This Abuelo’s Copycat Fresh Tomatillo Salsa Recipe is tangy, slightly sweet, and bursting with fresh flavors. Perfect for dipping chips, topping tacos, or adding a zesty kick to any meal, it’s an easy homemade version of the restaurant favorite.

Craving the vibrant, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors of Abuelo’s Fresh Tomatillo Salsa?
Now you can recreate this restaurant favorite at home with our easy-to-follow copycat recipe!
Perfect for dipping warm tortilla chips, topping grilled meats, or adding a zesty kick to your favorite dishes.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Fresh and Tangy Flavor – Bursting with the bright taste of roasted tomatillos and zesty lime.
- Sweet and Spicy Balance – Pineapple and jalapeño create the perfect harmony of sweetness and heat.
- Versatile Use – Ideal for dipping chips, topping tacos, or adding flavor to grilled meats.
- Easy to Make at Home – Quick roasting and blending make this restaurant favorite simple to recreate.
- Healthy and Natural Ingredients – Made with fresh produce, no artificial flavors, and easily customizable for your taste.
Abuelo’s Tomatillo Salsa Ingredients

- Tomatillos – Bright green tomatillos, husked, rinsed, ready for roasting.
- Jalapeños – Mild to medium jalapeños, seeds removed, chopped for salsa.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic clove, peeled, adds bold savory flavor.
- Sweet onion– Sweet onion, diced finely to add natural sweetness.
- Pineapple (optional) – Juicy ripe pineapple chunks, cored, adds natural sweetness.
- Fresh lime juice – Freshly squeezed lime juice, tangy and bright flavor.
- Honey – Natural honey, adds sweetness and balances tartness.
- Salt – Salt, to taste, enhances and balances all flavors.
- Fresh cilantro – Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped, for vibrant herbal notes.
How To Make Abuelo’s Copycat Fresh Tomatillo Salsa

Step One: Set your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Step Two: Place husked tomatillos, onions, and garlic clove in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until the tomatillos are slightly charred and softened.

Step Three: In a food processor or blender, combine the roasted tomatillos, garlic, jalapeños, diced onion, pineapple chunks, lime juice, honey, and salt. Blend until smooth or slightly chunky, according to preference. Stir in fresh cilantro and pulse a few times to incorporate.
Step Four: Transfer the salsa to a bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos, grilled chicken, or fish.

Abuelo’s Fresh Tomatillo Salsa Recipe Tips
- Adjust the Heat – Use fewer jalapeños or remove seeds for a milder salsa, or keep seeds for extra spice.
- Roasting Matters – Lightly char the tomatillos and garlic in the air fryer or oven to enhance the salsa’s depth of flavor.
- Balance Sweetness – Pineapple adds natural sweetness; adjust honey or pineapple amount to suit your taste.
- Fresh Cilantro – Add cilantro at the end to maintain its bright, fresh flavor.
- Consistency Options – Blend smooth for a classic salsa or leave slightly chunky for texture.
- Make Ahead – Prepare a day in advance to let the flavors meld; store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Serving Ideas – Serve with tortilla chips, tacos, grilled meats, scrambled eggs, or roasted vegetables for added zest.
Storing Instructions
Store Abuelo’s Fresh Tomatillo Salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep it chilled to maintain freshness and vibrant flavor.

Abuelo’s Copycat Fresh Tomatillo Salsa Recipe Faqs
Can I use canned tomatillos instead of fresh ones? Yes, canned tomatillos can be used, but fresh tomatillos provide the best flavor. Be sure to drain and rinse them before using.
How can I make the salsa spicier? Keep the jalapeño seeds or add an extra jalapeño to increase the heat.
Can I make this salsa ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the salsa up to a day in advance and refrigerate to let the flavors meld.
How long does the salsa last in the fridge? Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze this salsa? Yes, it can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
What dishes pair well with this salsa? It’s perfect with tortilla chips, tacos, grilled meats, scrambled eggs, or roasted vegetables.

More Copycat Recipes
- Longhorn French Onion Soup Recipe
- Longhorn Spicy Chicken Bites Recipe
- Air Fryer Longhorn Parmesan Chicken
- Longhorn Steakhouse Redrock Grilled Shrimp Recipe
- Waldorf-Astoria Eggs Benedict Recipe
- Waldorf-Astoria Waldorf Salad
- Waldorf-Astoria Red Velvet Cake
- Waldorf-Astoria Spicy Asian Chicken Salad
- Waldorf-Astoria Scallops
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Abuelo’s Copycat Fresh Tomatillo Salsa
Description
Ingredients
- 8 tomatillos, husked and rinsed
- 1 jalapeños, seeds removed for less heat
- 1 clove garlic, peeled
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced
- 4 ounces pineapple, cored and cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 cup cilantro
Instructions
- Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Place husked 8 tomatillos1 jalapeños, 1 medium sweet onion, and 1 clove garlic in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until the tomatillos are slightly charred and softened.
- In a food processor or blender, combine the roasted tomatillos, garlic, jalapeños, diced onion, 4 ounces pineapple, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1 teaspoon salt. Blend until smooth or slightly chunky, according to preference.
- Stir in fresh 1 cup cilantro and pulse a few times to incorporate.
- Transfer the salsa to a bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos, grilled chicken, or fish.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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