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    Category Home » Mexican » Tomatillo Salsa

    Tomatillo Salsa

    Published: Mar 16, 2020 · Modified: Aug 17, 2022 by Leigh Anderson · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Tomatillo Salsa
    Tomatillo Salsa

    Zesty homemade tomatillo salsa with fresh cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice and garlic is easier to make than you may think! Once you learn this recipe you won’t go back to store-bought!

    a white ceramic bowl filled with salsa verde and tortilla chips on the side

    If you’ve never made your own tomatillo salsa before you have to try this recipe! I promise you it couldn’t be easier, just roast all of the ingredients together then blend until smooth! The flavor is bright and citrusy with just a kick of heat from the roasted jalapeño.

    This fresh salsa verde is perfect for Chilaquiles Verdes or serving alongside chips and guacamole, Creamy Choriqueso, Sheet Pan Chicken Tacos or any of your favorite Mexican dishes!

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    Here’s everything you’ll need to make tomatillo salsa: tomatillos, fresh cilantro, garlic, onion, lime juice, coriander seeds and cumin seeds.

    tomatillo salsa ingredients: jalapeño, limes cilantro, garlic and onion

    Recipe Step by Step:

    Step 1. Roast the Tomatillos

    Roast the tomatillos, onions, jalapeños, garlic and spices. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.

    two cast iron pans with roasted tomatillos, onion, jalapeño, and garlic

    Step 2. Blend

    Transfer the roasted vegetable mixture to a blender or food processor along with the cilantro and lime juice. Pulse until the mixture is mostly smooth scraping down the sides as necessary. Season to taste with additional lime juice and salt, if desired.

    a ceramic bowl with tomatillo salsa verde

    FAQs and Expert Tips:

    What are tomatillos?

    In Spanish “tomatillo” translates to “little tomato”. Though the two look similar tomatillos are not actually tomatoes. They are a small green fruit wrapped in papery husk. Tomatillos are native to Mexico and featured prominently in Mexican cuisine.

    How long will tomatillo salsa stay fresh?

    Tomatillo salsa with stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week. Store in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.

    Is tomatillo salsa spicy?

    It can be! You can adjust the spice level in this recipe to your liking. Tomatillos themselves are not spicy, all of the heat in this salsa comes from the jalapeños Feel free to hold back or load up on jalapeños depending on your personal preference.

    Check out more great recipes:

    • Chilaquiles Verdes
    • Easy! Jalapeño Black Beans
    • Beer-Braised Chipotle Chicken Tacos
    • Sheet Pan Chicken Tacos al Pastor
    • Carne Asada Tacos
    • Creamy Avocado Salsa
    • Heirloom Tomato Pico de Gallo

    I love to hear from readers and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. If you make this recipe be sure to leave a comment and/or give it a rating! Don’t forget to follow along on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram for all the latest updates!

    a white ceramic bowl filled with salsa verde and tortilla chips on the side

    Tomatillo Salsa

    Zesty homemade tomatillo salsa with fresh cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice and garlic is easier to make than you may think! Once you learn this recipe you won't go back to store-bought!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 28kcal
    Author: Leigh Anderson

    Ingredients

    • 8 tomatillos husks removed
    • ½ white onion
    • 4 large cloves of garlic
    • ½ jalapeño
    • 2 tsp coriander seeds or 1 tsp ground coriander
    • 1 tsp cumin seeds or ½ tsp ground cumin
    • 1 bunch cilantro stems and leaves
    • ¼ c lime juice about 4 juicy limes
    • 2 tsp kosher salt

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 400. Put the tomatillos, jalapeño, onion, garlic, salt and spices in a cast iron pan or baking dish. Roast for 30 minutes, stirring half way through. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
    • Transfer the roasted vegetable mixture to a blender or food processor along with the cilantro and lime juice. Pulse until the mixture is mostly smooth scraping down the sides as necessary. Season to taste with additional lime juice and salt, if desired.

    Notes

     
    FAQs:
    • What are Tomatillos? In Spanish “tomatillo” translates to “little tomato”. Though the two look similar tomatillos are not actually tomatoes. They are a small green fruit wrapped in papery husk. Tomatillos are native to Mexico and featured prominently in Mexican cuisine.
    • Is tomatillos salsa spicy? It can be! You can adjust the spice level in this recipe to your liking. Tomatillos themselves are not spicy, all of the heat in this salsa comes from the jalapeños Feel free to hold back or load up on jalapeños depending on your personal preference.
     
    Storing Leftovers:
    • Tomatillo salsa with stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week. Store in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 28kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 778mg | Potassium: 179mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 164IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you make this recipe?Share a picture on Instagram and tag me: @Craving_California and use the hashtag: #CravingCalifornia!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. DB

      August 17, 2022 at 12:16 pm

      How much olive oil would you recommend using?

      Reply
      • Leigh Anderson

        August 17, 2022 at 12:28 pm

        No olive oil. Apologies for the typo. Thanks for bringing it to my attention!

        Reply

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