Salsas & Dips

Salsa De Tomate Verde

Name: Salsa De Tomate Verde
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 dried arbol chiles; 2 lbs (1 kg) fresh tomatillos; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup (15 g) chopped fresh cilantro; 2 tbsp (30 ml) lime juice; 1 tsp (5 g) salt; 1/4 tsp (1.25 g) black pepper; 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil; 2 cups (475 ml) water

By Silas Underhill · June 19, 2026 · Salsas & Dips

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves4

I still remember the smell of my abuela's kitchen, filled with the aroma of roasting chiles and tomatillos, the foundation of our family's favorite Salsa De Tomate Verde. This salsa, a staple in Mexican cuisine, brings back memories of family gatherings and celebrations. As a second-generation cook, I'm excited to share my abuela's recipe with you, adapted for the modern home cook.

Salsa De Tomate Verde is more than just a condiment; it's a way to add depth and excitement to any dish. Whether you're using it as a dip for chips, a topping for tacos, or a sauce for grilled meats, this salsa is sure to become a favorite. The best part? It's incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques.

In this recipe, we'll explore the art of creating Salsa De Tomate Verde from scratch, using traditional Mexican methods and ingredients. We'll start by roasting our chiles and tomatillos, then blend them with some onions, garlic, and cilantro to create a smooth and flavorful sauce. With this recipe, you'll be able to make delicious Salsa De Tomate Verde at home, just like my abuela used to make.

So, let's get started! With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you'll be on your way to making delicious Salsa De Tomate Verde. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add some excitement to their meals, whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out.

In my kitchen, Salsa De Tomate Verde is a staple. I use it to add flavor to my tacos, grilled meats, and vegetables. It's also a great dip for chips or a topping for soups and salads. With this recipe, you'll be able to make Salsa De Tomate Verde at home, just like I do, and enjoy it with your favorite dishes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
Salsa De Tomate Verde is a versatile condiment that can be used as a dip, topping, or sauce.
The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the chiles and tomatillos, creating a rich and complex sauce.
This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time, as the flavors only get better with age.
Salsa De Tomate Verde is a great way to add some excitement to your meals, whether you're using it as a dip or a topping.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Salsa De Tomate Verde is in the roasting process. By charring the chiles and tomatillos, we're able to bring out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor. This, combined with the pungency of the onions and garlic, creates a rich and complex sauce that's perfect for dipping or topping.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of fresh cilantro. This herb adds a bright, freshness to the salsa that helps balance out the richness of the roasted chiles and tomatillos. By using fresh cilantro, we're able to create a sauce that's not only delicious but also visually appealing.

In terms of technique, this recipe is all about layering flavors. We start by roasting our chiles and tomatillos, then blend them with some onions, garlic, and cilantro. This creates a smooth and flavorful sauce that's perfect for dipping or topping. By layering our flavors in this way, we're able to create a sauce that's greater than the sum of its parts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making Salsa De Tomate Verde, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. We'll be using a combination of roasted chiles and tomatillos, onions, garlic, and fresh cilantro to create a smooth and flavorful sauce. Be sure to choose fresh, high-quality ingredients, as they'll make all the difference in the final product.

One of the most important ingredients in this recipe is the type of chile used. We'll be using dried arbol chiles, which have a bright, fiery flavor that's perfect for Salsa De Tomate Verde. You can find these chiles at most Mexican markets or online.

4 dried arbol chilesThese chiles have a bright, fiery flavor that's perfect for Salsa De Tomate Verde. You can find them at most Mexican markets or online.
2 lbs (1 kg) fresh tomatillosFresh tomatillos are essential for this recipe, as they provide a sweet and slightly smoky flavor. Be sure to choose tomatillos that are firm and free of blemishes.
1 large onion, choppedThe onion adds a pungent flavor to the salsa, which helps balance out the sweetness of the tomatillos. Be sure to choose a sweet onion, such as a Vidalia or Maui, for the best flavor.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a fundamental ingredient in many Mexican dishes, and it's essential for adding depth to the salsa. Be sure to mince the garlic finely, as this will help it distribute evenly throughout the sauce.
1/4 cup (15 g) chopped fresh cilantroFresh cilantro adds a bright, freshness to the salsa that helps balance out the richness of the roasted chiles and tomatillos. Be sure to choose fresh, high-quality cilantro for the best flavor.
2 tbsp (30 ml) lime juiceLime juice helps to balance out the flavors in the salsa, adding a touch of acidity and brightness. Be sure to use fresh lime juice, as bottled juice can be too acidic.
1 tsp (5 g) saltSalt is essential for bringing out the flavors in the salsa, and it helps to balance out the acidity of the lime juice. Be sure to use a high-quality salt, such as kosher or sea salt, for the best flavor.
1/4 tsp (1.25 g) black pepperBlack pepper adds a subtle, slightly spicy flavor to the salsa, which helps to balance out the other ingredients. Be sure to use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oilOlive oil is used to roast the chiles and tomatillos, which helps to bring out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor. Be sure to use a high-quality olive oil, such as extra-virgin, for the best flavor.
2 cups (475 ml) waterWater is used to thin out the salsa, making it the perfect consistency for dipping or topping. Be sure to use fresh, cold water for the best flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or comalOven or broilerBlender or food processorSharp chef's knifeCutting boardInstant-read thermometerFine-mesh strainer

How to Make Salsa De Tomate Verde

1
Preheat your oven or broiler to 400°F (200°C).
2
Place the dried arbol chiles on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and slightly puffed. Remove the chiles from the oven and let them cool.
3
Place the tomatillos on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they're tender and lightly charred. Remove the tomatillos from the oven and let them cool.
4
Peel the skin off the tomatillos and place them in a blender or food processor with the roasted chiles, onion, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper.
5
Blend the mixture until it's smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
6
With the blender or food processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil and water. Continue blending until the salsa is the desired consistency.
7
Taste the salsa and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more lime juice, salt, or black pepper to taste.
8
Strain the salsa through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any solids and achieve a smooth texture.
9
Transfer the salsa to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
10
Before serving, give the salsa a good stir and adjust the seasoning as needed.
11
Serve the salsa chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.

Expert Tips

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
Don't over-roast the chiles and tomatillos, as this can make the salsa bitter.
Adjust the seasoning to taste, as the salsa can be quite spicy.
Use this salsa as a dip for chips, a topping for tacos, or a sauce for grilled meats.
Make the salsa ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Experiment with different types of chiles and tomatillos to create unique flavor profiles.
Add a splash of vinegar or citrus juice to the salsa to balance out the flavors.
Use this salsa as a base and add other ingredients, such as diced onions or jalapenos, to create a unique flavor profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not toasting the chiles and tomatillos, which can result in a bland salsa.
Over-roasting the chiles and tomatillos, which can make the salsa bitter.
Not straining the salsa, which can result in a chunky texture.
Not adjusting the seasoning, which can result in a salsa that's too spicy or too bland.
Not using fresh, high-quality ingredients, which can result in a salsa that's lacking in flavor.
Not making the salsa ahead of time, which can result in a salsa that's not fully melded.

Variations and Substitutions

Add diced onions or jalapenos to the salsa for extra flavor.
Use different types of chiles, such as habaneros or guajillos, to create a unique flavor profile.
Add a splash of vinegar or citrus juice to the salsa to balance out the flavors.
Use this salsa as a base and add other ingredients, such as diced mango or pineapple, to create a unique flavor profile.
Make the salsa with roasted peppers instead of tomatillos for a different flavor profile.
Add some heat to the salsa by incorporating diced serrano peppers or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
Experiment with different herbs, such as parsley or basil, to create a unique flavor profile.

What to Serve With Salsa De Tomate Verde

Salsa De Tomate Verde is a versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes. Try using it as a dip for chips, a topping for tacos, or a sauce for grilled meats. You can also use it as a base and add other ingredients, such as diced onions or jalapenos, to create a unique flavor profile.

Some other ideas for using Salsa De Tomate Verde include:

Tortilla chipsTacosGrilled meatsVegetablesNachosGrilled cheese

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Salsa De Tomate Verde can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Simply transfer the salsa to an airtight container and refrigerate. You can also freeze the salsa for up to 3 months. Simply transfer the salsa to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze.

When you're ready to use the salsa, simply thaw it in the refrigerator or at room temperature. You can also reheat the salsa in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring frequently, until it's warmed through.

It's also important to note that the salsa will thicken as it cools, so you may need to stir in a little water to achieve the desired consistency. Additionally, the flavors will meld together as the salsa sits, so it's best to make it ahead of time and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chiles should I use for Salsa De Tomate Verde?

You can use dried arbol chiles or fresh jalapeno or serrano peppers. The type of chile you use will affect the flavor and heat level of the salsa.

Can I use canned tomatillos instead of fresh?

While canned tomatillos can be convenient, they lack the depth of flavor and texture of fresh tomatillos. If you can't find fresh tomatillos, you can try using canned, but be sure to rinse them well and adjust the seasoning accordingly.

How spicy is Salsa De Tomate Verde?

The level of heat in Salsa De Tomate Verde will depend on the type of chiles you use. If you're using dried arbol chiles, the salsa will be moderately spicy. If you're using fresh jalapeno or serrano peppers, the salsa will be quite spicy. You can adjust the level of heat to your taste by using more or fewer chiles.

Can I make Salsa De Tomate Verde ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Salsa De Tomate Verde ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze it for up to 3 months. The flavors will meld together as the salsa sits, so it's best to make it ahead of time and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving.

What can I use Salsa De Tomate Verde for?

Can I adjust the seasoning of Salsa De Tomate Verde?

Yes, you can adjust the seasoning of Salsa De Tomate Verde to taste. You can add more lime juice, salt, or black pepper to balance out the flavors. You can also add other ingredients, such as diced onions or jalapenos, to create a unique flavor profile.

How do I store Salsa De Tomate Verde?

Salsa De Tomate Verde can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 3 months. Simply transfer the salsa to an airtight container or freezer bag and refrigerate or freeze.

Can I make Salsa De Tomate Verde without a blender or food processor?

Yes, you can make Salsa De Tomate Verde without a blender or food processor. Simply chop the ingredients finely and mix them together in a bowl. You can also use a molcajete or mortar and pestle to grind the ingredients together.

The Full Recipe

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