppers are good swaps.
- Zucchini – To create a creamy texture in our falso guacamole recipe. Its mild flavor and soft texture make it a great base for the salsa. If zucchini isn’t available, use yellow squash.
- Chicken Bouillon – Adds savory depth and umami. For a vegetarian version, swap it with vegetable bouillon.
- Cilantro – Incorporate a bright, herbal note to the salsa. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley can be used as a substitute, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
- Vegetable Oil – Adds richness and helps blend the salsa to a smooth, creamy consistency. You can use any vegetable oil you prefer.
How to Make Salsa Taquera
- Char the Vegetables. Add tomatillos, onion, garlic, chiles, and zucchini to a large pan on the stove. Char over medium-high heat for several minutes until everything is nicely browned and starting to blister.
- Add to Blender. Transfer the charred ingredients to a blender, letting everything sit for a few minutes to cool. Then, add the chicken bouillon cube, cilantro, and vegetable oil.
- Puree. Blend the mixture until your taqueria salsa reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Serve. Enjoy this delicious fake avocado salsa warm, or chill for later.
- Heavy Skillet or Comal – A cast-iron skillet or traditional comal ensures the vegetables are charred evenly.
- High-Powered Blender – To achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. A food processor will work in a pinch.
- Tongs – Handy for flipping vegetables during roasting.
Storing and Reheating
Allow leftover salsa taquera to cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Give it a quick stir before serving, as natural separation might occur.
Taqueria salsa can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then let it come to room temperature on the counter. If you prefer to serve it warm, heat gently on the stovetop before serving.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! For a milder salsa verde taquera, remove the seeds and membranes from the peppers (that’s where most of the heat is found), or simply use fewer peppers in the recipe.
The creamy texture and bold flavor of fake avocado salsa make it a perfect sauce for many dishes. Enjoy it as a simple dip with tortilla chips, or spoon it into tacos and burritos. It’s also a fantastic way to jazz up quesadillas, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables.
Falso guacamole mimics the creamy texture of traditional guacamole, but its flavor is uniquely distinct. The bold combination of tomatillos, zucchini, and chiles is what makes it so special — it creates a tangy, creamy texture without the heaviness of avocado. It’s a lighter, more vibrant alternative that’s perfect for those seeking guacamole without avocado!
Spice Blends for Sale
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Place tomatillos, onion, garlic, chiles and zucchini in a dry, large skillet or comal over medium-high heat. Char vegetables and chiles several minutes until brown all over.
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Transfer to blender and let cool for several minutes. Add chicken bouillon cube, cilantro and vegetable oil. Cover and blitz until pureed and smooth. Season to taste.
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This is wonderful warm or chill. Serve with tortilla chips or use as you would any salsa.
Calories: 23kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.4g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 0.1mg | Sodium: 123mg | Potassium: 158mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 131IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 0.3mg
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
