Get ready to ignite your taste buds with these 18 Spicy Salsa Verde Recipes that are straight from the heart of Mexico! Salsa Verde, a tangy and savory condiment made with tomatillos, jalapeños, garlic, and cilantro, is a staple in many Mexican households. But what makes this salsa truly special is its versatility – it can be used as a dip for chips, as a topping for tacos, or as a sauce for grilled meats and vegetables.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the spicy and savory world of Salsa Verde, showcasing 18 authentic recipes that will make your taste buds dance. From classic combinations to creative twists, each recipe is carefully crafted to bring out the best flavors of this beloved condiment. Whether you’re a salsa aficionado or just looking for new inspiration in the kitchen, this article has got you covered.
Classic Mexican Salsa Verde with Tomatillos
This vibrant green salsa is a staple of Mexican cuisine, made by roasting tomatillos and blending them with onions, garlic, jalapeños, and cilantro. Perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or using as a dip.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 tomatillos, husked and rinsed
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2-3 jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped
– 1/4 cup cilantro leaves
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the tomatillos on a baking sheet, cut side up.
3. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the tomatillos are soft and slightly caramelized.
4. In a blender or food processor, combine roasted tomatillos, onion, garlic, jalapeños, and cilantro.
5. Blend until smooth, with some texture remaining.
6. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Roasted Tomatillo and Jalapeño Salsa Verde
This vibrant salsa verde is perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or vegetables. Roasting the tomatillos and jalapeños brings out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 tomatillos
– 2-3 jalapeños
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro leaves
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the tomatillos and jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic.
4. Roast for 15-20 minutes or until the tomatillos are tender and the jalapeños have caramelized.
5. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
6. Peel the skin off the roasted tomatillos and place them in a blender or food processor.
7. Add the roasted jalapeños, cilantro, and salt. Blend until smooth.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Creamy Avocado Salsa Verde
Elevate your guacamole game with this creamy, herby twist on traditional salsa verde. This recipe combines the richness of avocados with the brightness of fresh herbs and a hint of spice.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe avocados
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine avocados, parsley, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
4. If desired, stir in chopped jalapeño for an added kick.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is best served chilled, straight from the fridge.
Grilled Pineapple Salsa Verde
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with this refreshing twist on traditional salsa! Grilled pineapple adds a caramelized sweetness, while the tangy green sauce brings everything together.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe pineapple, cut into 1-inch wedges
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves and stems
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Grill pineapple wedges for 2-3 minutes per side, or until caramelized and slightly charred.
3. In a blender or food processor, combine parsley, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and olive oil. Blend until smooth.
4. Once grilled pineapple is cool enough to handle, chop it into small pieces and add to the green sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Spicy Serrano and Cilantro Salsa Verde
This vibrant and flavorful salsa verde combines the pungency of serrano peppers with the freshness of cilantro, perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or veggies. With just a few simple ingredients and quick cooking time, you’ll be enjoying this delicious condiment in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
– 2-3 serrano peppers, seeded and chopped
– 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine cilantro, serrano peppers, red onion, and garlic.
2. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Add lime juice and salt; blend until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Tomatillo and Garlic Salsa Verde
This vibrant green salsa is a twist on the classic Mexican condiment, featuring roasted tomatillos and garlic for a depth of flavor that’s perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or veggies.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 tomatillos
– 3 cloves garlic
– 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves and stems
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
– 1 lime, juiced
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the tomatillos for 10-15 minutes, or until they’re slightly softened and fragrant.
3. Let the tomatillos cool, then peel off the papery skin and chop them into small pieces.
4. In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted tomatillos, garlic, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, and salt. Blend until smooth.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Smoky Chipotle Salsa Verde
This smoky chipotle salsa verde brings a bold and tangy twist to traditional green sauces, perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or vegetables. With the depth of chipotle peppers and the brightness of fresh herbs, this recipe is sure to elevate your meal game.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
– 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
– 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a food processor or blender, combine cilantro, parsley, jalapeño, chipotle peppers, and lime juice.
2. Process until the mixture is smooth and slightly chunky.
3. With the processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil through the top.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Transfer to a serving bowl or jar.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (ready in no time!)
Enjoy your Smoky Chipotle Salsa Verde!
Mango and Tomatillo Salsa Verde
This vibrant salsa verde combines the natural sweetness of mango with the tanginess of tomatillos, perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or using as a dip.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 4-6 tomatillos, husked and rinsed, seeded and chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine mango, tomatillos, jalapeño, and cilantro.
2. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Add lime juice and blend until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if desired.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: About 2 cups of salsa verde
Tomatillo and Lime Salsa Verde
This vibrant and tangy salsa verde is a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, fish, or as a dip for crudités. The combination of roasted tomatillos, fresh lime juice, and fragrant cilantro creates a flavor profile that’s both bold and refreshing.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 tomatillos, husked and rinsed
– 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves and stems
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the tomatillos on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re tender and slightly caramelized.
3. In a blender or food processor, combine roasted tomatillos, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño, garlic, and salt. Blend until smooth.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Roasted Poblano and Tomatillo Salsa Verde
Brighten up your meals with this vibrant and flavorful salsa verde, featuring roasted poblanos and tomatillos.
Ingredients:
– 2 large poblano peppers
– 4 large tomatillos, husked and rinsed
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 lime, juiced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place poblanos on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until charred and blistered.
3. Remove poblanos from the oven and let them cool slightly. Peel off the skin, remove seeds, and chop into small pieces.
4. In a blender or food processor, combine roasted poblanos, tomatillos, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes (roasting time) + 10-15 minutes (blending)
Herby Parsley and Tomatillo Salsa Verde
This vibrant salsa verde combines the brightness of parsley, the tanginess of tomatillos, and a hint of garlic for a delicious accompaniment to grilled meats, vegetables, or as a dip for crudités.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe tomatillos, husked and rinsed
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves and stems
– 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the tomatillos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Roast for 15-20 minutes or until the skin is blistered and charred.
4. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
5. In a blender or food processor, combine roasted tomatillos, parsley, garlic, jalapeño, and olive oil.
6. Blend until smooth, adjusting seasoning with salt as needed.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Habanero Salsa Verde
This Spicy Habanero Salsa Verde is a bold and flavorful condiment that adds a kick to any dish. With the perfect balance of heat and herby freshness, it’s sure to become your new favorite topping.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh parsley leaves and stems
– 1 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
– 1 habanero pepper, seeded and chopped
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a food processor or blender, combine parsley, basil, jalapeño, habanero, and garlic. Process until coarsely chopped.
2. With the processor running, slowly pour in olive oil through the top. Process until well combined and slightly thickened.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Tomatillo and Cucumber Salsa Verde
This vibrant salsa verde is a perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors, featuring fresh tomatillos and cucumbers. It’s a great accompaniment to grilled meats, vegetables, or as a dip for tortilla chips.
Ingredients:
– 2 large tomatillos, husked and rinsed
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and seeded
– 1/4 cup red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the tomatillos on a baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, or until soft and slightly caramelized.
3. In a blender or food processor, combine roasted tomatillos, cucumber, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Blend until smooth.
4. Stir in lime juice and salt to taste.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (including roasting time)
Charred Corn and Tomatillo Salsa Verde
This vibrant salsa verde combines smoky charred corn with tangy tomatillos, perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or vegetables. With a few simple steps, you’ll be enjoying the flavors of Mexico in no time!
Ingredients:
– 4 ears of corn, husked and silked
– 2 large tomatillos, husked and rinsed
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves and stems
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt, to taste
– Lime wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Grill the corn ears for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until slightly charred and tender.
3. Meanwhile, place the tomatillos on a baking sheet and roast in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until slightly softened and fragrant.
4. In a blender or food processor, combine the grilled corn, roasted tomatillos, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, and salt. Blend until smooth.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve warm with lime wedges, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Tomatillo and Pumpkin Seed Salsa Verde
This vibrant salsa verde combines the sweet and tangy flavors of roasted tomatillos with the nutty goodness of pumpkin seeds, perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or veggies.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 tomatillos, husked and rinsed
– 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves and stems
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt, to taste
– Juice of 1 lime
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the tomatillos on a baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, or until charred and tender.
3. Let the tomatillos cool, then peel off the skin and chop into small pieces.
4. In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted tomatillos, pumpkin seeds, jalapeño pepper, cilantro, garlic, salt, and lime juice. Blend until smooth.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Green Apple and Tomatillo Salsa Verde
A twist on the classic salsa verde, this recipe combines the sweetness of green apples with the tanginess of tomatillos for a fresh and flavorful condiment.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 tomatillos, husked and rinsed
– 1 large green apple, peeled and chopped
– 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the tomatillos, onion, and jalapeño for 15-20 minutes, or until tender.
3. Let the roasted ingredients cool slightly, then transfer them to a blender or food processor.
4. Add the chopped apple, garlic, and cilantro, along with salt to taste. Blend until smooth.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (roasting) + chilling time
Tomatillo and Mint Salsa Verde
This vibrant salsa verde combines the sweetness of roasted tomatillos with the cooling freshness of mint, perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or veggies. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be enjoying this delicious condiment in no time!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 tomatillos, husked and rinsed
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the tomatillos on a baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, or until charred and soft.
3. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
4. In a blender or food processor, combine roasted tomatillos, mint leaves, jalapeño pepper, garlic, and lime juice.
5. Blend until smooth, adjusting seasoning as needed.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Enjoy your Tomatillo and Mint Salsa Verde with your favorite dishes!
Roasted Garlic and Tomatillo Salsa Verde
Elevate your Mexican-inspired dishes with this vibrant and flavorful salsa verde, roasted to perfection with garlic and tomatillos. This sweet and tangy condiment is perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 tomatillos, husked and rinsed
– 2 heads of garlic, separated into individual cloves
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place tomatillos and garlic cloves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tomatillos are tender and garlic is caramelized.
5. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
6. Blend roasted mixture with cilantro and lime juice in a food processor until smooth.
7. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Discover the authentic flavors of Mexico with these 18 spicy salsa verde recipes. From classic combinations to creative twists, each recipe features tomatillos as the star ingredient. Try your hand at Roasted Tomatillo and Jalapeño Salsa Verde, Creamy Avocado Salsa Verde, or Grilled Pineapple Salsa Verde for a taste of Mexico’s bold flavors. With a range of heat levels and flavor profiles, you’re sure to find the perfect salsa verde recipe to add some spice to your meals.
