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Easy Homemade Green Tomato Salsa Verde

roasted green tomato salsa verde - featured image

This Kid-Approved Roasted Green Tomato Salsa Verde is a quick and easy recipe that transforms tart green tomatoes into a sweet-smoky, crowd-pleasing salsa. Perfect for chips, tacos, or grilled meats, it’s a family-friendly dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (6-8 medium) green tomatoes, quartered or cut into 1.5-inch chunks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 medium white onion, roughly chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 34 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1 medium jalapeño pepper, stem removed (optional; remove seeds for mild heat)
  • ½ cup packed fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems
  • 23 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 large lime)
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 small ripe red tomato, chopped (optional, for color and sweetness)
  • 1 small avocado, diced (optional, for creaminess)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  2. Wash the green tomatoes, remove stems, and cut into quarters or eighths (about 1.5-inch chunks). Place them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  3. Scatter the chopped white onion and whole garlic cloves around the tomatoes. If using jalapeño, cut it in half lengthwise (remove seeds for mild heat) and place cut-side down on the sheet.
  4. Drizzle everything with olive oil, then sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper. Toss gently with your hands to coat evenly.
  5. Roast for 20-25 minutes, until tomatoes are soft and starting to char on the edges, and garlic is golden and tender. Halfway through, gently shake the pan for even cooking.
  6. Remove from oven and let cool for about 5 minutes.
  7. Transfer the roasted tomatoes, onions, garlic, and jalapeño (if using) to a food processor or blender. Add cilantro, lime juice, and cumin. Pulse 5-6 times for a chunky salsa, or blend for 15-20 seconds for a smoother texture.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning: add more salt, lime juice, or cumin as needed. If too tart, add a teaspoon of honey or sugar and pulse again. If too thick, add a tablespoon of water or more lime juice.
  9. Serve warm or at room temperature. For storage, let cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Notes

For a smokier flavor, broil the tomatoes for the last 2-3 minutes of roasting, watching closely to avoid burning. If garlic cloves are small and browning too quickly, remove them early. Use a kitchen scale for consistent results (2 pounds/900 grams of green tomatoes). The salsa gets better as it sits overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: green tomato salsa, salsa verde, roasted salsa, easy salsa, kid-friendly, gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free