I don’t think it’s any secret that Mexican food is my weakness – which is why I’m so excited to show you how to make tomatillo salsa. Fresh tomatillo salsa verde goes with everything, takes all of 5 minutes (!!) to make, tastes delicious and it is made with the fresh ingredients! Plus, this tomatillo salsa recipe is paleo and naturally low carb – win all around.
And, this green tomatillo salsa is so easy to make you could practically throw it together with your eyes closed! For real.
I spent most of my life eating classic red salsa, so I was intrigued when I heard about raw tomatillo salsa. I was a little reluctant to try it, but I am so glad I did because it is seriously so good!
What Is Tomatillo Salsa?
Tomatillo salsa is made with fresh tomatillos and finely chopped into a salsa.
First, I need to explain a little bit about tomatillos. They are often referred to as jamberries or Mexican green tomatoes.
Surprisingly, tomatillos aren’t the same flavor or texture as a tomato, like you might think. They are acidic, tart and if appropriately cooked, can take on a sweet taste. Often, fresh tomatillos are used in salsas or jams.
Green tomatillo salsa is primarily made of tomatillos combined with other green salsa ingredients, such as onions and jalapenos. Sometimes tomatillo salsa can be roasted, but I kept it simple by making a 5-minute fresh tomatillo salsa recipe instead!
Is Salsa Verde The Same Thing As Tomatillo Salsa?
Yes, salsa verde and tomatillo salsa are the same thing. Tomatillo salsa is made for more Mexican style recipes, and typically salsa verde is as well.
However, there is also a salsa verde that is used for Italian dishes. Italian salsa verde is more of a vinegar based dish with lemon. Both are delicious and can be used in very different ways.
How To Make Tomatillo Salsa In 5 Minutes
This is the easiest green tomatillo salsa recipe ever! First, husk and wash one pound of fresh tomatillo.
TIP: To husk a tomatillo, simply remove the entire husk (the outside “leaves”). There might be a sticky residue, so rub it off while holding the tomatillo under cold running water.
Add tomatillos, cilantro, garlic, jalapeno, onion, and lime juice to the food processor…
And pulse until it makes a salsa consistency! I like to squeeze fresh lime juice, but bottled works if that’s what you have.
That’s it! See how effortless this tomatillo salsa recipe is to make?
PRO TIP: Don’t overmix the green tomatillo salsa or it will become too runny. You want some small chunks for texture!
Can You Make Fresh Tomatillo Salsa Roasted?
Yes. There are two versions of homemade tomatillo salsa, roasted and fresh. I adore both, but the fresh always wins by just a tiny little bit because it’s so easy.
If you want to try it roasted, you can still use this same tomatillo salsa recipe. You’ll just have to roast the tomatillos first, until slightly charred. I do this under the broiler for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally. Roasting adds a nice smoky flavor and thickens the salsa up a bit. Try it both ways to see what you like best!
Ways To Serve This Fresh Tomatillo Salsa Verde Recipe
Part of what draws me to this tomatillo salsa is that it is so versatile and you can use it so many different ways. Here are some delicious ways to eat homemade tomatillo salsa:
- Salmon – Add tomatillo salsa verde on top of the salmon for a little kick to your meal.
- Salad – Top your favorite salad with some of this raw tomatillo salsa, and it will be next level amazing.
- Chicken – Pour salsa on top of the chicken before serving. You will be hooked after the first taste.
- Tacos – Skip the traditional red salsa and add this tomatillo salsa next time. It can even work with bang bang shrimp tacos.
- Eggs – Breakfast food always tastes better when you add some tomatillo salsa verde. Try it in my eggs in hell recipe!
And my hands-down favorite way to serve fresh tomatillo salsa? With tortilla chips, of course! Stay tuned for the paleo tortilla chips recipe that is pictured here – coming soon.
Can You Make Raw Tomatillo Salsa Ahead?
Absolutely, you can make raw tomatillo salsa ahead of time. Make as much as you wish and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
Keep the fresh tomatillo salsa in an airtight container. I like glass containers.
Making the best tomatillo salsa ahead of time is fantastic for events or parties too. Serve it at your next dinner party or family gathering and everyone is going to fall in love! You can also make it if you like to meal plan, so you have fresh salsa for an easy snack.
How To Freeze Green Tomatillo Salsa
You can freeze fresh tomatillo salsa in a freezer bag or airtight container of your choice. Freezer bags are convenient because after they freeze flat, you can stand them up to make extra room.
To thaw, place the container in the refrigerator overnight. If you need it to thaw faster, you can also set it on the counter or in a bowl of warm water.
Looking For More Paleo Mexican Recipes?
If you like this paleo green tomatillo salsa, I have a long list of more Mexican recipes for you to try:
- Mexican Sweet Potato Egg Boats
- The Best Pork Belly Tacos Recipe
- Classic Guacamole
- Pico de Gallo
- Mexican Cauliflower Rice
- Paleo Churros
- Easy Whole30 Chili Recipe
RECIPE CARD
Raw Fresh Green Tomatillo Salsa Recipe (6 Ingredients!)
Only 6 ingredients + 5 minutes to make this delicious fresh tomatillo salsa recipe! See how to make the best raw tomatillo salsa verde step-by-step.
Ingredients
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- 1 lb Tomatillos (husked and washed)
- 3/4 cup Fresh cilantro
- 1 clove Garlic
- 1 medium Jalapeno
- 1/2 medium White onion
- 1/2 medium Lime (juiced)
Instructions
More TIPS about this paleo recipe in the post above!
- Place all ingredients except salt in a food processor and pulse until combined.
Season with salt to taste.
Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1/4 cup
Makes 1 1/2 cups.
Nutrition Information Per Serving
Where does nutrition info come from? Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy, sourced from the USDA Food Database. Net carb count excludes both fiber and sugar alcohols (though the latter are rarely seen on this site), because these do not affect blood sugar in most people. We try to be accurate, but feel free to make your own calculations.
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2 Comments
Judy C.
Love the recipe and how fresh it tastes. Absolutely no reason to cook tomatillos before making salsa! For another version, try adding 1 small firm but ripe avocado and blending that in. Makes it super creamy without taking away from the tomatillo taste. Both versions are great!
Keith
This was great. I’ve been looking to try a new salsa, thanks for sharing