Fresh salsa verde is a classic recipe and a Mexican cuisine staple. It is a 5-minute recipe that is so easy to make, uses 100% fresh ingredients, and is light, sweet, and delicious.
This recipe is a part of the Different types of Mexican salsa recipes series.
The Different Types of Tomatillos and Their Flavor Profiles
Tomatillos are the star of salsa verde, and understanding their varieties can elevate your homemade salsa to new heights. There are several types of tomatillos, each with its unique flavor profile. The most common variety is the green tomatillo, which has a tart and slightly citrusy flavor. These are the tomatillos most often used in traditional salsa verde recipes and are readily available in most grocery stores.
Purple tomatillo has a sweeter and fruitier taste compared to its green counterpart. Purple tomatillos are less common and can be a bit harder to find, but they add a unique twist to salsa verde. Their flavor is milder, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer a less tangy salsa. The color purple tomatillos can add a visually appealing element to your salsa, making it stand out on the table.
Yellow tomatillos are the ripest and sweetest of the three varieties. They have a honey-like sweetness that balances the tanginess of the other ingredients, creating a more complex and layered flavor profile. Yellow tomatillos can be a great addition to salsa verde for those looking to experiment with different tastes and textures. Each type of tomatillo offers a unique experience, and trying different varieties can help you discover your preferred flavor for salsa verde.
If you love making salsa at home, you will love this 5 minute fresh tomato salsa too.
Ingredients
Below are the ingredients required to make salsa verde.
Tomatillos – Green tomatillos are the heart of the recipe. Fresh, green tomatillos come with papery husk which you will remove to use in the recipe.
Serrano peppers – Serrano peppers are used to add spiciness to the recipe. You can use jalapeno instead of serrano.
Onions – White or yellow onions are used because they are mildly sweeter than red onions.
Other – Salt, fresh cilantro, and lemon juice.
How-to(with photos)
Making salsa verde at home is a straightforward process that can be broken down into a few simple steps. Begin by preparing the tomatillos. Remove the papery husks and rinse the tomatillos under warm water to remove any sticky residue. Cut the tomatillos into halves or quarters, depending on their size. Next, prepare the serrano peppers by removing the stems and cutting them in half. If you prefer a milder salsa, you can remove the seeds and membranes from the serrano.
Add the roughly chopped onions, salt, cilantro, and lime juice to the blender or food processor along with tomatillos and jalapeños. Blend the ingredients until you achieve your desired consistency. Some prefer a smoother salsa, while others enjoy a chunkier texture.
If the salsa is too thick, you can add a small amount of water to reach the desired consistency. Once blended, transfer the salsa verde to a serving bowl or jar and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and develop, resulting in a more flavorful salsa.
How to make fresh salsa verde
Fresh salsa verde is a classic recipe and a Mexican cuisine staple. It is a 5-minute recipe that is so easy to make, uses 100% fresh ingredients, and is light, sweet, and delicious.
Serving Size people
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Begin by preparing the tomatillos. Remove the papery husks and rinse the tomatillos under warm water to remove any sticky residue. Cut the tomatillos into halves or quarters, depending on their size.
4 fresh tomatillos
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Prepare the serrano peppers by removing the stems and cutting them in half. If you prefer a milder salsa, you can remove the seeds and membranes from the serrano.
1 large serrano pepper
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Add the roughly chopped onions, salt, cilantro, and lime juice to the blender or food processor along with tomatillos and jalapeños. Blend the ingredients until smooth.
1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 medium onion, 3 tablespoon cilantro, salt to taste, black pepper powder
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Once blended, transfer the salsa verde to a serving bowl or jar and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
- Check storage and other sections for details.
Nutrition Facts
How to make fresh salsa verde
Amount Per Serving
Calories 25
Calories from Fat 1
% Daily Value*
Fat 0.1g0%
Saturated Fat 0.04g0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.03g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.01g
Sodium 3mg0%
Potassium 106mg3%
Carbohydrates 6g2%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 72IU1%
Vitamin C 9mg11%
Calcium 14mg1%
Iron 0.2mg1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Creative Variations of Salsa Verde to Try
While the traditional salsa verde recipe is delicious, there are many creative variations you can try to add a unique twist to this classic condiment. One variation is to roast the tomatillos and jalapeños instead of boiling them. Roasting adds a smoky depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste of the salsa. Simply place the tomatillos and jalapeños on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes, or until they are charred and tender.
Another variation is to add different types of peppers for a unique flavor profile. For example, you can use serrano peppers instead of jalapeños for a spicier salsa. Or, try adding a few roasted poblano peppers for a smoky and slightly sweet flavor. You can also experiment with adding other ingredients such as avocado, which adds creaminess and richness to the salsa. Blend the avocado with the other ingredients to create a smooth and velvety salsa verde.
For a fruity twist, try adding fresh or grilled pineapple to your salsa verde. The sweetness of the pineapple complements the tanginess of the tomatillos and the heat of the jalapeños, creating a balanced and refreshing salsa. Simply chop the pineapple into small pieces and blend it with the other ingredients. These creative variations allow you to customize your salsa verde to your taste preferences and add new dimensions of flavor to your dishes.
How to Store
Proper storage and preservation are essential for maintaining the freshness and flavor of your homemade salsa verde. Once you’ve made your salsa, transfer it to an airtight container or glass jar. This will help prevent the salsa from absorbing any odors from the refrigerator and keep it fresh for longer. Store the salsa verde in the refrigerator and consume it within one week for the best flavor.
If you want to preserve your salsa verde for a longer period, consider freezing it. Freezing salsa verde is a great way to have a ready supply on hand whenever you need it. To freeze, pour the salsa into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. For me, I don’t add onions into my salsa when I am freezing it as I don’t like to freeze onions in recipes. However, this is my personal preference.
Once frozen, transfer the salsa verde cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method allows you to thaw only the amount you need, reducing waste. Frozen salsa verde can be stored for up to six months.
When you’re ready to use the frozen salsa verde, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Give it a good stir before serving, as the texture may change slightly after freezing. Proper storage and preservation techniques will ensure that you always have fresh and flavorful salsa verde on hand to enjoy with your favorite dishes.