This homemade creamy tomatillo salsa starts with simmered tomatillos, garlic, chile de árbol, and toasted pine nuts. It’s a rich, tangy, pourable sauce you’ll want to put on everything.
Want more easy and delicious homemade salsa recipes? Try my Mexican vegan queso salsa, fresh roasted red salsa, mango avocado salsa, or spicy charred chile de árbol salsa.
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I first came across a version of this tomatillo salsa recipe over 15 years ago, and it’s been a staple in my kitchen ever since. I’ve tweaked it many times since, but the soul of it hasn’t changed. It somehow makes everything taste better.
The flavor of the creamy tomatillo salsa is unlike anything else — bright, creamy, tangy, and just spicy enough to keep things interesting.
It’s one of those recipes I double without even thinking (you’ll see doubled step-by-step photos below). Whether drizzled over tamales, spooned over nacho bowls, or dipped into with homemade chips, it always disappears.
My current obsession? Smothering it over homemade bean and rice burritos. Just thinking of it makes me hungry.
Without question, we’re a salsa-loving family, and this is a favorite — even with our wildly different heat preferences. I love this one mild with a little kick, but you can easily adjust the heat to your liking.
Why this recipe works
This isn’t your typical salsa verde — and that’s the point.
- Chile de árbol gives it a bold, spicy heat that’s clean and bright (not bitter)
- Tomatillos bring that signature tang and acidity
- Toasted pine nuts add richness and a velvety, creamy texture without any dairy
- Bouillon deepens the flavor so it tastes like it simmered all day
- Quick simmer + blend keeps it simple and approachable
What ingredients you need
- Tomatillos
- Yellow onion – or white
- Garlic
- Dried chile de árbol
- 1 vegan bouillon cube – or low-sodium veggie broth
- Pine nuts
- Salt
- Cayenne – optional
How to make this recipe (step-by-step)
In the photos, I made a double batch, which makes about 8 cups total.
Add tomatillos, onion, garlic, chile de árbol, bouillon, and water to a medium pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 10 minutes, until the tomatillos and onion are fork-tender.
While the pot simmers, toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over low heat. Stir often until golden and fragrant (about 3–5 minutes). Don’t walk away — they burn fast.
This is how the tomatillos will look when finished; they will be soft and have a muted pale green look.
Add everything (liquid included) to the blender. Add salt, and blend until completely smooth. Taste to see if cayenne is needed.
Add more salt, optional cayenne, an extra chile, or a splash of lime juice if desired.
In the kitchen tips
- Toast slowly: Pine nuts have healthy fats and burn easily. Toasting them gently over low heat allows the natural oils to caramelize without turning bitter.
- If your tomatillos are small, like large cherries or about the size of a ping-pong ball, use 9 to 10. For medium ones (about 2 inches across), 7 is usually plenty. I like to weigh them and aim for a pound.
- If the tomatillos are large, cut them in half with a sharp knife before simmering to help them soften faster and blend more evenly.
- Bouillon = umami shortcut. Using a bouillon cube or broth is a fast way to add depth. It works like a time-saver for that long-simmered, slow-cooked taste.
- Not a fan of spice? Start with half a chile. Want it spicier? Add a second chile or a pinch of cayenne after blending.
- Let it cool slightly before blending if your blender isn’t heat-safe.
- Great for meal prep: Mix into leftover rice or quinoa with black beans and veggies for an instant burrito bowl.
- More ways to enjoy: with homemade tortilla corn chips, drizzled over Tex-Mex dishes, or spooned into a burrito bowl.
What are tomatillos?
Tomatillos (pronounced toe-mah-tee-yos) are small green fruits wrapped in a delicate, papery husk. Though they look like green tomatoes, they’re actually a different plant species — and a staple in Mexican cooking.
They have a bright, citrusy flavor with just the right amount of tang, which makes them ideal for salsas, sauces, and stews.
How to prep tomatillos
Tomatillos come wrapped in a thin, papery husk that’s easy to remove—just peel it off with your fingers. You’ll notice a sticky film underneath, so make sure to rinse the tomatillos under warm water and rub gently to remove the sticky residue.
Perfect pairings
- Stuffed Tacos
- 7 Layer Taco Dip
- Homemade Tortilla Chips and Guacamole
- Arroz Rojo (Mexican Rice) and Refried Beans
What makes tomatillos a healthy addition
- Naturally high in vitamin C and antioxidants
- A great source of fiber, known to promote healthy digestion and satiety
- A source of vitamin K and potassium, which play roles in bone and heart health
- Bright in flavor, low in calories — great for adding punch without heaviness
- Naturally oil-free and works well for plant-based, WFPB, and gluten-free diets
- Learn more about tomatillos' health benefits.
Substitutions & additions
- No pine nuts? Cashews or walnuts work too. The flavor will change slightly, but you’ll still get a rich, creamy tomatillo salsa.
- No bouillon? Sub in veggie broth for the water + bouillon cube.
- Want it herbier? Blend in a handful of fresh cilantro.
- Want less heat? Reduce the chile de árbol and do not add optional cayenne.
- Spicier? Add optional cayenne pepper or more chiles. Taste first, and add one chile at a time as they add a good amount of spice.
- More smoky depth? Blend in one chipotle chile in adobo.
- Want it tangier? Add a splash of lime juice after blending (taste first, as tomatillos are quite tangy).
- No chile de árbol? Sub dried Thai chili peppers or Japenese red pepper (Japones chile).
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container or mason jar in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze up to 2 months. Let salsa cool completely before freezing.
Choose what works best:
- Ice cube trays — great for small portions (about 2 tablespoon each)
- Small jars or deli containers — ideal for ½ to 1 cup servings
- Zip-top freezer bags — freeze flat for easy stacking and quick thawing
Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for 30–60 minutes.
To reheat: Let it thaw naturally or warm it gently on the stove.
FAQ
Yes — roasting adds smokiness. Broil the tomatillos, onion, and garlic on a rimmed baking sheet for 10–12 minutes until blistered, then blend as usual.
This salsa can be WFPB (Whole Food Plant-Based), just skip store-bought bouillon cubes. Instead, use homemade vegetable broth or a clean, oil-free, low-sodium broth.
Fully cooked tomatillos soften and change color, from bright green to a dull, pale green.
They are another name for tomatillos — small green fruits wrapped in a thin, papery husk. Despite looking like green tomatoes, they’re actually a different plant species and have a tart, slightly citrusy flavor essential in salsa verde, green sauce, and many Mexican dishes.
Yes. Pressure cook on high for 2 minutes, quick release, then blend as usual.
I can’t wait for you to try this creamy tomatillo salsa! If you make it, tag @becomingyouwithjulie on Instagram — I’d love to see yours! And if you have a sec, a quick comment or rating helps more than you know. Thanks so much for being here! 💛
📖 Recipe
Creamy Tomatillo Salsa with Chile de Árbol
Equipment
Ingredients
- 7-10 fresh tomatillos, husked, about 1 pound
- 1 large onion, white or yellow, halved
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 dried chile de árbol, adjust to heat preference
- 1.5 cups water, or low-sodium vegetable broth and omit bouillon cube
- 1 vegan bouillon cube
- ¼–½ cup pine nuts, toasted
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, adjust to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne, optional
Instructions
- Add tomatillos, onion, garlic, chile de árbol, water, and bouillon to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatillos are soft and turn to a muted, pale green.
- Meanwhile, while the salsa simmers, toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over low heat. Stir often until golden and fragrant (about 3–5 minutes). Be careful - they toast quickly!
- Transfer the entire tomatillo mixture to a blender. Add toasted pine nuts, salt, and cayenne (if using). Start on low speed, then gradually increase to high and blend for 30–60 seconds, until completely smooth and creamy (be careful, it's hot!).
- Taste and adjust if needed with more salt, cayenne, or a splash of lime juice if desired. Blend again to combine if needed. Enjoy!
Notes
- Pine nuts: Use ¼ cup for a lighter, more tangy salsa with just a hint of creaminess. Use ½ cup if you want a richer, silkier texture and a more pronounced nutty flavor. I usually go somewhere in between.
- Blending: Let hot liquids cool 5–10 minutes if needed. Vent the lid (remove the center cap if possible) and cover with a towel to prevent steam buildup and splattering.
- Blender speed: If your blender isn't very powerful, pause and scrape down the sides, then blend again until the texture is velvety with no visible bits.
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