Tomatillo Salsa Verde Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with a true staple of Mexican kitchens: Tomatillo Salsa Verde! This bright, tangy, and irresistibly fresh salsa is a vibrant green masterpiece thanks to roasted tomatillos, fiery peppers, and fragrant cilantro. Whether you’re spooning it over tacos, dunking tortilla chips, or swirling it into soups, every batch of Tomatillo Salsa Verde brings a zesty, homemade sparkle to your table. The magic lies in a handful of ingredients, quick roasting, and a whirl in your blender—delivering bold flavor in under 30 minutes flat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simplicity is the secret sauce here! Each ingredient in this Tomatillo Salsa Verde recipe is chosen for its ability to brighten, deepen, or balance flavor. Fresh produce and a few pantry basics join forces for authentic taste and gorgeous color.
- Tomatillos: The tart, fruity backbone of salsa verde—make sure to remove their papery husks and rinse them well for best results.
- Jalapeños or Serrano Peppers: Choose your heat! For less kick, go with jalapeños (and feel free to remove seeds) or opt for serranos for a bit more fire.
- White Onion: Adds subtle sharpness and crisp bite to balance the bold flavors.
- Fresh Cilantro Leaves: This herb delivers that unmistakable, fresh border-cafe pop that defines salsa verde.
- Garlic: Just two cloves give the salsa a gentle, aromatic depth.
- Lime Juice: Bright, fresh acidity makes all the flavors explode in the best way.
- Salt: Essential for pulling all the greenery together and heightening every note.
- Olive Oil (optional): A drizzle before roasting enhances caramelization and adds a lovely undertone.
How to Make Tomatillo Salsa Verde
Step 1: Roast the Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Arrange the husked tomatillos and stemmed peppers on a baking sheet. For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle them lightly with olive oil. Slide the baking sheet into the oven and roast for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping everything once halfway through. You’ll know they’re ready when they look softened and begin to char. This step brings incredible smoky depth to your Tomatillo Salsa Verde.
Step 2: Let Them Cool
After roasting, give the tomatillos and peppers a few minutes to cool. This not only makes them easier to handle but also helps preserve those roasted, slightly caramelized flavors when blending.
Step 3: Blend It Up
Add the roasted tomatillos and peppers to a blender or food processor. Toss in the chopped white onion, fresh cilantro leaves, garlic cloves, lime juice, and salt. Blend until you reach your desired consistency—some people love their Tomatillo Salsa Verde silky smooth, others with a little more texture. Taste and adjust the seasoning if you want an extra pop of salt or citrus.
Step 4: Taste and Serve
Time for a quick taste test! Don’t hesitate to tweak the heat by adding more peppers or tone things down by blending in a roasted tomatillo or two. Serve your Tomatillo Salsa Verde warm for a cozy vibe, or chill it for maximum zippiness—either way, you’re in for a treat.
How to Serve Tomatillo Salsa Verde
Garnishes
Elevate your Tomatillo Salsa Verde with toppings that add a flash of color and extra flavor. Try sprinkling chopped fresh cilantro, thinly sliced radishes, or a scattering of crumbled cotija cheese on top. A quick twist of black pepper or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds can add another level of interest and plenty of visual flair.
Side Dishes
This salsa loves to tag along with classic Mexican fare. Serve it with a basket of warm tortilla chips, spooned over tacos or enchiladas, or alongside grilled meats and roasted veggies. Tomatillo Salsa Verde is irresistible next to homemade quesadillas, fresh tamales, or as a zesty dip for breakfast huevos.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the chip bowl! Swirl Tomatillo Salsa Verde into creamy guacamole for a tangy twist, drizzle it over grain bowls, or even use it as a zippy salad dressing base. For appetizers, dollop it onto crostini with avocado and shrimp, or spoon it over grilled corn for a crowd-pleasing side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra Tomatillo Salsa Verde in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh and zesty for up to one week. The flavor deepens after a day, making leftovers even more delicious.
Freezing
Tomatillo Salsa Verde freezes beautifully! Simply pour the cooled salsa into a freezer-safe container or an ice cube tray for easy portioning. Once frozen, transfer cubes to a zip-top bag, and they’ll keep for up to three months. Thawed salsa may be a touch thinner but still vibrant and tasty.
Reheating
You can enjoy Tomatillo Salsa Verde straight from the fridge, or gently warm it on the stove if you prefer it hot. Stir occasionally over low heat just until warmed through; avoid boiling to preserve its fresh flavor and color.
FAQs
Can I make Tomatillo Salsa Verde without roasting the vegetables?
Absolutely! For a brighter, fresher flavor, you can simmer the tomatillos and peppers in water instead of roasting. This gives the salsa a more vibrant green color and a slightly tangier taste.
How spicy is Tomatillo Salsa Verde?
The heat level depends on your peppers and if you leave in the seeds. Use jalapeños for a milder salsa or serranos for more fire. Removing seeds will further mellow the spice, so feel free to adjust to your liking!
Is Tomatillo Salsa Verde healthy?
Yes! It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and low in calories. With only 15 calories per two-tablespoon serving, it’s a guilt-free, nutrient-packed addition to meals or snacks.
Can I use this salsa as a cooking sauce?
Definitely! Tomatillo Salsa Verde is fantastic as a simmer sauce for chicken, pork, or vegetables. Just pour over your main ingredients and let everything absorb the tangy, herby flavors.
What if I don’t have fresh tomatillos?
If fresh tomatillos aren’t available, you can use canned tomatillos in a pinch. Drain and rinse them well, then blend as usual. The flavor won’t be quite as bright, but the salsa will still be delicious.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tasted the brilliance of homemade Tomatillo Salsa Verde, you’ll never look at salsa the same way again! It’s that perfect pop of zesty, fresh flavor that brings so many dishes to life. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe—bring it to your next gathering or taco night, and watch it disappear!
Print
Tomatillo Salsa Verde Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Learn how to make a delicious Tomatillo Salsa Verde with this easy and flavorful recipe. This vibrant green salsa is perfect for dipping, topping tacos, or adding zest to your favorite dishes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound tomatillos, husked and rinsed
- 1–2 jalapeños or serrano peppers, stemmed
- 1/2 cup chopped white onion
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional for Roasting:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Roast Tomatillos and Peppers: Place tomatillos and peppers on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil if using, and roast for 15 to 20 minutes until softened and slightly charred. Turn once during roasting.
- Blend Ingredients: Transfer roasted tomatillos and peppers to a blender or food processor. Add onion, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and salt. Blend until smooth or desired consistency.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salsa and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm or chilled.
Notes
- For a milder salsa, remove the seeds from the peppers before blending.
- You can also simmer the tomatillos and peppers in water instead of roasting for a fresher flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 15
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
