This homemade salsa verde is bright and tangy with tomatillos, spicy serrano, earthy garlic and onion, and fresh lime juice and comes together fast!
Who can resist a bowl of bright and beautiful homemade salsa?
This salsa verde is a total crowd-pleaser, and begging for chips!
It has a classic tart and tangy tomatillos, with spicy serrano peppers, sweet onion and earthy garlic, fresh cilantro, citrusy lime juice, and a little bit of water to make the consistency perfect.
It’s even better if you make it ahead of time, to let the flavors mingle together, and to help with any meal prep at the beginning of the week.
So grab your favorite bag of chips, and get ready to dive into this salsa verde!
Table of Contents
Ingredients for salsa verde
- Tomatillos – These are the star of our salsa! They have a bright and tangy flavor.
- Serrano chili – Serrano chiles will give a spicy kick to our salsa!
- Yellow onion – Yellow onion will add a subtle sweetness.
- Garlic – Garlic is a classic addition and will add earthiness to the salsa verde.
- Cilantro – Cilantro will add a vibrant and fresh flavor.
- Lime juice – Lime juice will add a burst of citrusy flavor.
- Water – Water will help our salsa reach the perfect consistency.
- Avocados – I’ve used them here as a garnish but feel free to omit them if you’re not a fan.
- Kosher salt – Kosher salt will help enhance all of the flavors of the salsa.
How hot is a serrano pepper?
Did you know that serrano peppers are up to 5 times hotter than jalapeños?
If you’re looking to turn down the heat a little, you have a couple of options.
All of the heat lives in the seeds and the ribs which are the white parts that the seeds are attached to. So if you’re looking for a milder spice, be sure to remove those before using the pepper in the dish!
Alternatively, you can substitute the serrano pepper with a jalapeno instead.
You’ll still get some spicy, but not nearly as much as you would with the serrano.
What to serve with salsa verde
I will happily scoop this salsa with chips (as seen in the photos) but you can use this homemade salsa verde on a variety of things!
You could drizzle it on tacos, over burritos, or even use it as a fun dip for quesadillas. Here are a few links to recipes on Nutmeg Nanny that would pair perfectly with tomatillo salsa:
- Air fryer chicken taquitos
- Baked ground chicken tacos
- Slow cooker beef chorizo taco chili
- Smothered burritos
- Sheet pan chicken quesadillas
- Sweet potato black bean burrito bowls
- Ground chicken fajita spaghetti squash
What is a tomatillo?
While tomatillo means “little tomato” in Spanish, it is not a green tomato.
It’s more closely related to a gooseberry!
Tomatillos have a firm texture, and a tart, acidic, and tangy flavor.
They’re covered in a papery husk, which must be removed before using the fruit, and they have a sticky coating on the outside which can easily be removed with washing.
They’re found in the produce aisle of most major grocery stores.
I also use tomatillos in my Instant Pot pork chili verde, fried green tomatillos, and my pork chile verde recipes!
Make ahead
Salsas always taste better if they’ve had a couple of days to hang out in the refrigerator to let the flavors mingle and meld together.
So I encourage you to make your salsa a couple of days before you need it, and you’ll thank me later!
Storage and leftovers
Any leftover salsa verde can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
More dip and salsa recipes
- Want something cool and creamy? Try my Tzatziki Sauce
- Looking for a fun dip for a BBQ? Try my Creamy Bacon Jalapeno Corn Dip
- Love all things spicy? Try my Mango Habanero Salsa
- Need a dessert dip? Try my Cherry Cheesecake Dip
Homemade Salsa Verde
Ingredients
- 1 pound tomatillos husks removed and cleaned
- 1 cup packed cilantro leaves and stems
- 1/4 cup diced yellow onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 serrano chili top cut off
- 1 lime juiced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Halve your cleaned tomatillos and add to a high-powered blender with cilantro, onion, garlic, serrano chili, lime juice, and kosher salt.
- Blend until smooth. If the salsa is too thick for your liking you can thin it out with water. Try adding 1 tablespoon of water at a time until you have reached your desired consistency.
- If desired, serve topped with extra minced cilantro or sliced avocado.
- Serve alongside corn tortilla chips or on top of your favorite Tex-Mex meal.
Nutrition
