Fiesta Appetizer

Prep: 20 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: Mexican

A vibrant, creamy appetizer featuring mashed avocados, salsa, sour cream, and cheese, perfect for parties and gatherings, offering a delightful blend of fresh flavors and textures.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 3 small avocados
  • 1 tsp. lemon juice
  • 8 oz. sour cream
  • 8 oz. salsa sauce
  • 2 green onions
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mash the avocados with lemon juice.
  2. Spread the mashed avocado mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate.
  3. Spread sour cream evenly over the avocado layer.
  4. Spoon salsa sauce over the sour cream layer.
  5. Sprinkle finely chopped green onions over the salsa sauce.
  6. Top with shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
  7. Cover and chill for several hours.
  8. Serve with tortilla chips.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider substituting Greek yogurt for the sour cream. If you want to add a bit of spice, mix in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. To enhance the flavor, use fresh lime juice instead of lemon. This dish is perfect for gatherings, especially when served alongside other Mexican recipes like Mexican Hors D'Oeuvres or Three Layer Mexican Dip.

Serving Suggestions

This appetizer is ideal for parties, game days, or casual gatherings. Serve it with a side of fresh salsa or guacamole for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Southwest Corn Bake and is a great addition to a buffet spread. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a light salad or Mexican Beef And Mushroom Stew.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Fiesta Appetizer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the freshness of the avocado layer, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing the container. This dish is best served cold, so there's no need to reheat; simply enjoy it chilled with tortilla chips.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Fiesta Appetizer contains roughly 213 calories, with 6g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (16% of the Daily Value), protein (12% of the Daily Value), and calcium (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

213 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.8g 12% DV
Total Fat 5.4g 7% DV
Carbs 34.8g 13% DV
Fiber 4.5g 16% DV
Sugar 2.4g 5% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 419.2mg 18% DV
Potassium 408.2mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 3.4mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 51.6mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 8.5mg 9% DV
Calcium 124.4mg 10% DV
Iron 1.1mg 6% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this appetizer in advance?

Yes, you can prepare this appetizer a few hours ahead of time. Just be sure to cover it well and refrigerate it to keep the layers fresh. However, it's best to add the tortilla chips right before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.

What can I substitute for Monterey Jack cheese?

If Monterey Jack cheese isn't available, you can use shredded cheddar cheese or pepper jack cheese for a spicier kick. Both options will complement the flavors of the dish well. Alternatively, for a dairy-free version, try using a vegan cheese substitute.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Absolutely! You can use reduced-fat sour cream and opt for whole grain or baked tortilla chips to cut down on calories. Adding more veggies like diced tomatoes or bell peppers can also increase the nutritional value while enhancing the flavor.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

Mexican recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →