Name: Salsa Verde
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 pounds tomatillos about 20 tomatillos, husked and rinsed; 2-3 serrano peppers or jalapenos halved, seeds and pith removed; 1 cup white onion diced and rinsed with cold water; 2 cloves garlic minced; 1 bunch cilantro rinsed well (use entire stem and leaves); 1 teaspoon salt; 1 lime; 1 teaspoon sugar optional

This delicious salsa verde is made from roasted tomatillos and fresh chili peppers. It’s quick and easy to make and arguably the best green salsa you’ll ever taste.

spoon lifting some salsa verde from bowl

Why this recipe works

If you indulge in taco nights or are looking for a great party appetizer, this salsa verde has you covered. Serve it up alongside some Carne Asada wrapped in a tortilla and Mexican Rice for a delicious weeknight meal.

You can easily adjust the level of heat with this recipe, spice it up a bit by adding an additional chili if that’s how you like it, or add a bit of sugar to tone it down.

woman's hand scooping green salsa with a tortilla chip

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitute Suggestions

PEPPER – Serrano chilis are available at most grocery stores. They are smaller and skinnier than jalapenos and are often hotter. You can use jalapenos if you can’t find serranos.

How to Make Salsa Verde

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

Turn broiler to 500° and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Place tomatillos and peppers on the cookie sheet and place under the boiler. Broil ONE minute and remove chilis, placing them in a blender or food processor.
Return tomatillos to the oven and broil an additional 3 minutes, then turn them over and broil 5 more minutes. When they have changed from a vibrant green to a brownish-green and have some char on them, remove them from the oven.
Add onion, garlic, cilantro, and salt to the blender or food processor, then add charred tomatillos.
Blend for 1 minute. Taste a little, if it is too spicy, you can add a little sugar to calm it down a bit. Just add a little at a time. You don’t want a sweet salsa verde.
Squeeze the lime over the salsa and stir to combine.
Pour into a serving bowl and serve with tortilla chips or your favorite meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find tomatillos?

Tomatillos are available in most grocery stores and will often be covered in a husk. Remove husks and wash well. These are slightly more acidic than tomatoes and give a hint of tartness.

Where do I get Serrano chilis?

Serrano chilis are available at most grocers. They are smaller and skinnier than jalapenos and are often hotter. You can use jalapenos if you can’t find serranos.

How should I store the green salsa?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5 to 10 days.

What is the flavor of green salsa?

Green salsa has a hint of tartness from the tomatillos, lots of good spice from the serranos, and a nice freshness from the cilantro and lime juice.

We love a good salsa recipe, and this one certainly hit the mark! Now you can make your own restaurant-style green salsa at home.

More Salsa Recipes

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This post originally appeared here on Jan 23, 2021.