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This Homemade Salsa Verde is super easy to make and is a delicious tomatillo salsa you can make in minutes for taco night or just snacking.
Homemade Salsa Verde is a vibrant, zesty sauce that adds instant flavor to just about anything—from tacos and enchiladas to grilled meats and chips. It is made with fresh tomatillos, cilantro, lime, and just a little bit of heat, it’s a simple recipe that delivers bold, authentic taste.
I have always been a fan of tomatillo salsa, it is just a fun twist from the classic red Restaurant Style Salsa. When I was growing up there was one restaurant that had a spicy salsa verde, and it was the first place I ever tried it. And it was the only restaurant for a long time that ever had it available. So making it home because a mission to perfect it! Because we all know homemade salsa is better than any store bought jar out there.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy. Roasting the tomatillos is the most work involved in this. And then you just puree in the blender, couldn’t be easier!
- Control the Spice. We like things spicy in our house, so I use an entire serrano, or multiple if I am making a large batch. But you can use only half or you can remove the seeds to reduce the heat and make it fit your tastes.
- Make Ahead. Because you are roasting the tomatillos, it is warm when you blend it. You want it to chill for a couple of hours to get cold and have the flavors blend together. So it is perfect to make ahead for a party or taco night or to take to a potluck.
What You’ll Need
Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.
- Tomatillos
- Garlic
- Serrano Pepper or Jalapeno – how much you use is really up to how spicy you like it
- Onion
- Cilantro
- Lime Juice
- Salt & Pepper
What Are Tomatillos
Tomatillos look like a small green tomato that is still in the husk, or papery wrapper. It is not a green tomato though, they are different. Tomatillos are a fruit that is native to Mexico. They have a slightly more acidic, less sweet taste than a green tomato would have. To use a tomatillo, you remove the husk and then wash well to get rid of the waxy coating that is left behind.
For the best flavor, I think you really want to cook them; either roast or cook in a skillet over high heat to blister the outside. Cooking them helps mellow the acidity a little bit and helps whatever you are using them in have a more balanced flavor. My Instant Pot Pozole uses this same method to make the sauce.
How To Make Salsa Verde
- Prep Tomatillos. Remove the husk and wash them under warm water to remove the waxy coating. Cut them in half and place in a baking try.
- Roast. Add chopped onion, crushed cloves of garlic and your serrano pepper to the tray. Bake for 15 minutes, until the peppers start to char.
- Process. Remove from the oven and scrape everything on the tray into a blender or food processor. Add the cilantro and lime juice, puree until smooth.
- Season. Taste and add salt and pepper as desired.
- Chill. Pour into a bowl, cover and place in the fridge for at least 4 hours before serving.
How To Use Salsa Verde
You really can use this salsa like you could any salsa, it just mixes up the flavor a little. Serve with Homemade Tortilla Chips for a perfect snack. Or use with any of these recipes for a twist.
- Instant Pot Salsa Chicken
- Creamy Salsa Chicken
- Flautas
- Serve with Potato Tacos
- Great for Totchos
Storage
You will want to store this in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last at least a week. You can easily double or triple the batch as well if you are looking to make for a large gathering.
Looking For More Salsa Recipes
- Roasted Chile Corn Salsa
- Fire Roasted Salsa
- Fresh Tomato Salsa
- Avocado Corn Salsa
- Grilled Pineapple Salsa
- Copycat Chili’s Salsa
Salsa Verde
Ingredients
- 1 pound tomatillos
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 serrano pepper, or jalapeno
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 Tablespoon lime juice
- Salt & Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450º F.
- Remove the husks from the tomatillos and wash under warm water to remove waxy coating.1 pound tomatillos
- Cut tomatillos in half and place on a baking tray. Add coarsely chopped onion and serrano pepper1/2 onion, 1 serrano pepper
- Crush cloves of garlic and remove the peel. Add to baking sheet.2 cloves garlic
- Bake for about 15 minutes until the tomatillos start to brown.
- Remove from the oven and pour the entire contents of the baking tray into a food processor or blender. Add cilantro and lime juice, process until smooth.1/2 cup fresh cilantro, 1 Tablespoon lime juice
- Taste and add salt and pepper as desired.Salt & Pepper
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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My family really enjoyed this salsa recipe! I can’t wait to make it again!
I love how fresh this salsa verde is! I am so glad to make it at home from now on!