Tangy roasted tomatillo green salsa
Salsa Verde
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
12 min
Total Time
17 min
Servings
8
2 cups
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Salsa Verde
Tangy roasted tomatillo green salsa
★4.8(16)
A bright, tangy salsa made from roasted tomatillos, serrano chiles, and cilantro. The essential green salsa that belongs on tacos, enchiladas, chilaquiles, and everything in between.
5m
Prep Time
12m
Cook Time
17m
Total Time
8
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Salsa verde is one of the mother sauces of Mexican cooking, appearing in countless dishes from enchiladas suizas to chilaquiles verdes. Roasting the tomatillos adds depth while preserving their signature tang.
Mexican cuisine is one of the most vibrant and flavor-forward traditions in the world. This recipe captures that spirit with accessible ingredients and techniques.
Ingredients
- 1 lb tomatillos, husked and rinsed
- 2 serrano chiles
- 2 cloves garlic, unpeeled
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro
- ½ small onion
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- 1
Place tomatillos, serranos, garlic, and onion on a baking sheet. Broil for 8-10 minutes until charred and blistered.
- 2
Peel the garlic cloves.
- 3
Transfer everything to a blender with cilantro and salt.
- 4
Blend to your desired consistency—smooth or slightly chunky.
- 5
Taste and adjust salt. Serve immediately or simmer in a saucepan for 5 minutes for a cooked salsa.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with warm corn tortillas and fresh lime wedges
Top with crumbled queso fresco and sliced avocado
Pair with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans
Substitutions
Serrano chilesJalapeños
Milder with a similar green flavor
Fresh tomatillosCanned tomatillos (one 28 oz can)
Skip roasting and blend directly
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
For a raw version, skip roasting and blend everything fresh for a brighter, sharper salsa.
Add an avocado to the blender for a creamy salsa verde variation.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Label with the date and recipe name.
Reheating
Warm gently in a saucepan if desired, though it is delicious cold.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (0mg) · 8 servings
Calories20
LowModerateHigh
A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein1g
Carbohydrates0g
Fat4g
Fiber120mg
Sugar1g
Sodium2g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use canned tomatillos?
- Yes, drain canned tomatillos and skip the roasting step.
- How spicy is this?
- Moderately—remove serrano seeds for milder salsa or add more chiles for extra heat.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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