Vibrant & Versatile Salsa Verde
My vibrant salsa verde recipe? It's the *real* deal! Packed with herbs, capers & garlic. Perfect on everything. Get the sunshine on a plate recipe!

Craving a Burst of Freshness?
Fancy a sauce that'll knock your socks off? ever wondered how to elevate your dishes with minimal effort? this vibrant salsa verde recipe is the answer.
It’s not just a sauce. it’s a flavour explosion!
Italian Sunshine in a Jar:
Salsa verde isn’t some new-fangled invention, you know? it's got italian roots. it’s been gracing tables for donkeys years. think of it as the mediterranean's secret weapon.
It's super easy to make. prep takes about 15 minutes. chilling it for 30 mins really lets the flavors sing.
This salsa verde salsa makes about 1 cup. that's enough for 4-6 lucky folks!
Why You'll Absolutely Love This Tomatillo Cilantro Sauce
Honestly, the benefits are endless. all those fresh herbs are packed with goodness. vitamin k and antioxidants, the works. it's perfect for sprucing up any meal.
Think summer bbqs or even posh dinners. this recipe is special because of the sheer amount of flavour. it is delivered with so little effort.
Ready to dive in? Let's gather the ingredients. This salsa recipe verde is calling your name.
Alright, let's dive into the nitty-gritty. Here's what you'll need to whip up a killer Salsa Verde Salsa . Honestly, it's simpler than making a cuppa.
Vibrant & Versatile Salsa Verde Recipe Card

⚖️ Ingredients:
- 1 cup (25g) fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
- ½ cup (12g) fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup (6g) fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
- 1 anchovy fillet, finely chopped (optional)
- ½ cup (120ml) extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
🥄 Instructions:
- Roughly chop all the herbs and set aside.
- In a food processor or blender, combine capers, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, garlic, and anchovy (if using). Pulse until finely chopped.
- Add the chopped herbs to the food processor.
- With the machine running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the salsa verde is emulsified but still has some texture. Don't over-process!
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Transfer to a small bowl, cover, and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to develop (optional).
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Best Salsa Verde Recipe
Trust me, this ain't rocket science.
Main Ingredients: The Herb Garden Explosion
- Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley: 1 cup (25g) , roughly chopped. Gotta have that fresh green bite!
- Fresh Mint Leaves: ½ cup (12g) , roughly chopped. It adds a surprising coolness.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: ¼ cup (6g) , roughly chopped. Basil brings the sweetness, you know?
- Fresh Oregano: 1 tablespoon , chopped (optional). Gives it a little Mediterranean vibe.
- Capers: 2 tablespoons , drained and rinsed. Those salty little pops of flavour are amazing.
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon . Adds a subtle tang.
- Red Wine Vinegar: 2 tablespoons . For that crucial zing!
- Garlic: 1-2 cloves , minced (about 1 teaspoon ). You can't have an italian party without garlic!
- Anchovy Fillet: 1 , finely chopped (optional). Don't knock it till you try it.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: ½ cup (120ml) . Good quality stuff makes all the difference.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Pinch (optional). For a bit of heat.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is everything, innit?
Quality check: For the herbs, they should be bright green and fragrant. If they're looking a bit sad, chuck 'em and get fresh ones. It makes a huge difference.
Seasoning Notes: The Secret's in the Sauce (Literally!)
Okay, so the oregano is optional but i reckon it gives it a bit of depth. also, anchovy! many people hate it, but i swear it adds a savory depth that you can't get anywhere else.
It’s what elevates it to restaurant-quality.
If you're not feeling the red wine vinegar, a squeeze of lemon works well too. Think of it as a blank canvas. What Salsa Ideas do you have?
Flavor enhancers and aromatics : Garlic! Don't skimp on it! Honestly, it is the backbone of this sauce. And fresh herbs, always. Dried herbs just won't cut it.
Quick substitution options : No capers? Try chopped green olives. Vegan? Skip the anchovy and add a pinch of extra sea salt for that savory kick.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid
- Cutting board.
- Chef's knife.
- Food processor or blender (immersion blender works too!). A stab blender works great if you like it chunky.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Small bowl.
Alternatives? if you don't have a food processor, just chop everything finely by hand. it takes a bit longer, but it's totally doable.
Honestly, my grandma did it this way for years. now get your apron on and let's get cooking some salsa for street tacos or whatever you want.
Right then, let's talk Salsa Verde ! Not that jarred stuff, mind you. We're talking real flavour. Ever since my trip to Italy, I've been hooked. This recipe is all about freshness.
Prep Like a Pro for the Best Salsa Verde
First, the mise en place . sounds fancy, eh? it just means getting everything ready. roughly chop 1 cup of parsley , ½ cup of mint , and ¼ cup of basil .
Drain and rinse 2 tablespoons of capers . mince 1-2 cloves of garlic . honestly, this bit makes all the difference.
Time-Saving Tip: Chop the herbs while the food processor warms up. Less waiting around! And a small safety tip: Watch those fingers when chopping.
From Zero to Zesty: Making the Salsa Verde
Ready to rock? Here's the easy bit:
- Chuck the capers, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard , 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar , and the garlic into a food processor.
- Pulse that bad boy until finely chopped.
- Add your chopped herbs.
- With the machine running, slowly drizzle in ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil .
- Season with salt, pepper, and maybe a pinch of red pepper flakes if you're feeling brave.
- Taste it. Does it need more oomph ? Adjust away, mate.
Remember you are looking for a vibrant Tomatillo Cilantro Sauce to brighten up your Dinners Mexican style? And that by modifying this Salsa Verde Salsa , you can have the best Salsa For Street Tacos ?
Pro Tips for Next-Level Salsa Verde
- Don’t over-process ! You want texture. Think rustic charm, not baby food. I once made that mistake. Never again.
- Taste as you go! This is crucial. More vinegar for tang, more salt for flavour. Experiment!
- For the best flavour: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Especially the olive oil. Trust me on this one.
This salsa recipe verde works wonders with so many dishes. so go on, give it a go! you can consider this the best option when you are thinking what to make with tomatillos or more generally about tomatillo recipes salsa .
There are many things to make with tomatillos , but this is the champion recipe. don't be afraid to get adventurous.
This also gives salsa ideas when you are bored of the common ones. this salsa verde recipe will rock your world.
It's so easy, it's almost cheating!

Alright, let's talk about making the most of this salsa verde recipe . It's more than just slapping some herbs together. Trust me, I've had my fair share of kitchen fails!
Recipe Notes
This is where the magic happens. We will make sure this Tomatillo Cilantro Sauce will work for you.
Serving Like a Pro
Okay, so you've got your salsa verde salsa . Now what? Honestly, plating can make all the difference. Think about a vibrant green drizzle over grilled halloumi.
For a fancy touch, swirl it artfully on a plate. serve alongside crusty bread for dipping. as for sides? roasted new potatoes would be great.
Or a crisp, light salad. a chilled glass of pinot grigio is the perfect partner.
Storing Like a Boss
Right, so you've made a batch, but you've got leftovers. no worries! pop it in an airtight container. store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Honestly, it tastes even better the next day. flavors mingle and get all cozy.
Freezing isn't ideal. the herbs can get a bit sad. but, if you must , freeze in ice cube trays.
Then transfer to a freezer bag. use within a month. defrost and use as a cooking ingredient, not as a fresh sauce.
Reheating isn't really a thing with this. it's best served cold or at room temperature.
Twists and Turns: Variations
Fancy a change? Go vegan! Just ditch the anchovy. Add a pinch of sea salt.
Want a bit of heat? A finely chopped chilli is the way to go.
Seasonal swaps? in summer, basil is king. in winter, try adding some rosemary. for dinners mexican , experiment with the recipe.
If you are looking for salsa ideas , think of adding a spoon of this salsa over your tacos.
Nutrition Lowdown
Let's be real, this tomatillo cilantro sauce is pretty healthy. full of herbs, it is packed with vitamins. olive oil gives you those good fats.
This salsa recipe verde is the perfect condiment. the recipe is low in calories, around 150-200 per serving, but full of flavor.
It's also pretty low in carbs.
This recipe is definitely better than shop-bought sauces.
Honestly, give this salsa verde recipe a go. don't be scared to experiment. you might just surprise yourself. it can be used as a salsa for street tacos , things to make with tomatillos , and what to make with tomatillos .

Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is salsa verde, and how is this salsa verde recipe different from the Mexican kind?
Right, let's clear this up! Unlike the tomatillo-based Mexican salsa verde, this salsa verde recipe is the Italian version, a vibrant green sauce brimming with fresh herbs like parsley, mint, and basil. It's closer to a chimichurri in texture, and bursting with tangy flavours from capers, garlic, and red wine vinegar. Think of it as the sophisticated, herbaceous cousin to the hotter, spicier Mexican variety.
Can I make this salsa verde recipe ahead of time? Does it keep well?
Absolutely, you can be a domestic goddess and prep this in advance! Salsa verde actually benefits from sitting for at least 30 minutes (or even a few hours) as the flavours meld together beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The colour might fade slightly due to oxidation, but the taste will still be spot on.
I don't have all the herbs listed in this salsa verde recipe. Can I substitute anything?
No worries if your herb garden isn't overflowing! The core herbs are parsley, mint, and basil. If you're missing one, just increase the amount of the others slightly. Oregano is optional, and you can omit it without drastically changing the flavour. Also, ensure you use fresh herbs for the best and most authentic flavour.
I'm not a fan of anchovies. Do I have to include them in this salsa verde? What's a good substitute?
Anchovies are the Marmite of the culinary world – you either love 'em or hate 'em! They add a fantastic umami depth, but they're totally optional. If you're not a fan, simply leave them out. For a similar savoury boost, try a small dash of Worcestershire sauce (check it’s vegetarian if needed) or a tiny pinch of sea salt to round out the flavours.
How can I use this salsa verde? What are some serving suggestions?
Oh, the possibilities are endless, darling! Salsa verde is incredibly versatile. Drizzle it over grilled meats like steak or chicken for a burst of freshness. Toss it with roasted vegetables (potatoes are particularly delicious!). Spoon it over grilled fish, or stir it through pasta for a quick and flavourful meal. It's even great as a dip with crusty bread or crudités.
Is this salsa verde recipe healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?
You bet your bottom dollar it is! This salsa verde is packed with fresh herbs, which are naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Plus, you are getting healthy fats from the olive oil. Be mindful of the sodium content due to the capers and optional anchovies, and enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It's a delicious and nutritious way to add flavour to your meals!
Previous Recipe: Creamy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes: My Go-To Recipe!
Next Recipe: Classic Margherita Pizza Recipe: *That's Amore!*