Salsa Verde Recipe (Green Salsa)

Salsa Verde Recipe

Salsa verde, or green salsa, is a staple in Mexican cuisine that adds a bright, tangy, and often spicy kick to various dishes. Unlike its tomato-based counterpart, salsa verde is made with tomatillos, which give it a unique flavor profile that is both familiar and exciting.

This homemade salsa verde recipe is easy to make, bursting with fresh flavors, and far surpasses anything you’ll find in a jar at the grocery store.

Ingredients for Salsa Verde

To make this authentic salsa verde, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 1 and 1/2 pounds green tomatoes (about 12 medium), husks removed and rinsed
  • 1 to 2 medium jalapenos, stems removed (adjust amount to desired spice level)
  • 1/2 cup diced bulb onion (about 1/2 medium onion)
  • 1/4 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves (adjust to taste)
  • Two tablespoons to 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, to taste
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt, according to preference
  • Optional: 1 to 2 diced avocados for a creamy avocado salsa verde

Salsa Verde Recipe Ingredients

How to Make Salsa Verde

  1. Roast the Tomatillos and jalapenos: Preheat your grill with a rack about 4 inches underneath the heat source. Place the tomatillos and jalapenos on a rimmed baking sheet and broil until they’re blackened in spots, about 5 minutes. Flip the tomatillos and peppers, and broil for 4 to 6 more minutes until the husk tomatoes are splotchy-black and blistered.
  2. Blend the Ingredients: In a blender, blend the chopped onion, cilantro, two tablespoons of lime juice, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Once the tomatillos and jalapenos are out of the oven, carefully transfer them into the food processor or blender, along with any juices on the baking sheet.
  3. Adjust Seasoning: Pulse the mixture until smooth, with no large chunks of tomatillo remaining. Taste and adjust the flavoring as needed, adding more lime juice and salt to your preference.
  4. Thicken and chill: The salsa will be thinner at first, but it will thicken up after a few hours in the refrigerator, thanks to the natural pectin in the tomatillos. If you’d like a creamier salsa verde, let the mixture cool slightly before blending in 1 to 2 diced avocados.

Ten variations of the Salsa Verde recipe:

  1. Roasted Garlic Salsa Verde: Add 2-3 cloves of roasted garlic to the blender for a deeper, savory flavor.
  2. Charred Tomatillo Salsa Verde: Grill or broil the tomatillos and peppers for a smoky, charred flavor.
  3. Pineapple Salsa Verde: Add diced pineapple to the blender for a sweet and tangy twist.
  4. Mango Salsa Verde: Substitute mango for pineapple for a tropical take on the classic.
  5. Tomatillo Salsa Verde with Toasted Cumin: Toast whole cumin seeds and add them to the blender for an earthy, aromatic flavor.
  6. Salsa Verde with Roasted Poblanos: Roast and peel poblano peppers, then add them to the salsa for a mild, sweet heat.
  7. Salsa Verde with Roasted Tomatillos: Roast the tomatillos on a baking sheet before blending for a deeper, more concentrated flavor.
  8. Salsa Verde with Roasted Garlic and Shallots: Roast garlic and shallots with tomatillos and peppers for a more complex, caramelized flavor.
  9. Salsa Verde with Toasted Pepitas: Toast pepitas (pumpkin seeds) and blend them into the salsa for a nutty crunch.
  10. Salsa Verde with Roasted Tomatillos and Tomatillos: Use a combination of roasted and raw tomatillos for a balance of textures and flavors.

Salsa Verde Recipe Green Salsa

Pairing suggestions for these Salsa Verde recipes:

  • Grilled chicken or fish tacos (chicken, beef, or vegetarian)
  • Burritos or burrito bowls 
  • Nachos or tostadas eggs (scrambled, fried, or in breakfast burritos)
  • Quesadillas Roasted vegetables (such as sweet potatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini)
  • Grilled steak or pork chops Tortilla chips (as a dip)
  • Rice and beans

The salsa verde can be a versatile relish that pairs well with various dishes. It can add a bright, tangy, herbaceous flavor to grilled meats, tacos, burritos, and breakfast items like eggs.

Salsa can also be used as a condiment for tortilla chips or a topping for roasted vegetables, quesadillas, rice, and beans, providing a flavorful contrast to the other ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

Salsa verde is exceptionally versatile and can be used in various Mexican dishes. Try it as a garnish for tacos, enchiladas, burritos, or tostadas. It also makes a flavorful dip for tortilla chips or a delicious accompaniment to grilled meats, fish, or vegetables.

For a creamy twist, stir in some diced avocado just before serving. The cool, creamy avocado pairs beautifully with the tangy, spicy salsa.

Whether hosting a fiesta or just looking to add some thrill to your weeknight meals, this homemade salsa verde will indeed become a new favorite. Give it a try, and let us know what you think!

Tips for the Best Salsa Verde

  • Look for tomatillos that are firm, with bright green husks. Avoid any that are wilted or blemished.
  • Adjust the amount of jalapenos to your desired spice level. Remove the seeds and membranes before adding the pepper for a milder salsa.
  • Feel free to experiment with peppers like Serrano or Anaheim to find your perfect flavor profile.
  • Add a clove or two of finely diced garlic for an extra punch of flavor.
  • Let the salsa sit in the fridge for a few hours before portioning to allow the flavors to meld.

Salsa Verde Interesting facts

Interesting facts about the Salsa Verde recipe:

  1. Tomatillos, the key ingredient in salsa verde, is a type of fruit, not a vegetable.
  2. Salsa verde originated in Mexico and has been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries.
  3. The charring or roasting of the tomatillos and peppers is an essential step that adds depth of flavor to the salsa.
  4. Cilantro is a love-it or hate-it ingredient, and the amount used can be adjusted to personal taste preferences.
  5. Lime juice provides the signature tangy flavor of salsa verde, balancing out the sweetness of the tomatillos.
  6. Avocado can be added to create a creamy, rich “avocado salsa verde” variation.
  7. Toasted cumin seeds lend an earthy, aromatic note to the salsa, while roasted garlic and shallots add a caramelized sweetness.
  8. Pumpkin seeds (pepitas) can be blended into the salsa for a nutty crunch.
  9. Salsa verde pairs exceptionally well with grilled or roasted meats, making it a versatile condiment.
  10. The salsa will thicken as it chills in the refrigerator, thanks to the natural pectin in the tomatillos.

Ending Note:

This authentic salsa verde recipe is a true taste of Mexico, bursting with vibrant flavors that will move your taste buds to a lively fiesta. Whether serving it alongside grilled meats, using it to top tacos, or simply enjoying it with crispy tortilla chips, this homemade salsa verde will indeed become a new household favorite.

Be sure to check out Los Foodies Magazine for more delicious Mexican-inspired recipes that will have your family and friends raving. Don’t forget to comment and let us know how your salsa verde turned out!

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