Salsa Verde Taquera (Green Salsa for Tacos)

This easy Salsa Verde Taquera uses tangy tomatillos, fresh jalapeños, and spicy serranos for a deliciously zesty salsa that's perfect for tacos and on just about anything. 

My parents have different variations for salsa verde for dishes like chilaquiles, shredded pork in salsa verde, and chicken enchiladas suizas. Today's recipe in particular is a simple and easy salsa that is perfect for tacos.

You don’t have to stop there with this salsa though. It is so bright, zesty, and delicious that it also goes well with so many other dishes.

Jump to:

• What is Salsa Verde?
• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• The Ingredients
• What are Tomatillos?
• How to Choose Tomatillos
• How to Make Salsa Verde
• Tips and Variations
• Recipe

What is Salsa Verde?

Salsa verde literally means green sauce. This spicy sauce is tomatillo based and a staple in Mexican cuisine. It can be used as a cooking sauce for many meats, enchiladas and other dishes as well as a topping for tacos, quesadillas, and so much more.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Easy: The recipe only uses 6 simple ingredients and is so easy to make.

• Healthy: This salsa uses lots of fresh, nutritious ingredients and is Whole30 compatible.

• Versatile: Use it on tacos, as a dip for chips, on top of eggs, in burritos and more.

• Boil or Roast: You can choose to either boil or roast the ingredients for two varied but equally delicious flavors.

• Customizable: It is so easy to customize the spice level of this salsa.

The Ingredients

• Tomatillos

• Jalapeño

• Serrano

• Onion

• Garlic

• Cilantro

• Salt

What are Tomatillos?

Tomatillos look like small, green tomatoes. The name actually translates to "little tomatoes," but they are not tomatoes at all. Tomatillos are fruits related to Cape Gooseberries and members of the nightshade family. They are covered in a papery husk that is removed before cooking. They have a distinctive tart flavor and are very common in many Mexican salsas and sauces. Tomatillos can usually be found in the produce section of your local supermarket.

How to Choose Tomatillos

When choosing tomatillos, look for ones that are dark green and firm but not hard. Be sure the husk has not pulled away from the skin and that the actual tomatillo is not blemished or wrinkled. For more information about selecting tomatillos, check out this article from Bon Appétit.  

How to Make Salsa Verde

Salsa with Boiled Ingredients

Boil Ingredients

• Begin by boiling 4 cups of water in a medium saucepan.
• Then place 1 serrano pepper, 1 jalapeño pepper, ¼ of a white onion, and 1 large garlic clove in the boiling water. Boil for about 2 minutes.

2. Boil the Tomatillos

• Remove the husks from 4 large tomatillos and wash them.
• Add the tomatillos to the pot with the other vegetables.
• After about 8-10 minutes, use a fork to check that the vegetables are soft. The tomatillos should be tender, but not falling apart.
• Remove the vegetables from the water.
• Reserve ¼ cup of the water and let it cool. 

3. Blend

• Place the vegetables in a food processor or blender along with ¼ cup of washed cilantro and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
• Add the reserved cooking liquid and blend until smooth.
• Check the consistency. If you like your salsa a bit more runny, add another ¼ of water.
• Taste and add more salt if needed.

Salsa with Roasted Ingredients

1. Roast the Ingredients

• Preheat a comal to medium heat. A comal is a griddle that is typically used to warm up tortillas and roast various vegetables. If you do not have a comal, a cast-iron skillet or other heavy-bottom pan will work.
• Add the washed tomatillos, peppers, onion and garlic.
• Turn the vegetables frequently to ensure they get charred on all sides. This can take from 10-15 minutes.
• Be careful not to burn the onion or garlic.

2. Blend

• Place the vegetables in a food processor or blender along with ¼ cup of washed cilantro and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
• Add ¼ cup of water and blend until smooth.
• Check the consistency. If you like your salsa a bit more runny, add another ¼ of water.
• Taste and add more salt if needed.

How to Serve Mexican Salsa Verde

This salsa is amazing on chicken, beef, pork or shrimp tacos. Here are some other ideas on how to serve it:

• On top of Papas con Huevo or Huevos con Tortilla
• Smothered on Chuck Roast Carne Asada 
• On Pan Seared Cilantro Lime Chicken
• Drizzled on Slow Cooker Crispy Chicken Tacos or Skillet Chicken Fajitas
• As a dip for chips

Storing

Refrigerate any leftover salsa in an air-tight container for 3-4 days. The salsa will thicken when stored so just be sure to mix with a spoon before serving or even dilute with a little water.

Tips and Variations

• Cook the salsa for a slight variation in flavor or if you prefer a warm salsa. Just heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a medium saucepan. Add the salsa to the pan and let it simmer until the foam is a very light golden color.
• Cooking the salsa will also keep it from thickening as much when stored in the refrigerator.
• For a spicier salsa, use an additional 3-4 serrano peppers.
• For a very mild salsa, only use one jalapeño and leave the serrano out.

I hope you enjoy!

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW IF YOU MAKE THIS OR TAG ME ON INSTAGRAM @EVERYDAYLATINA.

More Salsa Recipes

• Chunky Tomato and Jalapeño Salsa
• Roasted Tomatillo Salsa with Chile de Arbol
• Extra Spicy Serrano Salsa
• Creamy Tomatillo Avocado Salsa
• Jalapeño Salsa
• Easy Smoky Chipotle Salsa

Recipe

Originally published April 28, 2019. Updated post and photos November 2022.