Authentic Salsa Verde Recipe: Easy, Flavorful & Homemade
Salsa verde is a vibrant, tangy, and slightly spicy green sauce that originates from Mexican cuisine. Made primarily from tomatillos, green chilies, and fresh herbs, this delicious condiment pairs beautifully with tacos, grilled meats, nachos, eggs, and more. The balance of acidity, heat, and freshness makes it an essential addition to any Mexican-inspired dish.
This salsa verde recipe is easy to prepare and offers a homemade alternative to store-bought versions. With fresh ingredients and a simple preparation method, you can create a flavorful green sauce that enhances your favorite meals. Whether roasted, boiled, or blended raw, this salsa verde is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 35 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Potassium: 180mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Vitamin A: 5% DV
- Vitamin C: 15% DV
- Calcium: 1% DV
- Iron: 2% DV
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Active Time: 10 minutes
- Resting Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Course: Sauce, Condiment
- Servings: 6 (about 1 ½ cups of salsa)
- Calories per serving: 35 kcal
Equipment Needed
- Blender or Food Processor – For blending the salsa to the perfect consistency.
- Baking Sheet (Optional) – If roasting tomatillos and peppers.
- Medium Pot – If boiling tomatillos.
- Tongs – For handling hot roasted or boiled ingredients.
- Knife and Cutting Board – For prepping ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 pound tomatillos (about 8-10 medium-sized), husked and rinsed
- 1-2 jalapeño peppers (or serrano peppers for extra heat), stems removed
- ½ cup fresh cilantro (roughly chopped)
- ¼ cup white onion (diced)
- 1 clove garlic (peeled)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon cumin (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
- ¼ teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Water or vegetable broth (as needed, for desired consistency)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tomatillos
- Husk and Wash: Remove the papery husks from the tomatillos and rinse them well under warm water to remove any sticky residue.
Step 2: Cooking Methods for Tomatillos and Peppers
You can prepare the tomatillos and peppers using one of the following methods:
Option 1: Roasting (Best for a Smoky Flavor)
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place tomatillos and jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roast for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they develop light charred spots.
- Let them cool slightly before blending.
Option 2: Boiling (Best for a Mild and Tangy Salsa)
- In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
- Add tomatillos and jalapeños, and simmer for 5-7 minutes until they turn olive green.
- Drain and let them cool for a few minutes before blending.
Option 3: Raw (For the Freshest Flavor)
- For a fresh, tangy salsa, use raw tomatillos.
- Simply chop them into quarters and blend with the other ingredients.
Step 3: Blend the Salsa
- In a blender or food processor, combine the tomatillos, jalapeños, cilantro, onion, garlic, lime juice, salt, and cumin.
- Blend until smooth. If the salsa is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water or broth to adjust the consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more salt or lime juice if needed.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
- Let the salsa verde rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Tips for the Best Salsa Verde
✔ Use fresh tomatillos: They should be firm, bright green, and free from wrinkles.
✔ Adjust the heat: For a milder salsa, remove the seeds from the jalapeños or use fewer peppers.
✔ Enhance the flavor: Roasting adds a deep, smoky flavor, while raw ingredients keep it bright and fresh.
✔ Balance the acidity: Tomatillos are naturally tangy, but adding a little sugar can balance the sharpness.
How to Store Salsa Verde
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in small portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.
Ways to Use Salsa Verde
🥑 Tacos: Drizzle over carne asada, chicken, or fish tacos.
🥩 Grilled Meats: Pairs beautifully with steak, pork, or shrimp.
🍳 Eggs: Spoon over scrambled eggs or huevos rancheros.
🌯 Burritos & Enchiladas: Use as a flavorful topping or enchilada sauce.
🍲 Soups & Stews: Stir into pozole or tortilla soup for extra depth.
🍟 Dips: Mix with sour cream or avocado for a creamy dip with chips.
Final Thoughts
This salsa verde recipe is an easy, delicious way to elevate your favorite dishes with bold, fresh flavors. Whether you prefer a smoky, roasted version or a bright, raw salsa, this homemade recipe is far better than store-bought alternatives. Try it today, and enjoy the authentic taste of homemade Mexican salsa verde!
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.