Copycat Trader Joe's Salsa Verde
Make your own copycat Trader Joe’s salsa verde at home with this easy recipe. Made from fresh tomatillos, jalapeños, garlic, and cilantro, it’s vibrant, zesty, and full of bold flavor. Perfect for tacos, grain bowls, chips, and more, this homemade green salsa comes together in just 20 minutes.
Servings: 12
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds fresh tomatillos, husks removed and cleaned (about 10)
- 1-2 fresh jalapeño chiles (take the seeds out for less heat, leave them in for more spice)
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped (about ¾ cup)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, packed
- ½ to 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler to HI and put an oven rack about 4 inches from the heat source.
- Place the cleaned tomatillos and fresh jalapeños on a rimmed non stick baking sheet. I always spray mine with cooking spray to be sure nothing sticks.
- Put the baking sheet under the broiler and let the tomatillos and chiles roast for about 5 minutes or until you start to see a few black spots. Then flip them over and let them broil for another 4 to 5 minutes. They are ready once soft and blistered.
- Add the chopped onion, cilantro, and ½ teaspoon of salt to a food processor or blender. Then add the garlic and roasted tomatillos and jalapeños along with whatever juice is on the sheet pan.
- Pulse the food processor until the mixture is mostly smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. It should still have a little texture.
- Stir in the lime juice, then taste and add more salt if needed.
- The salsa verde will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days stored in an airtight container or glass jar. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
Notes
- Tomatillos: Make sure to remove the husks and rinse them well. They have a sticky coating that should be washed off.
- Spice level: For a milder salsa, remove the seeds from the jalapeños. If you prefer more heat, keep the seeds in for super spicy salsa.
- Lime juice: Not traditional in most green salsa, but a little lime brightens it up.
- Texture: The salsa will be on the thinner side right after blending but will thicken up in the fridge.
Nutrition
Serving: 0.25cup | Calories: 12kcal | Carbohydrates: 3.26g | Protein: 0.42g | Fat: 0.12g | Sodium: 83mg | Potassium: 115mg | Fiber: 0.8g | Sugar: 1.65g
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