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Something special happens when you char some husked tomatillos and blend them with fresh herbs. Salsa Verde is more than just a condiment; it’s the bright, tangy, and slightly spicy heart of Mexican home cooking.
Salsa Verde is different from the red version because it uses tomatillos. These look like green tomatoes in a paper husk, but their flavor is a mix of lime and green apple. If you want to make your taco night better, this 15-minute recipe is a great choice.
The Ingredient List
This recipe yields a balanced, medium-heat salsa that stores beautifully in the fridge.
- 6 Tomatillos: Husked and rinsed (they’ll be a bit sticky—that’s normal!).
- 3 Jalapeños or Serranos: Use Jalapeños for a milder glow, or Serranos if you want a real kick.
- 1/4 White Onion: Adds a sharp, crisp bite.
- 2 Garlic Cloves: These are key for deep flavor.
- 1/2 Bunch Fresh Cilantro: Don’t be afraid of the stems; they hold a ton of flavor.
- 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin: For an earthy undertone.
- 1 tsp Mexican Oregano: More citrusy and savory than the Mediterranean variety.
- Kosher Salt: To taste (be generous, it awakens the tomatillos).
- 1/2 Cup Water: To reach your desired consistency.
- 2 tbsp Lime Juice (Optional): Tomatillos are already acidic, but a little lime adds extra zip and helps balance rich meats.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- The Roast: Put the tomatillos, peppers, onion, and garlic on a baking sheet. Broil them until the tomatillos are soft and have blackened spots, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step gives the salsa its smoky flavor.
- The Blend: Put the roasted vegetables and any juices from the pan into a blender. Add the cilantro, cumin, Mexican oregano, salt, and water.
- The Pulse: Blend until smooth or leave it slightly chunky if you prefer a rustic texture.
- The Finish: Taste and add lime juice or more salt if needed. Let it sit for 10 minutes; the flavors will continue to marry as it cools.
What to Serve with Your Salsa Verde
With a jar of this “green gold” in your fridge, you can use it in many ways. Here are some ideas beyond just dipping chips:
| Dish | How to Use It |
| Enchiladas Verdes | Roll shredded chicken in corn tortillas and smother them in the salsa before baking with cheese. |
| Chilaquiles | Simmer tortilla chips in the salsa for a few minutes and top with a fried egg for the ultimate breakfast. |
| Grilled Pork or Chicken | Use the salsa as a bright finishing sauce for lean meats to keep them juicy. |
| Tacos al Pastor | The acidity of the salsa verde perfectly cuts through the richness of the marinated pork and pineapple. |
What equipment or kitchen supplies do I need?

Mexican Salsa Verde
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 tomatillos
- 3 jalapenos o chiles serrano
- 1/4 onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- ½ bunch cilantro
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp Mexican oregano
- kosher salt to taste
- 2 tbsp lime juice optional
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Wash and pat dry your tomatillos, jalapenos, onion, and cilantro.
- Add oil to the frying pan and heat over medium-high heat.
- Add the tomatillos, jalapenos, and onion to the frying pan and saute for about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and continue to saute until golden brown and tomatoes are soft.6 tomatillos, 3 jalapenos o chiles serrano, 1/4 onion, 2 garlic cloves
- Remove the sauteed vegetables from the heat and transfer to a blender.
- Add cumin, Mexican oregano, salt to taste, and lime juice; blend for 1 minute.½ tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp Mexican oregano, kosher salt to taste, 2 tbsp lime juice, ½ bunch cilantro
- Add water and continue blending or pulse until you obtain the desired consistency. Enjoy!½ cup water
Video
@roni.tapia.gonzalez Mexican Salsa Verde Recipe | Easy sauté salsa verde that's versitile and can be used for tacos, tostadas, flautas, as a dip or as an add on to your favorite Mexican dish. Remember there are several methods to cooking this salsa. I am showing you my favorite way of making this salsa. This recipe yields about 2 1/2 – 3 cups of salsa. Ingredients • 6 Tomatillos • 3 Jalapeños or Serrano • 1/4 Onion • 2 Garlic Cloves • 1/2 Bunch Cilantro • 1/2 Tsp Ground Cumin • 1 Tsp Mexican Oregan • Kosher Salt to Taste • 2 tbs Lime Juice • 1/2 Cup Water #salsas #salsaverde #recetasfaciles #recetastiktok #foodie #mexicanfood #homemadesalsa #ronigonzalez #tacos ♬ Malaguena Salerosa – Ferhat Livaneli
