Chipotle Salsa Verde with Fresh Tortilla Chips

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant and smoky green salsa made with tomatillos and chipotle peppers, served alongside crispy homemade tortilla chips. This mexican-inspired snacks ready in about 30 minutes blends medium, husked and rinsed tomatillos, stemmed and seeded jalapeño pepper, peeled garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a medium pot of water to a boil and add 6 husked and rinsed tomatillos. Boil for 5 minutes until soft and bright green, then drain.
  2. Step 2: In a blender, combine boiled tomatillos, 2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo, 1 stemmed and seeded jalapeño pepper, 3 peeled garlic cloves, 1/2 chopped white onion, 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1 tsp salt. Blend until smooth and slightly chunky.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry 12 small corn tortilla triangles in batches for 1-2 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
  4. Step 4: Serve the smoky chipotle salsa verde in a bowl alongside the freshly fried tortilla chips for dipping.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Chipotle Salsa Verde with Fresh Tortilla Chips take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Chipotle Salsa Verde with Fresh Tortilla Chips?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chipotle Salsa Verde with Fresh Tortilla Chips?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chipotle Salsa Verde with Fresh Tortilla Chips for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Chipotle Salsa Verde with Fresh Tortilla Chips?

Mexican snacks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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