This Chipotle Green Salsa Recipe is fresh, zesty, and packed with bold flavors! Made with tomatillos, serrano peppers, garlic, and cilantro, it’s the ultimate salsa for tacos, burritos, and dipping.
Let’s be honest—there’s something special about homemade salsa that makes it taste ten times better than the store-bought stuff. Maybe it’s the fresh ingredients, maybe it’s the satisfaction of making it yourself, or maybe it’s the fact that you can eat it straight out of the blender with a spoon. (No judgment.)
I still remember the first time I tried a truly amazing chipotle green salsa. It wasn’t in a fancy restaurant—it was at my friend’s house during a weekend taco night. His mom whipped up a batch of salsa that smelled so good, we were practically hovering over the bowl waiting for her to finish. The moment I tasted it, I knew I’d never go back to store-bought salsa again. It was smoky, a little spicy, and packed with layers of flavor. I begged for the recipe, but all I got was a casual, “Oh, it’s just tomatillos, chiles, and some spices!”
So, of course, I went home and spent weeks trying to recreate it. After a lot of trial and error (and eating an embarrassing amount of salsa), I finally landed on this Chipotle Green Salsa Recipe. It’s tangy, smoky, just the right amount of spicy, and takes literally 25 minutes to make. If you’re a salsa lover like me, trust me—you need this in your life.
Why You’ll Love This Chipotle Green Salsa Recipe?
- Bold, fresh flavor. The tomatillos give it that signature tang, and the serrano pepper adds just the right amount of heat.
- Super easy to make. No roasting, no complicated steps—just cook, blend, and enjoy.
- Versatile & goes with everything. Use it as a dip, drizzle it over tacos, or even spoon it over grilled meats.
- Way better than store-bought. Once you taste homemade salsa, there’s no going back!
- Adjustable heat level. Like it mild? Use a jalapeño instead of a serrano. Want it hot? Add an extra pepper!
Ingredient Notes:
Every ingredient in this salsa brings something special to the table. Here’s why they matter:
- Tomatillos: These little green guys are not unripe tomatoes! They have a tangy, citrusy flavor that gives salsa verde its signature taste.
- Serrano Pepper: Adds the heat! If you like it extra spicy, use two. If you prefer a milder salsa, swap it for a jalapeño or remove the seeds.
- Garlic: Because let’s be real—garlic makes everything better.
- Cilantro: Gives the salsa that fresh taste. If you’re one of those people who think cilantro tastes like soap (no shade!), just leave it out.
- Fresh Oregano: Not traditional in most salsa recipes, but trust me—it adds a nice herbal depth.
- Cumin: Adds a warm, smoky flavor that complements the tanginess of the tomatillos.
- Salt: A must-have for balancing the flavors.
- Water: Helps cook the ingredients and adjust the salsa’s consistency.
How To Make Chipotle Green Salsa?
This salsa is ridiculously easy to make, but every step makes a difference. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1. Prep the Ingredients
Start by husking and rinsing the tomatillos (they have a slightly sticky coating, so give them a good wash). Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and get your serrano pepper ready.
Step 2. Cook the Tomatillos & Peppers
In a large saucepan, combine the tomatillos, onion, serrano pepper, and garlic. Add the cilantro, oregano, salt, and cumin, then pour in 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tomatillos soften and turn a deeper shade of green.
Step 3. Blend Until Smooth
Carefully transfer everything into a blender. If you like a thinner salsa, add some of the cooking water. Blend until smooth. Prefer a chunkier texture? Pulse the blender a few times instead of running it continuously.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Enter your email below and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox.
Step 4. Taste & Adjust
Now comes the fun part—taste your salsa! Want more heat? Throw in another serrano. Need a little more zing? Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Don’t be afraid to tweak it to fit your taste!
Step 5. Serve & Enjoy
Once your salsa is blended to perfection, pour it into a bowl and let it cool slightly. Serve with warm tortilla chips, or drizzle it over tacos, burritos, or enchiladas.
Storage Options:
If you somehow have leftovers (highly unlikely), here’s how to store your salsa:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The flavors get even better over time!
- Freeze: Yep, this salsa freezes beautifully! Pour it into a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.
- Reheat: Prefer your salsa warm? Heat it up on the stovetop for a few minutes.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to make this salsa your own? Here are a few ideas:
- Roast the tomatillos & peppers. This adds a smoky depth to the salsa and makes it even better.
- Make it milder. Use a jalapeño instead of a serrano, or remove the seeds for less heat.
- Turn up the spice. Add an extra serrano, or throw in a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for a smoky, fiery kick.
- Keep it chunky. Instead of blending it all the way, pulse the mixture a few times for a rustic texture.
What to Serve with Chipotle Green Salsa?
This salsa is so versatile, but here are some of my favorite ways to use it:
- Tortilla Chips: The obvious choice—grab a bag and start dipping!
- Tacos: Drizzle it over chicken, beef, or veggie tacos for extra flavor.
- Burritos & Quesadillas: A spoonful of this salsa inside a burrito? Game changer.
- Enchiladas: Use it as a sauce for green enchiladas. So good!
- Grilled Meats: Brush it over grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp for an instant flavor boost.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this salsa ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Is this salsa spicy?
It has a mild to medium heat level, but you can adjust it by using more or less serrano pepper.
Can I roast the tomatillos instead of boiling them?
Absolutely! Roasting them adds a smoky depth to the salsa. Just place them on a baking sheet and broil for about 5 minutes until they start to char.
And there you have it—your very own Chipotle Green Salsa Recipe! Whether you’re making it for a party, meal prep, or just because, this salsa is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.
Try it out and let me know—did you stick to the recipe or add your own twist? Either way, I need to hear how it turned out!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Chipotle Green Salsa Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound tomatillos husked and rinsed
- ½ cup white onion finely chopped
- 1 serrano chile pepper minced (or more for additional heat)
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano chopped
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 cups water
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
- Remove the husks from the tomatillos and rinse them thoroughly under running water to eliminate their sticky coating. Finely chop the white onion, mince the garlic, and prepare the serrano pepper. If a milder salsa is desired, remove the seeds from the pepper before mincing.
Cook the Salsa Base
- In a large saucepan, combine the tomatillos, onion, serrano pepper, and garlic. Stir in the cilantro, oregano, salt, and cumin, ensuring the ingredients are well distributed. Pour in 2 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and allow it to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the tomatillos soften and turn a deeper green.
Blend to Desired Consistency
- Carefully transfer the cooked mixture into a blender in batches. If a thinner salsa is preferred, include some of the cooking water. Blend until smooth for a silky texture, or pulse a few times for a chunkier consistency.
Adjust Seasoning & Serve
- Taste the salsa and adjust seasoning as needed. If additional heat is preferred, blend in an extra serrano pepper. If a more citrusy flavor is desired, a small amount of lime juice may be added.
- Once the salsa reaches the desired consistency and flavor, transfer it to a serving bowl and allow it to cool slightly. Serve with tortilla chips, or use as a topping for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas.
Notes
- Verify spice blends to ensure they are free from gluten-containing fillers.
- Pair with gluten-free tortilla chips or use as a topping for gluten-free dishes.
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!