18 Spicy Salsa Verde Recipes for Taco Night

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Written By Lorraine Koller

DIY expert, architect, 20+ years in crafting, home improvement, and interior design.

Are you ready to level up your taco game? Look no further! In this article, we’re sharing 18 mouth-watering and spicy salsa verde recipes that will take your taco night to the next level. From classic combinations like Tomatillo and Jalapeño to unique twists like Grilled Pineapple and Mango Habanero, there’s something for every flavor profile and heat level. Whether you’re a fan of bright and zesty or rich and creamy, these salsa verde recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.

In the following pages, we’ll dive into the world of spicy salsas, exploring different ingredients, techniques, and variations that will inspire you to get creative in the kitchen. From roasted vegetables to smoky spices, each recipe is carefully crafted to bring out the best flavors of the season. So grab a chip, get ready to taste the heat, and let’s dive into the world of Spicy Salsa Verde Recipes for Taco Night!

Classic Tomatillo Salsa Verde

This vibrant salsa verde is a staple of Mexican cuisine, perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, and vegetables. With its tangy flavor and pop of color, it’s sure to elevate any dish.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 tomatillos, husked and rinsed
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
– 1/2 red onion, chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the tomatillos, jalapeño, onion, and garlic on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and lightly charred.
4. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
5. Peel the skin off the roasted tomatillos and place them in a blender with the remaining ingredients.
6. Blend until smooth, then season with salt to taste.
7. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Roasted Tomatillo and Jalapeño Salsa Verde

This vibrant green salsa is a twist on the classic Mexican condiment, featuring roasted tomatillos and jalapeños for a depth of flavor and a pop of color. Perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or veggies.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 tomatillos, husked and rinsed
– 2 jalapeños, seeded and chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the tomatillos and jalapeños on a baking sheet, cut side up.
3. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the tomatillos are soft and slightly charred.
4. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
5. In a blender or food processor, combine roasted tomatillos, jalapeños, cilantro, garlic, and lime juice.
6. Blend until smooth, adding salt to taste.
7. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Avocado Salsa Verde with Cilantro

Add a creamy twist to traditional salsa verde with the richness of avocados, perfectly balanced by the brightness of cilantro. This refreshing condiment is perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or vegetables.

Ingredients:

– 3 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves and stems, chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, and garlic.
2. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if desired.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.

Creamy Salsa Verde with Greek Yogurt

This refreshing and tangy dip is perfect for snacking or serving as a condiment to your favorite dishes. The creamy Greek yogurt adds a rich and velvety texture to the traditional salsa verde.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
– 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
– 1/4 cup garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, combine parsley, cilantro, garlic, and green onions. Process until well combined.
2. Add the Greek yogurt and lemon juice. Process until smooth.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Cooking Time: None

Servings: 1 cup

Enjoy your creamy salsa verde as a dip, spread, or topping!

Grilled Pineapple Salsa Verde

This recipe combines the natural sweetness of grilled pineapple with the brightness of fresh herbs, making it a perfect accompaniment to your favorite tacos or grilled meats.

Ingredients:

– 1 ripe pineapple, cut into 1-inch chunks
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Grill pineapple chunks for 2-3 minutes per side, or until caramelized.
3. In a bowl, combine grilled pineapple, parsley, cilantro, garlic, olive oil, and lime juice.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (grilling time) + 30 minutes (refrigeration)

Smoky Chipotle Salsa Verde

A twist on traditional salsa verde, this smoky chipotle version adds a depth of flavor and heat. Perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or using as a dip.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves and stems
– 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
– 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
– 1/4 cup green tomatillo or tomato puree
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a blender or food processor, combine cilantro, parsley, jalapeño, and chipotle peppers.
2. Blend until smooth, adding tomatillo or tomato puree and lime juice as needed.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt.
4. Transfer salsa to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Cooking Time: 10 minutes (blending time)

Mango Habanero Salsa Verde

Add a tropical twist to your snacking routine with this sweet and spicy Mango Habanero Salsa Verde. Perfect as a dip for chips or veggies, or as a topping for tacos and grilled meats.

Ingredients:

– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 habanero pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a blender or food processor, combine mango, cilantro, jalapeño, habanero, and garlic.
2. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Add lime juice and season with salt to taste.
4. Transfer the salsa to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Cooking Time: None, as this is a cold preparation

Tomatillo and Serrano Salsa Verde

This vibrant green salsa is a perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors, making it a great addition to your Mexican-inspired dishes. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can create this delicious condiment in no time.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 tomatillos, husked and rinsed
– 2 Serrano peppers, seeded and chopped
– 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the tomatillos on a baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re soft and slightly charred.
3. In a blender or food processor, combine roasted tomatillos, Serrano peppers, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and salt. Blend until smooth.
4. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
5. Transfer the salsa to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (including roasting time)

Charred Corn and Salsa Verde Dip

Elevate your snack game with this sweet and tangy dip featuring charred corn and the flavors of Italy. Perfect for dipping veggies, chips, or crackers.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup fresh corn kernels (from about 2 ears)
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup Salsa Verde (see below for recipe)
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Grill or broil the corn kernels until slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the charred corn, olive oil, garlic, Salsa Verde, and lime juice. Stir until well combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Salsa Verde Recipe (for above dip)

– 1 cup fresh parsley leaves and stems
– 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1/4 cup garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup capers, rinsed and drained
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt to taste

Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, then season with salt to taste.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (grilling/broiling time included)

Spicy Cucumber Salsa Verde

Elevate your summer gatherings with this refreshing Spicy Cucumber Salsa Verde! This zesty condiment combines the cooling properties of cucumber with a spicy kick, perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or veggies.

Ingredients:

– 2 large cucumbers, peeled and seeded
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a blender or food processor, combine cucumbers, parsley, cilantro, jalapeño, and garlic.
2. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides as needed.
3. Stir in lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Cooking Time: None! This salsa verde is ready to go straight away.

Roasted Garlic and Tomatillo Salsa Verde

This vibrant salsa verde is perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or using as a dip for veggies. Roasting the garlic and tomatillos brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to this fresh and tangy condiment.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 garlic cloves
– 2 large tomatillos, husked and rinsed
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wrap the garlic cloves in foil and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until soft and mashed.
3. Place the tomatillos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until they release their juices and start to soften.
4. Remove the tomatillos from the oven and let them cool slightly.
5. Peel the roasted garlic and chop it into small pieces. Place it in a blender or food processor along with the cooled tomatillos, olive oil, lime juice, and cilantro.
6. Blend until smooth, adding salt and pepper to taste.
7. Use immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes

Poblano Pepper Salsa Verde

A vibrant and flavorful condiment that’s perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or veggies. This Poblano pepper salsa verde is a twist on the classic Mexican green sauce.

Ingredients:

– 2 large poblano peppers
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves and stems
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup olive oil

Instructions:

1. Roast the poblano peppers by placing them on a baking sheet and baking at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes, or until charred and blistered.
2. Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool down. Peel off the skin, remove the seeds, and chop the flesh into small pieces.
3. In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted poblano peppers, cilantro, jalapeño pepper, garlic, lime juice, and salt.
4. Blend until smooth, then slowly add the olive oil while blending until well combined.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
6. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Tomatillo and Lime Salsa Verde

Tomatillo and Lime Salsa Verde: A Fresh Twist on Traditional Salsa

This vibrant salsa combines the tangy sweetness of tomatillos with the brightness of lime juice, perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or veggies.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 tomatillos, husked and rinsed
– 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves and stems
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
– 1/2 lime, juiced
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place tomatillos on a baking sheet, cut side up. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re slightly softened and caramelized.
3. In a blender or food processor, combine roasted tomatillos, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, garlic, and salt.
4. Blend until smooth, with some texture remaining.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Herbed Salsa Verde with Mint and Basil

Salsa verde, a classic Italian condiment, gets a refreshing twist with the addition of mint and basil. This herby salsa is perfect for topping grilled meats, vegetables, or using as a dip.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
– 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a food processor or blender, combine parsley, mint, and basil. Process until the herbs are finely chopped.
2. Add garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Transfer the salsa to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Yield: About 2 cups of salsa

Smoked Paprika Salsa Verde

Add a smoky twist to your favorite sauces with this bold and flavorful Smoked Paprika Salsa Verde! Perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or veggies.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
– 1/2 cup fresh oregano leaves
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a blender or food processor, combine parsley, oregano, jalapeño, garlic, and salt.
2. Blend until smooth, adding olive oil in small increments as needed.
3. Stir in smoked paprika.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.

Cooking Time: 5 minutes

Yield: Approximately 1 cup

Tropical Salsa Verde with Coconut

This vibrant salsa combines the brightness of tropical fruit with the creamy richness of coconut, perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or veggies.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
– 1/2 cup fresh mango chunks
– 1/4 cup red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1/4 cup coconut cream
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
– Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a blender or food processor, combine pineapple, mango, red onion, and jalapeño.
2. Blend until smooth, then stir in coconut cream and lime juice.
3. Fold in chopped cilantro.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Cooking Time: 10 minutes (prep) + 30 minutes (chill)

Roasted Red Pepper Salsa Verde

This vibrant salsa verde gets a pop of color and flavor from roasted red peppers, perfect for topping pasta, pizza, or using as a dip. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have this tasty condiment ready in no time.

Ingredients:

– 2 large red bell peppers
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Place red bell peppers on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until charred and blistered.
3. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
4. Peel off skin, discarding it, and chop the roasted peppers into small pieces.
5. In a blender or food processor, combine chopped peppers, parsley, basil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
6. Blend until smooth, adding water if desired to achieve desired consistency.

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Spicy Peach and Tomatillo Salsa Verde

Add a twist to traditional salsa with this sweet and spicy blend featuring peaches and tomatillos. This vibrant condiment is perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or using as a dip.

Ingredients:

– 2 ripe peaches, diced
– 4-6 tomatillos, husked and rinsed
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the tomatillos on a baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, or until charred and soft.
3. In a blender or food processor, combine roasted tomatillos, peaches, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice. Blend until smooth.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (including roasting time)

Summary

Get ready to spice up your taco night with these 18 delicious salsa verde recipes! From classic combinations like Tomatillo Salsa Verde to unique twists like Grilled Pineapple Salsa Verde and Mango Habanero Salsa Verde, there’s something for everyone. Try out creamy options like Avocado Salsa Verde with Cilantro or Greek Yogurt Salsa Verde, or opt for smoky flavors with Chipotle Salsa Verde. With so many varieties to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect salsa verde to elevate your tacos and other dishes.

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