5-Minute Roasted Green Chili Salsa
This 5-Minute Roasted Green Chili Salsa is a vibrant, smoky, and zesty condiment that comes together in a flash, perfect for adding a kick to any meal. Utilizing pre-roasted chiles, it delivers deep flavor without the fuss.
For 4 servings
Roughly chop the roasted, peeled green chiles, ensuring any remaining seeds or tough stems are removed if you prefer a milder salsa. Finely chop the 1/4 small white onion and peel the garlic clove.
Place the roughly chopped green chiles, chopped white onion, and garlic clove into the bowl of a food processor or a high-speed blender.
Add the fresh cilantro, lime juice, and sea salt to the food processor or blender.
Pulse the ingredients in short bursts, about 5-7 times, until the salsa reaches your desired consistency. Aim for a chunky texture with small pieces of vegetables, rather than a completely smooth puree. Be careful not to over-blend, as this can make the salsa watery and lose its fresh texture.
Taste the salsa and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt or lime juice if desired. If the salsa is too thick, add 2-4 tablespoons of cold water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing briefly after each addition until the desired consistency is achieved.
Transfer the salsa to a serving bowl. For best flavor, allow it to sit for at least 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a spicier salsa, leave some of the chile seeds intact or add a small piece of fresh jalapeño or serrano pepper.
- 2If using whole fresh green chiles, roast them over an open flame, under a broiler, or on a hot griddle until charred and blistered. Place them in a bowl covered with plastic wrap for 10-15 minutes to steam, then peel and deseed.
- 3Avoid over-blending: Pulsing is key to achieving a chunky, rustic salsa texture. Over-blending will result in a thin, frothy consistency.
- 4Let it rest: While quick, allowing the salsa to sit for 15-30 minutes before serving helps the flavors deepen and meld beautifully.
Adapt it for your goals.
Smoky Depth
Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cumin or a pinch of smoked paprika to the blender for an even deeper, more complex smoky flavor.
Creamy AvocadoCreamy Avocado
For a creamier salsa, add 1/4 of a ripe avocado to the food processor along with the other ingredients. This will add richness and a smoother texture.
Roasted Tomatillo BoostRoasted Tomatillo Boost
Incorporate 1-2 small roasted tomatillos (charred and peeled) for an extra tangy and slightly sweeter dimension to the salsa.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Green chiles and lime are excellent sources of Vitamin C, an antioxidant crucial for immune function and skin health.
Antioxidant Powerhouse
Cilantro, chiles, and garlic contain various antioxidants that help combat free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body.
Digestive Aid
Cilantro is known for its digestive benefits, while the fiber content from the vegetables contributes to gut health.
Frequently asked questions
While technically possible, the 'roasted' aspect is key to this salsa's flavor. If using fresh chiles, we highly recommend roasting them first to achieve the smoky depth and easier peeling.
