Salsa Verde is a fresh and tangy green salsa made with tomatillos, jalapeños, and cilantro. This Best Salsa Verde Recipe is easy to make and perfect for tacos, enchiladas, or as a dipping sauce. The combination of roasted tomatillos, garlic, and lime juice creates a zesty and flavorful salsa that will take your Mexican dishes to the next level.

Fresh, Tangy, and Full of Flavor
Salsa Verde is a bright, tangy, and slightly spicy green sauce that’s a staple in Mexican cuisine. Made primarily with tomatillos, cilantro, and jalapeños, this Best Salsa Verde Recipe brings authentic Mexican flavors right to your kitchen. Whether you’re using it as a topping for tacos or enchiladas, or simply dipping tortilla chips, Salsa Verde adds a refreshing burst of flavor to any dish.
What is Salsa Verde?
Salsa Verde, which translates to “green salsa,” is a traditional Mexican sauce made with tomatillos, a type of small green fruit that looks like a green tomato but has a distinct tart flavor. The combination of tomatillos, fresh cilantro, spicy jalapeños, and zesty lime juice creates a salsa that is both bright and flavorful. Salsa Verde is incredibly versatile, and it’s perfect for adding a fresh, tangy kick to all sorts of dishes—from tacos and burritos to grilled meats and seafood.
How Should Salsa Verde Taste?
A perfectly made Salsa Verde should have a balanced flavor profile: tangy from the tomatillos, slightly spicy from the jalapeños, and fresh from the cilantro. The lime juice adds a zesty brightness, while the garlic and onion provide depth. The consistency should be smooth, but you can leave it a bit chunky if you prefer more texture. It’s the perfect complement to rich, hearty Mexican dishes, cutting through the richness with its fresh and lively taste.
Secrets to the Best Salsa Verde
Here are a few tips to make sure your Best Salsa Verde Recipe turns out perfect every time:
- Roast or Simmer the Tomatillos: Roasting the tomatillos and jalapeños brings out their natural sweetness and adds a subtle smokiness to the salsa. If you’re short on time, you can simmer them instead, which will also soften them for blending.
- Blend Until Smooth: For a silky salsa, blend the ingredients until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse the mixture just a few times in the blender.
- Adjust the Heat: Control the spiciness by adjusting the number of jalapeños. If you like it mild, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before blending. If you like it fiery, feel free to add more chilies.
How to Use Salsa Verde
This Best Salsa Verde Recipe is incredibly versatile, and there are countless ways to enjoy it:
- Tacos: Use it as a topping for your favorite tacos, whether it’s grilled chicken, beef, or fish.
- Enchiladas: Pour Salsa Verde over enchiladas before baking for a flavorful, tangy twist.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve it with tortilla chips as an appetizer or snack.
- Grilled Meats: Drizzle Salsa Verde over grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp for a fresh and tangy flavor boost.

Salsa Verde Recipe
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- Baking sheet optional, for roasting
- Saucepan optional, for simmering
Ingredients
- 1 Ib tomatillos, husked and rinsed
- 2 jalapeños more for extra heat
- 1 small onion roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- salt to taste
- water as need for blending
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Tomatillos: If roasting, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the tomatillos, jalapeños, and garlic on a baking sheet and roast for 10 minutes, or until lightly charred. Alternatively, you can simmer the tomatillos and jalapeños in a saucepan for 10 minutes.2. Blend the Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted (or simmered) tomatillos, jalapeños, garlic, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.3. Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the salsa and add more lime juice or salt if needed. For extra heat, add more jalapeños.4. Serve: Serve the Salsa Verde immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It's perfect for tacos, enchiladas, burritos, or as a dip with tortilla chips.
Notes
- For a milder salsa, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before blending.
- Tomatillos add a tangy flavor to the salsa, but if you can’t find fresh tomatillos, you can use canned tomatillos or substitute with green tomatoes (though the flavor will vary slightly).
- For extra depth of flavor, you can simmer the blended salsa for 5-10 minutes to thicken and meld the flavors.
Conclusion
Salsa Verde is a delicious and versatile sauce that can elevate any meal. This Best Salsa Verde Recipe is the brings together fresh ingredients like tomatillos, cilantro, and jalapeños to create a tangy, zesty salsa that’s perfect for tacos, enchiladas, grilled meats, and more. With its bright flavors and simple preparation, this salsa is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you prefer it mild or spicy, Salsa Verde is a must-have for any Mexican-inspired meal, adding a refreshing touch that complements both casual and gourmet dishes alike.