Got tomatillos? Use them to make this delicious tomatillo green chili salsa recipe, also known as salsa verde or Mexican green sauce. It’s slightly spicy with some sweet and tart hints and tastes great with chips or on enchiladas, tacos, and bowls (pretend you’re at Chipotle)!

salsa verde in a small serving bowl surrounded by tomatillos and cilantro

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This week’s posts focus on a veggie that I have surprisingly not used in any recipes on the blog so far: tomatillos! Sure, I’ve incorporated salsa verde in dishes like my Spaghetti Squash Burrito Bowls and Veggie-Loaded Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken, but I haven’t put up my own recipe for salsa verde (aka tomatillo green chili salsa).

And I think it’s about time I did! PS – for another variation of this salsa, check out the Arugula Salsa Verde in my cookbook.

If you aren’t familiar with tomatillos, they are a type of fruit also known as Mexican husk tomatoes. It’s easy to confuse them with green tomatoes, especially because they look just like tomatoes wrapped in husks, but they are not the same.

Tomatillos have a distinct taste that’s slightly sweet and tart, hence why they are really good to use as a base for a flavorful sauce. They’re typically in season during the late summer and early fall, so it’s a great time of year to cook with them! Keep reading to learn how to make homemade green salsa using tomatillos. For another recipe, check out the Roasted Tomatillo Soup while you’re here!

tomatillos, jalapenos, a lime sliced in half, garlic cloves, red onion, and cilantro on a counter

How to Make Tomatillo Green Chili Salsa

For the full ingredients list and steps, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Be sure to read through the following sections if you have questions about tomatillos or want to see my expert tips for making perfect tomatillo green chili salsa.

Broil the tomatillos and peppers. Remove the husks and stems from the tomatillos, rinse and rub them under cool running water (especially if they’re sticky), pat dry, and place on a baking sheet lined with foil. Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise, remove the seeds, and place them cut side down on the baking sheet. Broil until everything is blistered.
Combine the broiled vegetables and other ingredients in a food processor.
Pulse until smooth!

FAQ about Tomatillos

What do tomatillos feel like when they are ripe? Tomatillos should feel firm to the touch and be tightly wrapped in the husk. If they feel soft or mushy, they are no longer good to use.
What color should tomatillos be? The husks are usually green with hints of tan when tomatillos are ripe. The fruit itself can be green, purple, or yellow when ripe, but I mostly see green tomatillos at markets and stores.
Should tomatillos feel sticky? Sometimes the fruit can feel sticky under the husks. If this is the case, it’s completely normal. Just rinse the fruit under running water, rubbing it with your fingers to remove the stickiness.
How should you store tomatillos? You want to make sure you keep this delicious fruit fresh before making your tomatillo green chili salsa! Store tomatillos in a bag (paper or reusable produce bags both work) in the crisper drawer of the fridge. They may last up to 3 weeks.

Expert Tips

The easiest way to make salsa verde is to use a food processor. I use and love the Cuisinart 11-cup food processor. You can still make this salsa without a food processor, but it will take a longer time. Just chop up everything by hand and mix it all together!
Feel free to use other types of green chili peppers, such as poblano or serrano peppers. Just keep in mind that the type of pepper you use will dictate how spicy your salsa is. If you don’t want a lot of heat, go easy on the peppers or stick with jalapeños (which are less spicy than serranos).
Tomatillo green chili salsa lasts for up to 2 weeks in the fridge when stored in a tightly sealed container, or you can freeze it. Transfer to freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and label before popping in the freezer. For best results, use within 2 months. You can thaw it in the fridge or on the counter.
Wondering how to use salsa verde? Sub your homemade version for store-bought green salsa in any recipe, like my Vegetarian Enchiladas Verdes, Veggie-Loaded Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken, or Spaghetti Squash Burrito Bowls. You can also use it as a topping for tacos or nachos, drizzle it on burrito bowls (like my Chicken Fajita Bowls), or eat it with chips. Green salsa can even be used as a marinade for meat or fish. The opportunities are endless!

More Salsa Recipes

Love this tomatillo green chili salsa? Check out the Fresh Garden Salsa Recipe, Homemade Pineapple Jicama Salsa, and Mango Corn Salsa with Black Beans. You may also enjoy the Easy Cilantro Chimichurri Sauce.

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