Tomatillo Salsa

Tomatillo salsa is simply a taste of summertime with every bite! Enjoy this delicious salsa with a variety of meals or simply as an appetizer with homemade tortilla chips!

This yummy salsa verde has a nice earthy and herbal taste. Like mango salsa and peach salsa, tomatillo is a different flavor of salsa. The taste is more herbaceous and fresh, and simply put: green! Green tomatoes and fresh tomatillos are at the heart of this green salsa recipe. Read below for tips and tricks for making your own homemade tomatillo salsa verde!

This post is sponsored by the makers of Ball® home canning products.*

Tomatillo Salsa for Canning

This is a wonderful tomatillo salsa recipe to make homemade preserves with. It’s quite easy to put together with just a few simple ingredients. While regular salsa contains tomatoes, this salsa is made with tomatillos. You’ll also need white onion, green chiles, garlic cloves, fresh cilantro, ground cumin, salt, red pepper flakes, vinegar, and lime juice.

Once all of the ingredients are combined, the tomatillos should be cooked. Many recipes call for roasted tomatillos prior to making the salsa, but this recipe calls for cooking the salsa after all of the ingredients are brought together. In my opinion, this is quicker and easier! For those who prefer a roasted tomatillo salsa, you can always roast them in a toaster oven or on a cast iron pan. This method gives the salsa a rich depth of flavor.

If you’re wondering what the difference is between tomatillo salsa and salsa verde, they are the same thing!

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Tomatillo Salsa FAQ

Is tomatillo salsa spicy?

This varies on the type of chile peppers you add to the recipe, like serrano chiles or jalapeno peppers.

Can I use a food processor?

Yes, this makes making tomatillo salsa a breeze! I love using a food processor to combine the ingredients. If you don’t have a food processor, just use a knife to chop the ingredients into your desired consistency.

Is tomatillo salsa bitter or sour?

Tomatillo salsa is not bitter or sour. It has a nice green and earthy flavor like a pesto, but unique to Mexican cuisine. The fresh tomatillos and lime juice add a brightness that’s perfect for various dishes like green enchilada sauce or even as a topping for breakfast tacos.

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If you love home canning, be sure to check out some of my favorite preserving recipes! Orange marmalade is a reader fave, and the caramel apple jam is one of my all time favorite recipes! Or if you have more jalapeños than you know what to do with try candied jalapeños, jalapeño jelly, or pickled jalapeños!

The Recipe

Tomatillo Salsa

The combination of tomatillos, chilies, and fresh cilantro creates a salsa with authentic Mexican flavor. In addition to making a great dip for tortilla chips, this salsa pairs perfectly with fajitas, burritos, and quesadillas.

Preserving method: Water bath canning

Makes about 4 (8 oz) half pints

Print Pin Rate

Prep — 10 minutes mins

Cook — 10 minutes mins

Additional Time — 10 minutes mins

Total — 30 minutes mins

Equipment

Ingredients  

• 2 lbs. tomatillos husks removed, washed, cored and chopped (about 5-1/2 cups)
• 1 cup white onion chopped
• 1 cup chopped green chilies
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 2 Tbsp fresh cilantro minced
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup vinegar
• 4 Tbsp lime juice
• 4 Ball® 8 oz half pint glass preserving jars with lids and bands
• Optional: Ball® freshTECH Electric Water Bath Canner + Multicooker

Instructions 

• Prepare boiling water canner. Heat jars in simmering water until ready for use. Do not boil. Wash lids in warm soapy water and set bands aside.
• Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan. Heat to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.
• Ladle hot salsa in to hot jars leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Remove air bubbles. Wipe rim. Center hot lid on jar. Apply band and adjust until fit is fingertip tight. Place jar in boiling water canner. Repeat until all jars are filled.
• Process jars for 15 minutes, adjusting for altitude. Turn off heat; remove lid, and let jars stand 5 minutes. Remove jars and cool. Check lids for seal after 24 hours. Lid should not flex up and down when center is pressed.

Notes

Quick tip: When cutting or seeding hot peppers, wear rubber gloves to prevent hands from being burned.

*This is a sponsored post that is part of an ongoing partnership with the Fresh Preserving Division of Newell Brands. They have provided jars, equipment, and monetary compensation. All thoughts and opinions expressed remain my own.

Conclusion

This tomatillo salsa verde recipe is perfect for those who love adding bright, zesty flavors to their meals. Whether you enjoy it as a dip with homemade tortilla chips, spoon it over breakfast tacos, or use it as a key ingredient in your next batch of green enchiladas, this green salsa will elevate your dishes with its unique and vibrant flavor. It’s easy to make, whether for a quick meal or preserving a big batch to enjoy later. Plus, the ability to can and store it for future use is a huge advantage for anyone who loves the taste of fresh tomatillo salsa year-round. Add this recipe to your regular rotation, and it might just become one of your favorite salsas. Don’t forget to use mason jars and store your finished salsa in an airtight container to keep that freshness locked in!

Enjoy your homemade salsa and happy preserving!