You’ll never buy green salsa from the store again after trying this easy Tomatillo Salsa recipe!   It’s fresh and vibrant and includes just a few simple ingredients.  There’s no cooking involved, so it comes together in just 10 minutes!

Tomatillo salsa recipe in a white bowl with lime and cilantro

I’m a huge fan of Mexican food, and the condiments are definitely the best way to make it next level. Homemade guacamole and fresh pineapple salsa almost steal the show as far as I’m concerned!

While I love classic pico de gallo and restaurant style salsa as much as the next person, this Tomatillo Salsa recipe is my all time favorite. It was inspired by a green salsa prepared by none other than Gonzalo Guzman, the owner of Nopalito restaurant in San Francisco, back when I was in cooking school.

Before that day, I’d only tried roasted tomatillo salsa, which is similar to my green enchilada sauce, so my mind was blown. I’ll never forget how fresh and bright it tasted, and the vibrant green color was indicative of those flavors.

This is my rendition of that recipe, and I hope you love it as much as we do. 🙂

Why you’ll love this recipe:

  • Tomatillo salsa is fresh and vibrant in color and flavor!
  • It’s made with 6 ingredients and it’s done in about 10 minutes.
  • This is a versatile recipe that’s great as a dip or as a condiment for tacos and burrito bowls.
  • It’s naturally vegan, dairy free and gluten free.

Recipe ingredients

There are (6) fresh ingredients in this green salsa. There is no fat or sugar added, so the flavors really shine!

Tomatillo salsa ingredients

Ingredient notes

  • Tomatillos. Tomatillos can be found in the refrigerated section in the produce department, normally by the chili peppers. They’re covered with thin, papery husks and coated in a waxy film. If you’d like to learn more about this fascinating fruit, be sure to see my produce guide and round up of delicious Tomatillo recipes!
  • Onion. I like white onion in this salsa, but yellow or even green onion will work in this recipe.
  • Poblano peppers. My family is fairly spice intolerant, so I use poblano peppers because they’re very mild in heat. If you like spicy salsa, substitute the poblanos with jalapeño peppers.

How to make this recipe

The simple things are often the best, and this Tomatillo Salsa recipe is living proof. There’s minimal prep involved, and the entire recipe comes together in about 10 minutes from start to finish.

All of the ingredients are simply whirred together in a food processor, and it’s ready for dipping!

Pro tip: This tomatillo salsa recipe has a decent amount of liquid similar to salsa made with raw tomatoes.  If you’d like a creamier texture, add the flesh of a small pitted and peeled avocado!

How to make tomatillo salsa collage
  1. Place all ingredients into the bowl of a food processor.
  2. Pulse until the tomatillo salsa reaches the desired consistency, then taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Enjoy!

FAQs

Are tomatillos the same as tomatoes?

Tomatillos look like small green tomatoes, but they’re not tomatoes. While they are also fruit and are members of the nightshade family, the similarities stop there. Tomatillos are covered in a papery husk, and they’re coated with a waxy film that deters insects. They have a bright, acidic flavor that’s a bit fruity, and they’re not spicy whatsoever.

Is green salsa the same as salsa verde?

Salsa verde means “green sauce”, and there are many different varieties that have originated around the world. Italian salsa verde and chimichurri sauces are herb-based, while green salsa, or tomatillo salsa, is the Mexican version.

Can I eat raw tomatillos?

Yes! Raw tomatillos are completely safe to eat. Simply remove the papery husk and wash the waxy coating off of the outside of the tomatillo and enjoy in raw in salsa, guacamole and more!

If you prefer them cooked and love spicy food, be sure to try this tomatillo red chili salsa!

How do you eat tomatillos?

Tomatillos may be eaten raw or cooked, and are the base of green salsa and green enchilada sauce.

White bowl filled with green salsa with lime and cilantro on top

How to serve green salsa

There are so many ways to serve this tomatillo salsa. It adds a delicious pop of freshness and flavor to a variety of dishes.

Recipe notes

  • Pro tip: This tomatillo salsa recipe has a decent amount of liquid similar to salsa made with raw tomatoes.  If you’d like a creamier texture, add the flesh of a small pitted and peeled avocado!
  • Poblano peppers are mild in heat, so if you like spicy food I recommend substituting them with 1-2 jalapeño peppers.
  • Store salsa in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tortilla chip dipped into tomatillo salsa

More Mexican recipes you’ll love:

Did you try this recipe?  If so, be sure to leave a review below and tag me @flavorthemoments on Facebook and Instagram

Tomatillo salsa recipe in a white bowl with lime and cilantro

Tomatillo Salsa Recipe

This Tomatillo Salsa Recipe is fresh, vibrant and beyond easy to make! It's the perfect dip or topping for tacos, fajitas or burrito bowls, and it's ready in 10 minutes!
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Ingredients

  • 5 tomatillos husks removed, washed and cut into chunks
  • 1/2 cup chopped white onion
  • 2 large poblano peppers seeded and chopped (don't remove seeds if you like things spicier!)
  • 1 clove garlic smashed and peeled
  • 1 lime juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1/2 cup cilantro leaves
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt or 1/4 teaspoon table salt

Instructions 

  • Place all ingredients into the bowl of a food processor.
  • Pulse until the tomatillo salsa reaches the desired consistency, then taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Enjoy!
    How to make tomatillo salsa collage

Notes

  • Pro tip:  Poblano peppers are mild in heat, so if you like spicy food I recommend substituting them with 1-2 jalapeño peppers.
  • Tomatillo salsa has a decent amount of liquid similar to salsa made with raw tomatoes.  If you’d like a creamier texture, add the flesh of a small pitted and peeled avocado!
  • Store salsa in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 27kcal, Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 100mg, Potassium: 185mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 275IU, Vitamin C: 40mg, Calcium: 15mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.

Did you try this recipe?Be sure to tag @flavorthemoments with the hashtag #flavorthemoments on Instagram so I can see what you made!

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