Salsa Verde Recipe | Easy Tomatillo Salsa

Looking for the perfect Salsa Verde recipe? This easy homemade tomatillo salsa verde is bursting with vibrant, fresh flavors, thanks to roasted tomatillos and serrano peppers. Whether you’re topping tacos, pairing it with tortilla chips, or using it as a sauce for salsa verde chicken, this recipe is simple, authentic, and utterly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Salsa Verde

Bold and Fresh: The tangy tomatillos, roasted garlic, and the heat from serrano peppers make this salsa unforgettable.

Quick and Easy: From prep to plate, this roasted salsa verde recipe is ready in under 30 minutes.

Versatile: Use it as a dip, sauce, or topping for your favorite Mexican dishes like enchiladas or burritos.

Easy Swap: Use this salsa recipe in place of tomato salsa, avocado salsa, or any store bought salsa. Skip the preservatives and embrace fresh, wholesome flavors.

Customizable: You are in control of the salsa spice levels, if you want an extra spicy green salsa, add in more peppers or use a hotter variety of peppers. Prefer a tangy twist? Add extra fresh lime juice for brightness. For a smokier flavor, roast the ingredients longer or add a dash of smoked paprika.

Perfect Consistency: For a thicker salsa verde, reduce the blending time or add a diced avocado for a creamy texture.

Easy Homemade Tomatillo Salsa Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy salsa verde recipe:

• 6-8 tomatillos: Peel and rinse to remove the sticky residue.
• 6 serrano peppers: Adjust the quantity for your preferred spice level.
• 1 medium onion: Use white or yellow onion for a milder flavor.
• 1 garlic clove: Adds depth to the salsa.
• Dash of salt: Enhances the flavor.
• Optional: Fresh lime juice and cilantro for extra brightness.

How to Make Salsa Verde Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Vegetables

For a smoky, rich flavor:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the tomatillos, serrano peppers, onion, and garlic cloves on the baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
3. Roast for 10-15 minutes, or until the tomatillos are soft and slightly charred.

Step 2: Blend the Ingredients

1. Transfer the roasted vegetables to a food processor or blender.
2. Add a dash of salt and, if desired, a splash of fresh lime juice and a handful of fresh cilantro.
3. Blend until smooth, or pulse for a chunkier consistency.

Step 3: Chill and Serve

1. Transfer the salsa to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld.
2. Serve chilled with tortilla chips, or use as a topping for tacos, burritos, or salsa verde chicken.

Tips for Making the Best Salsa Verde

• Tomatillos: Ensure they are firm and bright green for the best flavor.
• Adjusting Spice: For a milder salsa, reduce the number of serrano peppers or swap them for jalapeños.
• Storing Salsa: Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Delicious Ways to Use Salsa Verde

• Drizzle over tacos or enchiladas.
• Dip tortilla chips for a quick snack.
• Sauce for salsa verde chicken or roasted vegetables such as oven roasted radishes.
• Spread on burritos, quesadillas, or nachos.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Unlike many recipes, this homemade salsa verde skips unnecessary ingredients like tomatoes or vinegar, focusing solely on fresh, roasted flavors. It’s a healthier, more authentic alternative to store-bought versions, perfect for any occasion.

No need to read the full nutrition label to find out what is inside the store made salsa verde, making homemade means that you are in control of the nutrition facts in your recipe. 

My Inspiration for Making Salsa Verde

As someone who loves experimenting with flavors and creating fresh, homemade dishes, salsa verde has always held a special place in my kitchen. The vibrant, tangy taste of tomatillos paired with the heat of serrano peppers is a combination I fell in love with while exploring authentic Mexican dishes.

Over time, I perfected this recipe, keeping it simple yet packed with bold flavors to ensure it complements a wide variety of meals, from tacos to roasted vegetables.

This salsa verde recipe is inspired by my desire to create a healthier alternative to store-bought salsa, which often contains preservatives and unnecessary sodium. By making it at home, I know exactly what goes into it—and you can, too!

Customizing Salsa Verde for Your Dietary Preferences

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily adjust it to suit different dietary needs:

• Keto-Friendly: Skip any added sweeteners (if using) and keep it strictly low-carb by focusing on roasted tomatillos, garlic, and peppers. It’s naturally keto-friendly, making it a perfect topping for your favorite keto dishes like grilled chicken or cauliflower rice bowls.
• Low-Sodium: For a heart-healthier version, reduce or omit the salt. The roasted tomatillos and lime juice provide plenty of flavor on their own. If you’re watching your sodium intake, opt for salt substitutes or add extra fresh cilantro and garlic to enhance the taste.
• Adjusting Heat Levels: While I love the kick of serrano peppers, you can tone it down by using fewer peppers or swapping them with milder jalapeños. Conversely, for spice lovers, add an extra serrano or even a habanero for an extra punch!

This homemade salsa verde not only lets you control the ingredients but also allows you to customize the flavors to make it truly your own. Whether you’re serving it as a dip with tortilla chips, a sauce for salsa verde chicken, or a topping for tacos, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy this versatile and delicious recipe.

FAQs About Salsa Verde

What’s the difference between salsa verde and green salsa?

They’re essentially the same thing! Salsa verde is Spanish for “green salsa,” made primarily with tomatillos.

Can I make salsa verde without a food processor?

Yes! You can use a blender or even mash the roasted ingredients with a mortar and pestle for a rustic texture. A food processor or blender makes things easier if your desired consistency is thin like mine. For a thicker salsa, pulse one second at a time until your roasted tomatillo salsa is mixed well but not liquified. 

Can I use store-bought tomatillo salsa?

Store-bought works in a pinch, but nothing beats the fresh flavor of homemade salsa verde. 

Can I freeze salsa verde?

Yes, you can freeze salsa verde in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.

Quick Storage Hack: Freeze leftovers in ice cube trays for perfectly portioned servings of salsa verde. Pop one out whenever you need a quick burst of flavor!

How do I make salsa verde spicier?

Add extra serrano peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the heat.

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