Healthy and Easy Salsa Verde recipe

Sometimes, you just need a bit of freshness. Often known as more of a relish, this salsa Verde is actually perfect as a dip, relish, sauce… whatever you want, really.

What is Salsa Verdi?

Salsa verde, which means “green sauce” in Spanish, is a tasty and tangy sauce that comes in different versions around the world.

In Mexico, salsa verde is made using tomatillos, which look a bit like small green tomatoes with a husk. These give the sauce its fresh and zesty taste. Other ingredients usually include chilli peppers, onions, garlic, lime juice, and coriander. You blend it all together and—ta-da! You’ve got a delicious salsa that’s perfect for tacos or just about any dish that needs a little extra zing.

In Italy, salsa verde takes on a different form. It’s made from parsley, capers, anchovies, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil. This version is more like a pesto and is often served with fish or chicken.

No matter where it’s from, salsa verde is all about adding vibrant, green goodness to your food.

Should I use fresh herbs?

Fresh herbs are a must for this recipe. While dried herbs certainly serve a purpose and can be added to a variety of dishes, such as stews and casseroles, this salsa Verde deserves the very best as it won’t be cooked at all. Substandard herbs will mean this sauce will lack the zing and flavour that it needs.

Fresh herbs from the supermarket can be expensive. I’ve been known to buy the plants and attempt to keep them alive, only to unsuccessfully attempt to revive them a week or so later when I’ve forgotten that they even existed. The packets of fresh herbs have been slightly better for me.

Any leftovers I have, I chop and freeze in ice cube trays for use later on. When you need some herbs, just pop out the required number of ice cubes and add straight into your pan or slow cooker – no need to defrost first.

If you are a green-fingered gardener, you may wish to consider growing your own herbs and using them. It doesn’t cost much to get started and, if unlike me, you remember to look after them, they’ll serve you well.

How can I use the salsa Verde?

As I mentioned earlier, I love to dip tortilla chips, carrot batons, cucumber sticks and slices of pepper into the sauce.

It’s also perfect if you’re having a barbecue. Imagine grabbing a lamb kebab and smothering it in the tangy salsa Verde. I’m told by my family that it’s super tasty. Alongside a regular or veggie burger, this sauce is scrumptious, too.

Another way in which you can enjoy this sauce is as a replacement for a gravy-style sauce when you are having a meat and veggies type meal. So, instead of pouring lashings of gravy over your meat, try a dollop of this salsa Verde on the side. I often do the same with a Quorn fillet, and it adds so much delicious flavour to an otherwise fairly bland meat substitute.

Other recipes you might like

If you like making different dips for crudites or crisps then check out my Slimming World dips guide for more tasty healthy dips to try.

If you have spare limes after buying a big bag full for this recipe then why not try making chicken and lime tacos or tomato, herb and lime salsa?

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