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Salsa Verde

This authentic salsa verde is a vibrant, dairy-free condiment that brings a bright and tangy punch to any Mexican-inspired feast. By grilling the fresh tomatillos, onions, and chillies until charred, you develop a deep, smoky complexity that balances the natural acidity of the fruit. The addition of fresh lime juice and coriander provides a refreshing lift, while a brief simmer with chicken broth creates a silky, pourable consistency that is far superior to any shop-bought alternative.

Versatile and naturally low in fat, this savoury sauce is the perfect accompaniment for grilled fish, chicken tacos, or simply served with corn tortilla chips. It can be prepared a day in advance and kept in the fridge, allowing the spicy flavours to meld and intensify. Whether you are hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a healthy way to brighten up a midweek meal, this homemade salsa is a kitchen essential.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Salsa Verde

  • 3 unpeeled garlic cloves

  • 450g fresh tomatillos, husked, rinsed

  • 1 small onion, quartered through root end

  • 3 to 6 serrano chillies or 2 to 4 jalapeño chillies

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander

  • 1/2 teaspoons (or more) sugar

  • Coarse kosher salt

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 240ml low-salt chicken broth

  • 2 tablespoons (or more) fresh lime juice

How to make Salsa Verde

Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Thread garlic onto skewer. Grill garlic, tomatillos, onion quarters, and chillies until dark brown spots form on all sides, about 9 minutes for onion, 6 minutes for tomatillos and chillies, and 4 minutes for garlic. Cool. Peel garlic. Trim core from onion. Scrape some of burnt skin off chillies; stem. Seed chillies for milder salsa, if desired. Coarsely chop onion, chillies, and garlic. Transfer tomatillos and all vegetables to blender. Add coriander and 1/2 teaspoons sugar; puree until smooth. Season to taste with coarse salt.

Heat oil in heavy large saucepan over high heat. Carefully add tomatillo mixture (juices may splatter). Stir until slightly thickened, stirring often, about 2 minutes. Add broth and 2 tablespoons lime juice. Bring to boil; reduce heat to medium and simmer until mixture measures 375g , about 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and more sugar and lime juice, if desired. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cool slightly, then cover and chill.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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