Español Grow This

Salsa Verde

This delicious green salsa uses tomatillos and green peppers to make a sauce that can be used with a variety of dishes.
Bowl of green textured salsa.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Makes: 2 ½ cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 pound tomatillos, husks removed
5 serrano peppers (use ½ bell pepper for mild salsa)
¼ medium onion, cut in big chunks
2 cloves garlic, unpeeled
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup chopped cilantro

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse or scrub fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
  3. Place the vegetables and garlic on a dry skillet. Grill on medium heat until soft, about 10 minutes. Move around a few times to brown all edges.
  4. Remove peel from garlic. Add garlic, vegetables, salt and pepper to a blender. Pulse 4 to 5 times to a thickness you like.
  5. Move salsa to a bowl. Stir in cilantro and serve.
  6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • To cook tomatillos, you must first remove the dry skin that surrounds them. You have to rinse them well because they tend to be sticky.
  • No serrano peppers? Try jalapeño peppers or other hot peppers.
  • The spiciness of peppers can vary depending on the growing conditions. Peppers usually have a higher level of heat during hot summer months.
  • No blender? Use a knife or grind with a stone, mortar or molcajete.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Thanks to the OSU Extension Latin Heritage Workgroup for this recipe.

Featured in a Food Hero Monthly

Comments

Submitted by russeste on Thu, 02/06/2025 - 12:53

This was the best salsa recipe ever! It has so much flavor and was so good on my quesadilla. I've never made my own Salas Verde before, but wanted to give it a try and this recipe did not disappoint. It's spicy, which I like, and it tastes so fresh. I'll definitely be making this recipe again, but for now I get to use the leftovers. I think I'll try drizzling it on a taco salad for dinner!

Salsa Verde

 

Submitted by HENelson13 on Mon, 08/26/2024 - 13:18

I used the 1/2 green bell pepper option and it made a sweet and unique tasting salsa verde. Salsa was very fast and easy to make. 

Submitted by walscaro on Sun, 01/23/2022 - 11:24

I had no idea it was so easy to make a salsa verde myself. Thanks!

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Lentil Soup with Lime Juice
Lentil, carrot and bell pepper soup served with lime and a slice of bread.

Lentil Soup with Lime Juice

Filling and tasty lentil soup with spicy green chiles, fresh veggies and a pop of lime!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
60 minutes
Makes:
9 cups
Stovetop Sorghum
Big bowl of small sorghum pellets.

Stovetop Sorghum

This nutrient-rich grain has a sweet and nutty flavor.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
1 hour
Makes:
2 ½ cups
Savory Yogurt Spread
Yogurt dip served in a veggie wrap and sliced vegetables.

Savory Yogurt Spread

A thick and creamy herbed yogurt spread that is great on wraps or for dipping veggies and pita.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
½ cup
Squash Blossom Quesadilla
Plate of corn tortillas folded over cheese and squash blossom filling with salsa.

Squash Blossom Quesadilla

Tortillas filled with tender sautéed squash blossoms and creamy cheese. Make them your own by adding salsa, peppers, cilantro or epazote.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
6 quesadillas
Chicken Creole
Tender chicken cooked in a tomato and spice-based sauce served over a bowl of pasta.

Chicken Creole

Quick and easy recipe that is full of flavor and ready in under an hour.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
10 cups
Drinkable Yogurt
Sundae glass of yogurt and orange juice mix.

Drinkable Yogurt

A simple 2-ingredient snack made with yogurt and your favorite fruit juice.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
1 Cup