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Looking for a quick, fresh salsa recipe? This Raw Tomatillo Salsa Verde delivers bright, tangy flavors with minimal effort. With raw tomatillos, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice blended together, this no-cook salsa is the perfect balance of spicy, sour, and savory. Serve it with chips or as a topping for your favorite Mexican dishes!

Why You’ll Love Raw Tomatillo Salsa Verde

This salsa is incredibly fresh and vibrant, thanks to the raw tomatillos and lime juice, making it a refreshing addition to any meal.
It’s super quick and easy to make—all you need is a food processor, and you’ll have salsa ready in just 10 minutes.
With no cooking involved, it retains all the nutrients and natural flavors of the ingredients, making it a healthy option for snacking or meal prep.
You can customize the heat level to your liking by adjusting the amount of jalapeño, making it perfect for anyone who enjoys a spicy kick or prefers a milder flavor.
It’s versatile and pairs wonderfully with chips, tacos, grilled meats, or even as a salad dressing, so you can enjoy it in a variety of ways!

Ingredients for Raw Tomatillo Salsa Verde

Tomatillos – These small, green fruits provide a tangy, citrus-like flavor that is the base of the salsa.
Jalapeño pepper – Adds a spicy kick to the salsa; you can remove the seeds for a milder taste.
Onion – Gives the salsa a slight sweetness and depth of flavor.
Garlic – Adds a savory and aromatic touch to the salsa.
Lime juice – Brightens up the flavors and adds a zesty, fresh acidity.
Cilantro – Provides a refreshing, herbal flavor that complements the tomatillos.
Salt – Enhances the flavors and balances out the tanginess of the salsa.

See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Raw Tomatillo Salsa Verde

Food Processor – Essential for blending the ingredients into a smooth or chunky salsa, depending on your preference.
Knife – For cutting the tomatillos, jalapeño, onion, and cilantro.
Cutting Board – A stable surface for prepping your vegetables.
Citrus Juicer (optional) – Makes it easier to squeeze fresh lime juice.
Spoon or Spatula – Useful for scraping down the sides of the food processor to ensure even blending.

How To Make Raw Tomatillo Salsa Verde

Peel and wash the tomatillos, removing any sticky residue.
Cut the tomatillos in half for easier processing.
Place the tomatillos in a food processor.
Cut off the stem of the jalapeño, slice it in half, and remove the seeds for less heat. Add to the food processor.
Peel and quarter the onion, then add it to the food processor.
Add the peeled garlic cloves.
Squeeze the juice of one fresh lime into the food processor.
Trim the thicker stems from the cilantro, keeping mostly the leaves, and add them to the food processor.
Pulse until the salsa reaches your desired consistency, whether you prefer it chunky or smooth.
Taste and add salt as needed.
Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the salsa with crispy tortilla chips for a perfect appetizer or snack.
Use it as a topping for tacos, burritos, or beef enchiladas to add a fresh and tangy flavor.
Spoon it over grilled chicken, air-fried steak bites, or fish for a zesty, low-calorie sauce.
Add it to your favorite greek quinoa salad or green salad for an extra burst of flavor.
Use it as a dip for fresh veggie platter or as a garnish for dumpling soups.

Tips For Success

Choose ripe tomatillos: When selecting tomatillos, make sure they are firm and the husks are dry. A ripe tomatillo will have a bright green color and slightly sticky skin under the husk. Avoid tomatillos that feel mushy or have yellow spots.
Control the heat: If you prefer a milder salsa, be sure to remove the seeds from the jalapeño. For more heat, leave some or all of the seeds in. You can also substitute with another pepper, like a serrano, if you want an extra spicy kick.
Fresh is best: Using fresh lime juice and cilantro will elevate the flavors of your salsa. Avoid bottled lime juice, as it doesn’t provide the same bright, zesty taste as fresh.
Blend to your preference: Salsa verde can be as smooth or as chunky as you like. If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse the ingredients in the food processor just enough to break them down but keep some pieces intact. For a smoother salsa, blend it longer until everything is well-combined.
Let the flavors meld: While the salsa is delicious immediately after making it, letting it sit in the refrigerator for an hour or more will help the flavors meld together and become even more vibrant.
Season properly: Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. Salt is crucial in balancing the tartness of the tomatillos and the acidity of the lime juice.

Variations And Substitutions

Milder Version: If you prefer a milder salsa, reduce or completely omit the jalapeño. You can also substitute with a milder pepper, like Anaheim or poblano, to add flavor without too much heat.
Extra Heat: For those who love spice, keep the seeds in the jalapeño or add an extra hot pepper like serrano or habanero for more heat.
Herb Alternatives: While cilantro is traditional in salsa verde, some people prefer to avoid it due to its strong flavor. You can substitute fresh parsley for a different but still fresh herb taste, or even try adding a mix of cilantro and parsley for balance.
Roasted Salsa Verde: To add a smoky depth of flavor, roast the tomatillos, jalapeño, onion, and garlic before blending. Simply place the ingredients on a baking sheet and broil them until slightly charred, then proceed with the recipe as usual.
Tomato Version: For a unique twist, try adding a tomato or two to the mix. This will give the salsa a slightly sweeter flavor while maintaining the tangy freshness of the tomatillos.
Fruit-Infused Salsa: To add a hint of sweetness, you can mix in fruits like mango or pineapple. These fruits complement the tanginess of the tomatillos and the spice of the jalapeño beautifully.
Vegan Creamy Salsa Verde: If you want a creamy version without dairy, blend in a ripe avocado with the salsa. This gives the salsa a rich, creamy texture and adds healthy fats while keeping it vegan.
Lime Substitutes: If you’re out of lime, you can use lemon juice or even a splash of apple cider vinegar to maintain the acidity and brightness in the salsa.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store your Raw Tomatillo Salsa Verde in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Be sure to give it a quick stir before serving, as the liquid may separate slightly.
Freezing: If you’d like to keep the salsa for longer, you can freeze it. Place the salsa in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, leaving a little room for expansion. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating: Since this is a raw salsa, it doesn’t require reheating. However, if you’ve frozen the salsa, once thawed, it’s best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. You may need to give it a quick pulse in the food processor or stir well to restore its texture after freezing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salsa ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making it ahead of time can enhance the flavors. Letting the salsa sit in the refrigerator for a few hours allows the ingredients to meld together for an even tastier result. Just store it in an airtight container and give it a quick stir before serving.

Can I freeze salsa verde?

Absolutely! You can freeze Raw Tomatillo Salsa Verde in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Keep in mind that the texture might change slightly after freezing, so you may want to pulse it in the food processor again after thawing.

What if I don’t have a food processor?

If you don’t have a food processor, you can still make this salsa! Use a blender, or you can finely chop all the ingredients by hand. It will be a bit more labor-intensive, but the end result will still be delicious.

Can I roast the tomatillos instead of using them raw?

Yes, roasting the tomatillos, along with the other ingredients, will give the salsa a smoky flavor. Simply broil or grill the tomatillos, jalapeño, garlic, and onion until slightly charred, then blend them together for a richer salsa verde.

How do I adjust the spiciness of the salsa?

To make the salsa spicier, leave the seeds in the jalapeño or add extra hot peppers like serrano or habanero. For a milder salsa, remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño or use a milder pepper like poblano.

Can I use lemon instead of lime?

Yes, lemon juice can be used as a substitute for lime. While it will give the salsa a slightly different flavor, the acidity will still brighten up the ingredients. If you prefer a more traditional taste, stick with lime juice.

Other Easy Tomatillos Recipes

Baked Tomatillos Recipe: Roasting tomatillos in the oven brings out their natural sweetness and tang, creating the perfect base for sauces or salsas.

Skillet Tomatillos Recipe: Sautéed tomatillos in a hot skillet offer a quick and flavorful way to enjoy their tangy taste as a side dish or salsa ingredient.

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Close-up of a tortilla chip dipped in green raw tomatillo salsa verde.

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