Roasted Tomato and Jalapeño Salsa Verde

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

A vibrant salsa verde with roasted tomatoes and spicy jalapeños, perfect for dipping or topping Mexican dishes. This mexican-inspired quick meals ready in about 30 minutes blends medium roma tomatoes, stemmed jalapeño peppers, small, quartered white onion 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 50 calories and feeds 6, 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 50 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Place 4 roma tomatoes, 2 stemmed jalapeño peppers, 1 small quartered white onion, and 2 peeled garlic cloves on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil and roast for 20 minutes until vegetables are soft and slightly charred.
  2. Step 2: Transfer roasted vegetables to a blender or food processor. Add 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1/2 tsp salt.
  3. Step 3: Blend until smooth but still slightly textured, about 30 seconds, scraping down the sides as needed. Taste and adjust salt or lime juice to preference.
  4. Step 4: Transfer salsa verde to a bowl and chill for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos and grilled meats.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Roasted Tomato and Jalapeño Salsa Verde take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Roasted Tomato and Jalapeño Salsa Verde?

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 Roasted Tomato and Jalapeño Salsa Verde?

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 Roasted Tomato and Jalapeño Salsa Verde for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Roasted Tomato and Jalapeño Salsa Verde?

Mexican quick meals 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.