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Authentic Salsa Verde Recipe

Overhead view of a white bowl of salsa verde garnished with sliced avocado, serrano peppers, and chopped onion, surrounded by tortilla chips on a white background.

Authentic Salsa Verde Recipe

BY: Michele
PUBLISHED: Jul 22, 2022
UPDATED: Aug 7, 2022
5 Reviews / 5 Average
Featured Comment
This salsa tasted so good and so traditional. We loved every bit of it and I am making it again for my friends on Saturday.
GUNJAN
8 More Comments
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This authentic Salsa Verde recipe is the best and easiest salsa verde recipe you’ll ever make.

It is so fresh and flavorful that you’ll want to take it to your favorite Mexican restaurant because it will likely taste better than theirs!

Small white ceramic bowl with salsa verde with sliced avocados, chopped onions and serrano peppers on top with tortilla chips scattered around the side of the bowl.

Whichever type of salsa you prefer, mild or spicier salsa, you’ll find this easy salsa verde recipe will satisfy your salsa craving.

Whenever we visit our favorite Mexican restaurant, they start the meal by bringing out salsa roja, salsa verde, and chips.

Jump to:
  • Recipe Source
  • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
  • Why This Recipe Works
  • What You’ll Need To Make Salsa Verde
  • 🍽 Equipment
  • 🥘 Ingredients
  • 🔪 How To Make Authentic Salsa Verde
  • 💭 Recipe Tips
  • 📖 Variations
  • What To Serve With Salsa Verde
  • FAQs
  • More Recipes
  • Recipe
  • ⭐ Reviews

This salsa verde, or green sauce, is one of my favorite salsas, so much that I can pour it over everything, including tacos, nachos, enchiladas, including Pork Chile Verde, and Enchiladas Suizas, or even cook beef in the green salsa, which is called Carne en salsa verde, or serve it with Salsa Roja and Mango Habanero Salsa on a salsa bar for a party!

However, mostly I serve it with my homemade tortilla chips. We think it is one of the best authentic Mexican recipes out there.

Recipe Source

Living in Texas, we have lots of friends who live in Mexico and come up to San Antonio to visit. Whenever they come, we end up making a feast of Mexican food Recipes and Southern food, and afterward exchange recipes. This is where I got my green salsa recipe.

Overhead close up view of a bowl of salsa verde with avocado slices and chopped avocado with chopped onions and serrano peppers. A wooden spoon handle is seen coming out of the salsa bowl. The bowl is surrounded by tortilla chips on a white plate.

Starting out with Appetizers, my friend from Mexico shared this authentic salsa verde recipe with us, and I couldn’t believe how easy it was to make, and how delicious this easy recipe was.

She also shared some tips with me to make the salsa taste amazing, and I’ll be sharing those recipe tips with you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy. This is super easy to make. Literally, you dump all the ingredients in a food processor and let it go for a minute or two until it is smooth, and you are done!
  • Flavorful. With the tomatillos, Serrano peppers, onion, garlic, and fresh cilantro as the main ingredients, this salsa verde is exploding with flavor and uses only fresh ingredients. That is why you see it used in so many ways in Mexican restaurants. If you love Mexican cuisine, then you’ll love this recipe.
  • Spicy or Mild. You are in control of the spice level. You can make it as mild or as spicy as you like. It is very simple to adjust the level of spiciness in this recipe.
  • Ingredients. This recipe uses all fresh ingredients, which you should be able to find at most large grocery stores. If not, then try your local Mexican market.

Why This Recipe Works

  • No Cooking. There is no roasting or cooking required with this salsa.
  • Authentic Recipe from Mexico. As mentioned above, this is a recipe that I got from my friend from Mexico and it had been in her family for years.
Side view of a platter of tortilla chips with a white bowl of green salsa, salsa verde, in the middle, topped with avocado slices, green onions and serrano peppers with a wooden spoon coming out of the salsa bowl. In the background is a small bowl of tomatillos and very small bowls with individual spices. You can see the corner or a purple napkin in the upper left side of the photo.

What You’ll Need To Make Salsa Verde

🍽 Equipment

The affiliate links below will allow you to see the product on Amazon.com. If you purchase one of the items, I will receive a very small commission on the product, which does not increase the price.

  • Food Processor or Blender
  • Large Bowl
  • Small Bowls for serving

🥘 Ingredients

Below I discuss the ingredients and possible substitutions in case you don’t have a specific ingredient. However, if you are looking for the specific measurements of each ingredient, be sure to scroll down to the bottom of this article, just above the comments, for the printable recipe card, which includes all the ingredients and the specific amounts of each one.

Overhead view of indivual labeled ingredients for salsa verde on a white marble background. Included are a whole avocado, a bunch of cilantro, a bowl of peeled tomatillos, a lime, 1 serrano pepper, small bowls including one with minced onions, one with salt, one with a garlic clove, and one with water.
  • Green tomatillos – Be sure to remove the papery husk before using. Without the husks, they look like small green tomatoes.
  • Serrano Chile Pepper – I like serrano peppers. However, you could use jalapeno peppers if you don’t have serrano peppers.
  • Onion – I used a white onion. However, you can use sweet, Vidalia, or red onion.
  • Garlic – In this recipe, I recommend using fresh garlic instead of pre-minced garlic.
  • Cilantro – You’ll use some of the cilantro in the green sauce, and a little more as a garnish.
  • Lime juice – (freshly squeezed lime juice is preferred)
  • Water
  • Salt (depending on your taste)
  • Avocado – (optional) – Feel free to add chopped avocado as a garnish.

🔪 How To Make Authentic Salsa Verde

A photo collage with 6 photos each showing one step in the process of making salsa verde. One showing the tomatillos added to the blender, The second photo showing onions and garlic added to the blender with tomatillos. The 3rd photo shows lime juice and water being added. The 4th photo shows salt being added to the blender. The 5th photo shows all the ingredients in the blender just before blending, and the 6th photo shows all the the smooth sauce n the blender after all the ingredients have been blended.
  1. Rinse. Rinse the tomatillos and chili with water.
  2. Blend. Cut your tomatillos into small pieces. Then add your chili, 1 tablespoon of onion, garlic clove, 1 teaspoon of cilantro or the equivalent in leaves, lemon juice, water, and salt into your blender. Blend until smooth.
  3. Taste. Taste and add more salt if needed.
  4. Garnish. Place sauce into your serving dish and add pieces of avocado with the rest of the onion and additional cilantro.
  5. Serve. Enjoy with tortilla chips, chilaquiles, nachos, fajitas, quesadillas, or tacos.
An overhead view of the white platter on a round cutting board with tortilla chips surrounding a white bowl with salsa verde with a wooden spoon, topped with serrano peppers, sliced avocados, chopped avocados, and chopped onions.

💭 Recipe Tips

  • To Make Spicier. Add more Serrano chili peppers.
  • To Make Less Spicy. Use 1/2 a Serrano chili pepper, or use jalapeños instead because they are not as spicy as the Serrano peppers. For no spicy heat at all, leave out the chili peppers altogether.

📖 Variations

  • Italian Salsa Verde – While the Italian green sauce sounds very similar to the Mexican version of Salsa verde, it has several different ingredients, including parsley and basil instead of cilantro, and it adds capers and anchovies. Check out this Italian Salsa Verde Recipe if you are looking for the Italian version.
  • Creamy Salsa Verde. Add sour cream to the salsa verde to make it creamy.
  • Avocado Salsa Verde. Chop up an avocado and blend it in with the salsa.
  • Roasted Tomatillo Salsa Verde. If you want a smoky salsa, try roasting the tomatillo with olive oil under a broiler for about 12 minutes or until the skins are blistering.
  • Salsa Verde Without Tomatillos. If you don’t want tomatillos in the salsa verde, then you could try using jalapeno peppers instead of the tomatillos, but it will give the salsa a different flavor and texture.
A horizontal photo of a round white platter with tortilla chips with a white bowl of salsa verde garnished with avocado, onions and serrano peppers. To the left is a purple napkin, on top are tomatillos, in the upper right corner are individual bowls, one with chopped onion, one with salt, and one with chopped cilantro.

What To Serve With Salsa Verde

Salsa Verde goes with every Mexican dish. It can be a dip served with chips or a sauce served with your favorite, meat, poultry, or fish. Below are a few of my favorite ways to serve salsa verde.

  • Tortilla Chips. Salsa Verde and chips make a perfect combination with the chips acting as a dipper or spoon.
  • Chilaquiles or Huevos Rancheros. Have this delicious green sauce with your eggs in the morning!
  • Pulled Pork Nachos
  • Lime Chicken Tacos
  • Instant Pot Black Beans
An overhead view of a white bowl giving a closer view of the salsa verde, a Mexican green sauce, that is topped with serrano peppers, chopped onions and avocado slices. You can see a partial view of tortilla chips surrounding the bowl.

FAQs

Can I Make Salsa Verde Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make it up to 3 days ahead of time.

How Do I Store Salsa Verde?

Store this salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

More Recipes

  • Creamy Avocado Salsa
  • Pico De Gallo Salsa
  • Corn and Zucchini Salsa

So the next time you reach for a jar of salsa verde, consider making your own, you will be so glad you did! This is one of the great recipes that everyone should have in their recipe repertoire.

If you like this recipe or make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment, rate the recipe, and follow us on:

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Recipe

Overhead view of a bowl of salsa verde, green sauce, garnished with avocado slices, chopped onions, serrano peppers, and surrounded by tortilla chips.
Print Pin Save Saved!
5 from 5 votes

Authentic Salsa Verde Recipe

Authentic Salsa Verde is made with fresh ingredients, including tomatillos, serrano peppers, onion, garlic, cilantro, and requires no cooking.
Course Side Dishes
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword green salsa, green sauce, Mexican salsa, salsa, Salsa Verde
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 24kcal
Author Michele @ Flavor Mosaic

Ingredients

Salsa

  • 1.2 lbs green tomatillos
  • 1 serrano chili (If you want it spicier add more Serrano chili peppers.)
  • 1 Tablespoon minced onion
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon minced Cilantro (plus 1 TBL for garnish)
  • ½ teaspoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed juice is preferred)
  • 2 Tablespoons water
  • ½ – 1 teaspoon of salt (depending on your taste)

Garnish

  • 1 ripe Avocado
  • 1 tablespoon Cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon minced onion
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Instructions 

  • Rinse the tomatillos and chili with water.
  • Cut your tomatillos into small pieces. Then add your chili, 1 tablespoon of onion, garlic clove, 1 teaspoon of cilantro or the equivalent in leaves, lemon juice, water, and salt into your blender. Blend until smooth.
  • Taste and add more salt if needed.
  • Place sauce into your serving dish and add pieces of avocado with the rest of the onion and additional cilantro.
  • Enjoy with nachos, fajitas, quesadillas, or tacos.

Video

Notes

 
  • To Make Spicier. Add more Serrano chili peppers.
  • To Make Less Spicy. Use 1/2 a Serrano chili pepper, or use jalapeños instead because they are not as spicy as the Serrano peppers. For no spicy heat at all, leave out the chili peppers altogether.
  • To Store Leftover Salsa. Store this salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to  days.

Nutrition

Calories: 24kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 437mg | Potassium: 191mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 89IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 0.4mg

Filed Under: Appetizers, Breakfast / Brunch, Budget-friendly, Cinco De Mayo, Custom 3 Featured Posts, Dinner, Lunch, Mexican, Party Foods, Quick and Easy, Salsa, Sauces, Side Dishes, Spicy, Tex-Mex Recipes

DISCLOSURE: Flavor Mosaic is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. Please note: This blog may contain affiliate links to products I use and love. I earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, to help with blog expenses when you make a purchase through an affiliate link. Thank you for your support!

Reader Interactions

Michele F - Owner / Founder / Creator / Blogger at Flavor Mosaic
Michele

Hi, I’m Michele Feuerborn, wife, and dog Mom, with 20+ years experience as a home cook. I’m the Founder of Flavor Mosaic, as well as the author, recipe developer, and photographer. I share fast, easy, flavorful recipes with bold flavors, featuring Instant Pot recipes and Southern and Mexican cuisines.

Comments

  1. Alison Saalbach Corey says

    July 22, 2022 at 8:22 am

    This is one of the great recipes that everyone should have! Super authentic salsa verde! Thank you Michelle for this recipe!

    Reply
    • Michele says

      July 22, 2022 at 8:24 am

      Thanks Alison!

      Reply
  2. Lima Ekram says

    July 22, 2022 at 8:37 am

    I love the fact that you can vary the spiciness! I love salsa-verde – but sometimes I just cant have some because its too hot! Thank you for the directions!

    Reply
  3. GUNJAN says

    July 22, 2022 at 8:54 am

    This salsa tasted so good and so traditional. We loved every bit of it and I am making it again for my friends on Saturday.

    Reply
    • Michele says

      July 22, 2022 at 9:08 am

      Hi Gunjan,

      I’m so glad you liked it and will be making it again. This is one of those recipes that I always have a batch on hand because I use it on almost everything!

      Thanks,

      Michele

      Reply
  4. Mairead says

    July 22, 2022 at 9:21 am

    I love how versatile this recipe is, and the fact that I can make it as mild or as hot as I like. It’s perfect for pouring over tacos, nachos, and enchiladas.

    Reply
  5. Toni says

    July 22, 2022 at 9:22 am

    I am sure this will be a sure hit at my house!! It looks fantastic and so easy!

    Reply
  6. Ann says

    July 31, 2022 at 8:42 pm

    I love the word authentic in this recipe! I am always trying to find recipes like this! Excited to give it a try!

    Reply
    • Michele says

      July 31, 2022 at 9:51 pm

      Thank you Ann. I hope you like it.

      Michele

      Reply

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About Me

Hi, I’m Michele, a home cook with 20+ years experience. I created Flavor Mosaic as a place to share our favorite fast, easy, and flavorful creative recipes with bold flavors, including Southern, Mexican, Tex-Mex, and Instant Pot recipes. Read More…

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