Fresh Tomatillo Salsa Recipe | Salsa verde cruda (2024)

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This tomatillo salsa recipe is easy to make and full of fresh flavors, made with tomatillos, serrano peppers, garlic, onion, and cilantro. It literally takes 5 minutes to make salsa cruda when you chop everything up in a blender together. Keep reading and learn easy ways to use it beyond tortilla chips and dip.

Fresh Tomatillo Salsa Recipe | Salsa verde cruda (1)

Fresh Tomatillo Salsa Cruda

Some foods have the magic of reviving memories. A taste of that particular dish and you are back in a specific time, place, person, or season in your life.

This fresh tomatillo salsa recipe takes me to the Mexican State of Hidalgo on a cold morning while traveling from Mexico City to Tampico. We had just passed by the Teotihuacan Pyramids and were entering Hidalgo when we saw a small roadside stand selling Lamb Barbacoa, and decided to stop by to have some breakfast.

That simple breakfast was amazing; it was paired with this tomatillo salsa. Simple yet so flavorful! Every single taste of this salsa fills your mouth with authentic Mexican flavors. This salsa verde recipe is my favorite, and I keep returning to it whenever I crave salsa!

In This Post
  • Fresh Tomatillo Salsa Cruda
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Salsa Cruda De Tomatillos
  • Easy Fresh Tomatillo Salsa Recipe
  • How To Make Fresh Tomatillo Salsa | Salsa Cruda:
  • More Authentic Mexican Recipes To Enjoy
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

Frequently Asked Questions About Salsa Cruda De Tomatillos

Before I share my tomatillo salsa recipe, here are a few questions I've been asked about homemade salsa cruda.

Can you eat tomatillos raw?

Yes, tomatillos (small green tomatoes) are safe to eat like any other tomato. However, they taste somehow tart and give the salsa a unique flavor.

How do you store homemade tomatillo salsa?

This salsa keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days. The acidity of the tomatillos helps preserve them. Just place your salsa in an airtight container to maintain it longer. Like many salsas, they taste better the next day after all the ingredients blend.

Can I freeze this fresh tomatillo salsa?

Yes, you can store this salsa in the freezer. It actually preserves really well for up to a month. When removing the frozen tomatillo salsa from the freezer, allow it to thaw totally and stir well before using and enjoy your raw tomatillo salsa.

How do you make this green sauce spicier?

If you want it to taste spicier, add more serrano peppers. Fair warning- They pack a lot of heat. Add some habanero peppers for high heat if you still want it even spicier. But if you prefer less heat, switch your serrano peppers for Jalapeños.

Can you make this without a blender?

Yes, you can make this tomatillo salsa verde without a blender. Instead, just use a Molcajete, the Mexican stone mortar, or a few pulses in your food processor to puree the ingredients.

A handheld blender will work in a pinch if you don't have either. You can also use a knife to chop up all the ingredients finely. It might take a little time, and the salsa won't be as smooth, but it will still work well.

What is the difference between salsa and pico de gallo?

The texture of the salsa is the main difference between pico and salsa. Pico do gallo is usually chunky, but salsa has a thinner consistency. If you chop this up with larger chunks and don't use a blender, it could pass as a green pico de gallo.

Easy Fresh Tomatillo Salsa Recipe

Here is a list of ingredients you will need to make this dish...

  • Tomatillos or Miltomates
  • White Onion
  • Serrano Pepper
  • Garlic Clove
  • Cilantro
  • Salt

Please note:For exact measurements of the ingredients listed above, scroll down to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post!

JUMP TO FULL INSTRUCTIONS

Fresh Tomatillo Salsa Recipe | Salsa verde cruda (2)

How To Make Fresh Tomatillo Salsa | Salsa Cruda:

There is literally just one step to this recipe, no need for oven-roasting or to boil water in a pot.

  • You place all the ingredients in the blender and process until it is your desired consistency. Leave it chunky or make it smooth - the choice is yours.
  • Now you are ready to enjoy your salsa!

Note: If you think that serrano chile peppers are too spicy for you, swap them for Jalapeños.

What To Serve With Fresh Salsa Cruda

This homemade salsa verde is really versatile that can be enjoy with almost any dish you make. So if you want an easy condiment to top your tacos, burritos, or protein, this is your salsa.

I like fresh tomatillo salsa with homemade tortilla chips. I love the salty and crunchy texture of the spicy salsa. Sometimes, I just cook chicken tinga, a few teaspoons of lime juice, fix this quick salsa, and voila! Another way to eat this salsa is with eggs, beans, and a warm tortilla.

This salsa also pairs well with these dinner recipes:

  • Carnitas
  • Lamb barbacoa
  • Carne asada
Fresh Tomatillo Salsa Recipe | Salsa verde cruda (3)

More Authentic Mexican Recipes To Enjoy

If you enjoyed this tomatillo salsa recipe, take a look at some of these other authentic Mexican recipes:

  • Fresh Salsa Roja - Raw Red Salsa
  • Chipotle Salsa Recipe
  • Ancho-Arbol Chili Pepper Salsa
  • Hot Piquin Salsa Recipe
  • Avocado Green Salsa

I hope you make this Mexican tomatillo salsa recipe! If this recipe was of any help to you, come back to let me know your experience. Please leave us a comment done below and tell us all about it!

¡Buen provecho!

Mely,

For more recipes, follow Us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. in español Visit Us at Mexico en mi cocina

📖 Recipe

Fresh Tomatillo Salsa Recipe | Salsa verde cruda (4)

Fresh Tomatillo Salsa (Salsa Cruda)

Mely Martínez

Roasted tomato salsa is full of flavors and will turn a simple piece of meat or chicken into something delicious. If you like grilling meats, this will be the sauce to go with it.

5 from 3 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 0 minutes mins

0 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Salsas

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 20 Tbsps. ( 1.25 cup)

Calories 6 kcal

Ingredients

  • 10 oz Tomatillos or Miltomates chopped. (about 5 medium size tomatillos) husks remove and previously washed
  • 3 Tbsp. White Onion chopped
  • 2 Serrano Pepper chopped*
  • 1 Small Garlic clove peeled
  • ¼ Cup Chopped Fresh Cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon Salt to taste.
  • ½ cup water(optional)

Instructions

There is literally just one step to this recipe, no need for oven-roasting or boiling water in a pot.

  • Put tomatillos, onion, garlic, serrano pepper, and cilantro in a blender (or food processor). Process until it forms a chunky salsa.

  • This salsa is very thick, with the texture of a relish. Season with salt and serve.

Notes

  • For this Fresh Tomatillo Salsa Recipe, I used miltomates, smaller than tomatillos, with many seeds. You can use either one to make the salsa.
  • *Use Serrano or Japaleno peppers; adjust the amount as you like. It can be mild, medium, or hot. It keeps well for three days in the refrigerator.
  • If you feel the salsa needs to be less chunky, add ½ cup water.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoonCalories: 6kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 12mgPotassium: 45mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 35IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Fresh Tomatillo Salsa Recipe | Salsa verde cruda (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to boil or roast tomatillos for salsa? ›

To cook the tomatillos, you can either roast them in the oven, brown them on the stovetop, or boil them. Roasting in the oven or browning on the stovetop will deliver more flavor. Each way works, though boiling is a more common way to cook the tomatillos.

Is salsa verde and tomatillo salsa the same thing? ›

Salsa verde in Mexico is a green salsa, which could be tomatillo or avocado based. However, salsas are typically referred to by ingredient, not color.

How do you get the bitter taste out of tomatillo salsa? ›

A touch of sweetness can help mask bitterness in your salsa. Adding a small amount of honey or agave syrup can balance out the flavors and create a more well-rounded taste. Start with a teaspoon and adjust to your preference. Be cautious not to add too much sweetness, as it may overpower the other flavors.

How do you make salsa verde not sour? ›

Try adding more salt, a ¼ teaspoon at a time. Adding salt also helps to mellow out acidity and sometimes even take the edge off heat, so try adding a bit more, along with the sugar, if your tomatillos are sour or if the salsa is a bit too spicy.

How long does homemade tomatillo salsa last? ›

An open jar of store-bought salsa lasts about 2–4 weeks in the fridge, but you should always check for signs of mold, fuzz, funky smells, and any other signs that something is awry before diving in. If you make your own salsa, it'll stay good for just five to seven days in the fridge.

Can you eat a raw tomatillo? ›

You can eat tomatillos raw or cooked -- I prefer cooking them to tone down their distinctly sour flavor. The tomatillos you find at the supermarket are mostly imported from Mexico. You may be able find some at your local farmers' market from late July through September.

Are canned tomatillos as good as fresh? ›

Fresh tomatillos are available just about year-round in many grocery stores. You might find canned tomatillos, but they won't substitute well in recipes that call for fresh ones. HOW TO STORE In a paper bag in the refrigerator for up to a month.

Why does my tomatillo salsa taste sour? ›

An underripe tomatillo produces that typical sour-ish salsa verde flavor, while an over ripened one will sweeten the deal. Typically they are ready when the skin pierces through the leaf.

What is the sticky stuff on tomatillos? ›

If any insects get through the papery husk, the tomatillo's first line of defense, they encounter the sticky film. This film contains chemical compounds called withanolides that insects find bad tasting. So voila, they leave the tomatillos alone! Luckily for us tomatillo eaters, the sticky film rinses off quite easily.

How do you keep tomatillo salsa from congealing? ›

A heads-up about those tomatillos: If you boil them, make sure you cool the tomatillos (and the water) completely or else the salsa will congeal. If your salsa is lacking tang and you don't want to add tomatillos or lime juice, you can add a splash of vinegar.

Why do you put vinegar in salsa? ›

The acid ingredients in salsa help preserve it. You must add acid to canned salsa because the natural acidity may not be high enough. Commonly used acids are vinegar and bottled lemon juice. Lemon juice is more acidic than vinegar and has less effect on flavor.

Can you overcook tomatillos? ›

If the tomatillo is not rinsed well of its sticky residue and if it is overcooked, it can make your salsa taste soapy. When the tomatillos you are using as a base for green sauce are quickly charred over a flame or under a broiler, they can reward you with a lemony, almost sweet salsa.

Does homemade salsa verde go bad? ›

Storage suggestions: This salsa verde should keep well in the refrigerator, covered, for at least 1 week. If you added avocado, it will keep well for about 3 days—be sure to press plastic wrap against the top surface to prevent oxidation.

Is it better to roast or boil vegetables for salsa? ›

Roasting the vegetables in a high-heat oven intensifies the flavor of the tomatoes, mellows the onions and garlic, and adds a touch of smokiness. (I use the same roasting method to make my favorite salsa verde, replacing the tomatoes with tomatillos.)

Are tomatillos better raw or cooked? ›

You can eat tomatillos raw or cooked -- I prefer cooking them to tone down their distinctly sour flavor. The tomatillos you find at the supermarket are mostly imported from Mexico. You may be able find some at your local farmers' market from late July through September.

Is it better to roast or boil jalapenos? ›

Boiling or cooking in oil for just 2 minutes had less impact on texture and also less impact on heat. Roasting the jalapeños in the oven at 500 degrees for 5 minutes left the peppers still somewhat crunchy while also taking the edge off their heat. THE BOTTOM LINE: Yes, cooking does tame chiles' heat.

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